Why ceiling materials should be lightweight│Introduction of various lightweight ceiling materials

When considering ceilings for buildings, there is a wide range of options available, and the optimal ceiling must be considered from various perspectives, including design, functionality, and safety. In recent years, the most important requirements for ceilings are earthquake resistance and safety, and for this reason, lightweight ceilings using lightweight ceiling materials have been attracting attention. This section introduces the reasons why lightweight ceilings are required and case studies of various companies.

Background of the demand for lightweight ceilings

In response to the string of damage caused by falling ceilings in the Great East Japan Earthquake, the government has designated suspended ceilings that meet certain conditions as “specified ceilings” and has decided that specified ceilings must meet newly established seismic resistance standards. Specified ceilings are “ceilings that could cause serious harm if they were to fall,” and all of the following are applicable

• Suspended ceilings （Direct ceilings do not fall under the specified ceilings)
• Ceiling height: over 6m -Area: over 200m2
• Mass: Over 2kg/m2
• Installed in places where people use on a daily basis

 

In order to avoid falling under this specific ceiling category and ensure earthquake resistance and safety, lightweight ceilings are attracting attention.

Development of lightweight ceiling materials and construction methods by various companies

Lightweight ceiling materials and construction methods with a variety of features have been developed by companies involved in ceiling construction. Here are some of them.

Kirii Corporation: Anshin-ceiling S

This lightweight ceiling construction method can be designed for area mass of 2 kg/m2 or less and has sound absorption and heat insulation properties.

 

Reference: https://www.kirii.co.jp/products/ceiling/

SANYO KOGYO: Lightweight ceiling base material SICS SUS

A stainless steel underlayment that provides excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments such as regional areas. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and can be installed efficiently.

 

Citation: https://www.sanyo-industries.co.jp/products/sics/

NOHARA: CARLTON

This ultra-lightweight ceiling material is as flexible as a feather.

 

Reference: https://www.nohara-inc.co.jp/product/tabid/155/Default.aspx

TEIJIN: Karuten

With a weight that is approximately one-tenth that of plasterboard, it is a future-oriented “super” lightweight ceiling material that is light, soft, and expansive in design.

 

Reference: https://www.kal-ten.jp/

Reforge: Reforge Sheet

Lightweight at 1/30 compared to plasterboard, this ceiling material is ideal for earthquake-resistant measures for ceilings, which are non-structural members. The material is made from a special high-quality resin sheet, making it easy to install and requiring only 1/3 of the construction time of conventional materials.

 

Cited from: https://www.refojoule.co.jp/makutenjo/taishin.html

 

商品名	重量
桐井製作所：安心S	2kg/㎡以下の天井設計に対応可能
SANYO KOGYO: Lightweight ceiling base material SICS SUS	Refer to catalog
NOHARA：CARLTON（カールトン）	約1.4kg/㎡
TEIJIN：かるてん	約0.7kg/㎡
リフォルージュ：リフォジュールシート	約0.2kg/m2

Various ceiling structures

これらの軽量天井材や工法を活用して、さまざまな構造の天井がつくられています。今ではあまり用いられない珍しい工法も含めて、以下の記事で紹介しています。

天井材や工法だけでなく、構造も知ることで選択の幅が広がります。

Membrane ceilings" are ideal for lightweight ceilings

Among various ceiling materials and construction methods, membrane ceilings are particularly lightweight and have high earthquake resistance and safety. Membrane ce ilings are not classified as specified ceilings, even in large spaces, and have a high level of safety.

It is lightweight, soft, and strong, and does not require hanging materials, allowing large-space design without being limited by room area or ceiling height.

Membrane ceilings not only minimize damage in the unlikely event of a ceiling fall, but can even catch objects falling from the building due to their flexibility, ensuring an extremely high level of safety compared to other lightweight ceiling materials.

For more information on membrane ceilings, please see this page.

What is a Membrane Ceiling? It is the ceiling of the future: safe, comfortable, design-rich, and environmentally friendly.