[Pictures] What kind of construction is this ceiling?

[ToRy]

I would assume, like others, that there is already sparse panel/rough boards attached to the joists from underneath. If so, the insulation probably rests on the sparse panel/rough boards. When you tear down the panels, the insulation will remain, and you don't need to touch it. You also don't need to add any more sparse panels/boards; you will just replace the existing ceiling panels with new ones in the form of gypsum. Now, I have no idea about the thickness of the existing ones (it should be possible to measure), but gypsum can hardly be much thicker than the old ones, right?

 

[fahlis]

Perhaps slightly off-topic, but this is how the manufacturer believed Treetex ceiling panels should be installed:



from an advertisement from 1965

 

[snowjim]

My understanding is that the studs are arranged as follows:



The Treetex panels then span across several of these. You can see gaps in certain places along the studs where you can get a good view up. You can see the actual panel, which is maybe 1 cm, and then you can see solid board that seems to go quite far up.

This makes me perceive that there is no sparse paneling; if there were, I should have seen them running in the opposite direction compared to the studs, and they should also have been fully visible in these gaps.

You can see some of the gaps in the pictures, but unfortunately, there isn't enough light up so you can see how far up they go. I will try to take better photos of that.

If there are no sparse panels, that will also likely mean more work as you'll have to handle the insulation and perhaps even replace it. Not that it’s a big job, but it’s good to be prepared for it.

 

[snowjim]

Maybe a bit off-topic, but this is how the manufacturer believed Treetex ceiling panels should be installed:

[image]

from an advertisement from 1965

Fun article, however, the panels in my ceiling don't look like that, they are more like gypsum panels but in a different material. And unfortunately quite uneven.

 

[ToRy]

If you don't have any gles today, you might eventually get the insulation in your head when you take down the tiles. If that's the case, you could instead of placing gles under the joists, place the gles between the joists and stuff the insulation above the gles as you go. More work but at least you don't lower the ceiling. How to handle the electricity is a mystery though. Run VP pipes through the joists?

 

[snowjim]

Excellent! Thanks for all the help, it sounds like we have reached a conclusion. I will tear down the ceiling with a crowbar and if the insulation falls down, so be it. I will then put in raw wood planks (which will add a few centimeters in height) where I can push back the insulation (if it's not already in place). After that, it's just a matter of putting up drywall, plastering, sanding, and then painting.