Australians love spending time outdoors and the alfresco area has become almost standard in most modern homes.
Plasterboard is increasingly being used for the ceiling of the alfresco area, and it is easy to understand why. A plasterboard ceiling and cornice visually connects the outdoor area with the rest of the house and enhances the alfresco space.
Ceiling fans, downlights and even speakers are often attached to external ceilings, and a plasterboard ceiling provides a stylish backdrop.
Plasterboard is also being used in the ceilings of carports, balconies, breezeways and other external areas. (Please note that plasterboard must not be installed in eaves or as exterior cladding.)
The external ceiling is however always exposed to the natural elements, and with higher exposure comes higher risk. The results of a failing external ceiling are not only unsightly, but can be very costly and even life-threatening.
In 2017 a Perth family woke up to a crashing noise when the ceiling in their al fresco area, their toddler’s favourite playing area, collapsed without any prior signs of damage.
To guarantee long-term enjoyment of the outdoor area, it is important to install the external plasterboard ceiling correctly from the start and to strictly adhere to manufacturer’s instructions.
Common problems
External ceilings are subject to harsher conditions than internal ones, and need additional protection from the weather. Common problems that can occur on external ceilings include:
Minimum conditions
Siniat recommends the following minimum conditions when using plasterboard in external ceilings:
Painting
The long-term success of any external ceiling also depends on using the recommended paint system. Improper paint products or techniques can impact negatively on the appearance and performance of the external ceiling and contribute to issues such as sagging ceilings, joint discolouration and mould growth.
Paint on external surfaces also needs to withstand more regular and vigorous cleaning than internal surfaces because of cobwebs, soot, dust, moth eggs, etc.
Siniat recommends rolling or brushing on a high quality sealer undercoat designed for exterior use. Use a premium exterior paint system that includes a mould inhibitor.
More information
For more information, please refer to Chapter 5 (Ceilings) of the Siniat Blueprint, or download the Plasterboard Installation Guide.