First of all, apologies for asking a drop-ceiling question in here. I don’t usually equate them with ‘fine homebuilding’. ;O)
We’re finishing our basement. We were originally going to leave the joists exposed because a) it *is* a basement and b) we were trying to go for a quasi-loft feel.
Alas, it just looks rather silly with the can lights just tacked up there plus we figured a ceiling will help brighten up the place. That and it might make it a bit easier to sell if it looks a bit more ‘finished’.
So…I was thinking of doing a drop ceiling that will float from the walls about 2′. This will allow for air flow between rooms still (only heat is a gas insert and in the summer we need airflow for the dehumidifier) and maybe allow for some ‘home theater uplighting’ (OK, that’s more of a crazy idea, but we’ll see…)
I can get plain Jane acoustic tiles for $.75 a square foot, or the USG ClimaPlus ones for $1.50 a square foot.
When/where would one want/need the ClimaPlus ones? Is a basement a candidate for that? Given that my ceiling won’t be sealed against the wall and that we’re going to be running a dehumidifier all summer, I’m wondering if I’d really gain anything from the extra cost.
Replies
Greetings darrel,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
Click here for access to the Woodshed Tavern
Click here to visit the beginning of Breaktime
Aside from looks, the other thing to concern yourself with when installing a drop ceiling in a basement is moisture. The cheapest tile will soon sag from moisture, so you may want an upgrade, especially if using 2x4 tile instead of 2x2.
But I don't know that Climaplus will perform any better with regard to moisture sag than standard tile. Installing 2x2 tile (vs 2x4) will significantly reduce sag, though.
Yea, that was the main question...is there really a sag issue with 2x2 tiles?Given that a) the basement will have a dehumidifier and b) we have airflow top and bottom, I wasn't sure if there'd be a payoff if I bought the stuff that cost twice the amount.The big box employee last night said that he felt the only benefit is looks and that I shouldn't see a sag issue with either product at the 2x2 size.
I have seen saggy 2x2, but it's not nearly as common as saggy 2x4. I guess I'd say use the cheap 2x2 stuff and if it sags just replace it.
What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell