How to Install Ceiling for Prefabricated Slab Houses

The ceiling of a prefabricated slab house can be installed using either gypsum board ceilings or integrated ceilings, depending on the space and requirements, with attention to load-bearing capacity, design, installation, and material compatibility. Details are as follows:

Gypsum Board Ceiling

The prefabricated slab ceilings in old houses often have uneven surfaces. If putty is applied directly, it may peel off in the future due to an unstable base layer. A gypsum board ceiling can adjust the flatness through a keel framework, forming a stable base layer. Then, gypsum board is covered, followed by putty application and painting, effectively solving the problem of an uneven ceiling while providing high overall aesthetics. During construction, note the following:

• Use light steel keels or wooden keels to build the framework, ensuring a firm connection between the framework and the prefabricated slab ceiling (e.g., using expansion bolts for fixation) to avoid loosening later.
• If there are cracks in the prefabricated slab, repair them first and apply anti-crack treatment (e.g., attaching mesh fabric) before installing the gypsum board.
• Leave a 'V'-shaped groove at the joints of the gypsum board, fill it with joint compound, and then attach kraft paper or joint tape to prevent cracking.

Integrated Ceiling

Integrated ceilings can be installed in prefabricated slab houses, but attention should be paid to the following issues based on the characteristics of the space:

• Balcony Space:
  • Load-Bearing Assessment: The load-bearing capacity of old prefabricated slab balconies is limited. Confirm the design load (generally about 200-300 kg per square meter) to avoid exceeding the weight limit of integrated ceiling materials (such as aluminum panels and electrical modules) and accessories, which could otherwise cause structural damage or collapse of the balcony.
  • Ventilation and Feng Shui: Ensure air circulation during installation and avoid blocking windows or vents with the ceiling. If feng shui is a concern, adjust the positions of electrical appliances (such as bathroom heaters and exhaust fans) as needed.
  • Material Selection: Prioritize lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum panels that match the balcony's decor style while considering fire and moisture resistance.
• Indoor Spaces such as Bedrooms:
  • Structural Adaptation: Prefabricated slabs usually cannot be bent or processed. If the integrated ceiling requires complex shapes (such as arched or multi-level ceilings), design in advance and confirm whether the prefabricated slab can meet the keel installation requirements.
  • Installation Method: For bedrooms with hollow concrete prefabricated slabs, the ceiling keels should be fixed to the concrete framework rather than directly to the prefabricated slab surface, as a small load-bearing area can easily cause cracks. Installation requires scaffolding or large machinery, with a long cycle and high cost, so budget planning is necessary in advance.
  • Weight Control: The total weight of integrated ceiling materials (including keels, panels, and electrical appliances) should be strictly controlled within a safe range to avoid overloading and causing cracks in the prefabricated slab.
  • Coating Treatment: Apply anti-rust paint or fire-resistant coating to the surface of the prefabricated slab to increase durability. If choosing materials like PVC panels that require additional coating, ensure compatibility between the coating and the panel to avoid peeling.