What is a Hard Lid Ceiling? (What You Need To Know)

Hard lid ceilings have gained a lot of popularity over drop ceilings in the past few years. But what is a hard lid ceiling?

A hard lid ceiling, also known as a drywall ceiling, is a solidly placed ceiling. The ceiling is composed of drywall or decorative beadboard and is attached to the lower part of the roof structure permanently. This stands in comparison to a soft lid ceiling, which is adjustable.

In this article, we will elaborate on what hard lid ceilings are, what are their advantages as well as different types of drywall ceilings.

What is a Hard Lid Ceiling?

In most residences, a hard lid ceiling structure style is used. These ceilings feature a conventional drywall texture and are built of less expensive raw materials, necessitating simple assembly.

Hard lid ceilings are straightforward and level, typically eight to nine feet in height, and can accommodate standard building material size.

Despite being more easily available, a space might seem to confining if the ceilings are really short. Trying to raise the ceiling only a couple of feet may greatly enhance the area as well as boost the sale price of a property.

However, changing a hard lid ceiling is more expensive because it necessitates the use of resources which are not a common fit. You’ll have to consider the price, prospective sale price, and also how significant visual beauty is to you.

What is Drywall?

A drywall is a combination of plaster made with gypsum and stiff paper. It is utilised as an alternative to the classic plaster with lath process in the building of the inside ceilings and walls. Gypsum board, Plasterboard, Gyprock, Sheetrock and wallboard are all synonyms for drywall panelling.

Sheetrock is a manufacturing name of drywall, but due to its success, the phrase has become synonymous with drywall. Along with drywall, Sheetrock is employed in the building of internal walls and roofs as a substitute for gypsum and lath, however, Sheetrock is thermally stable for outdoor roofs.

Types of Drywall Used In Hard Lid Ceilings

There are various varieties of drywall used to manufacture hard lid ceilings. Standard boards’ width range from 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch. Heat-resistant drywall contains chemicals that improve this characteristic.

Greenboard is made of paper that has been treated with a petroleum-based chemical to offer hydro-resistance. Likewise, blueboard uses chemicals that render the material resistant to both moisture and mould.

The cement board has additional resistance to water damage. Paper is not used in mould-resistant drywall. Acoustic drywall employs dampening materials to reduce noise levels whereas soundboard employs wood fibres to improve noise transference.

Enviroboard is constructed from reclaimed crop resources. Drywall can also be lined with metals such as lead or backed with foil to be used as a vapour membrane around radioactive apparatus.

Types of Sheetrock used in Hard Lid Ceilings

Sheetrock for hard lid ceilings is also available in a variety of widths, namely 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, as well as 1/2-inch. There are as many as 3 categories of burn-resistant boards, one of which has a 3/4-inch Ultracode centre.

Sheetrock, like conventional drywall, is available along with a foil rear in addition to a mould and humidity-resistant alternative, such as the Fiberock panelling, which is the best solution for this need.

Sheetrock that resists sinking is low in mass. Because the external ceiling panel is weatherproof, it may be utilised outside. Lastly, Sheetrock provides superior panelling that is resilient to damage such as creases, erosion, and even punctures.

How are Drywall and Sheetrock manufactured for Hard Lid Ceilings?

Drywall is made out of a gypsum plaster foundation sandwiched within 2 heavy paper layers.

Fibre, an effervescence reagent, finely powdered gypsum flakes, and other chemicals comprise the base of the gypsum plaster. The moist gypsum centre is layered among thick paper or fibreglass sheets to form drywall.

This production method is identical to Sheetrock, except a couple of compounds that are exclusive to the product. Nevertheless, even this falls under the category of drywall.

How are Hard Lid Ceilings constructed?

The same fundamental procedure is utilised for using drywall for making a hard lid ceiling as with most other types of ceilings.

Building labourers trim the panelling to length by splitting the paper and physically shattering the centre. Adhesives, nails, drywall connectors or drywall bolts are used to secure the measured panels to wall framing or ceiling beams.

The leftover gaps are filled with epoxy and taped. In other circumstances, the drywall is subsequently coated beyond that with overlay plaster. The use of an overlay results in a flatter wall.

Advantages of Hard Lid Ceilings

  • Because hard lid ceiling installation is more efficient and quicker than plastering, it consumes fewer resources than other methods.
  • The installation of a hard lid ceiling is rather weighty, however, the use of hoisting equipment saves a significant amount of time. Likewise, with the assistance of machines/lifters, its panelling may be erected in minutes.
  • The ceiling’s endurance is inadequate; yet, its toughness is astounding. The drywall used in it also helps stabilise and maintain the walls.
  • A hard lid ceiling becomes fireproof because of the inclusion of Calcium Sulphate containing water of crystallisation in its Drywall.
  • A hard lid ceiling can be disassembled, sliced, adjusted, and altered as needed.
  • Embedded lighting may be put in hard-lid ceilings. Aside from lights, any other gear such as lamps, chandeliers as well as other similar products may be readily hung with it.

Disadvantages of Hard Lid Ceilings

  • A hard lid ceiling is not completely waterproof; it may absorb moisture and allow it to flow and soak inside it. As a result, it is prone to water seepage.
  • If the exterior of the hard lid ceiling is not sealed, it is vulnerable to damage.
  • The ceiling professionals should be dedicated since if the finishing is not executed correctly and the seams are not securely bonded, the hard lid ceiling would be susceptible.
  • Because its construction generates a lot of debris, the space must be prepped well before work begins.

People Also Ask

What is a hard lid ceiling?

A hard lid ceiling, also known as a drywall ceiling, is a solidly placed ceiling. The ceiling would be composed of drywall or decorative beadboard and permanently attached to the lower part of the roof structure.

What is a lay-in ceiling?

Lay-In panels are intended to be installed within 15/16′′ grid matrix systems. Some designs are offered in standard form, in which the imprinted portion of the motif is below the hanging matrix and the four sides are planar to fit perfectly into that same grid.

Why do basements have drop ceilings?

Dropped ceilings are commonly used in basements and workshops as they enable a convenient way to repair essential circuitry and piping. Apart from that, their appearance is also frequently the primary consideration. Both hard lid and drop ceilings may look excellent, so it is down to your opinion!

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What is a Hard Lid Ceiling? (What You Need To Know)
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