There are many different ceiling treatment options available with the Epicore MSR Composite Floor System. Unless the project is an urban loft concept with exposed ductwork, you will have some areas with furred-down ceilings to handle the HVAC, plumbing, sprinkler system, etc. Many Architects create tray ceilings, lightwells, or other Architectural features to enhance the units' appearance while utilizing the dropped ceiling areas for HVAC, sprinkler, etc. The remaining areas that are not dropped can be handled in several ways depending upon the project type, targeted market and the Architect or Owner's desired look. Some of those options are as follows (consult Infinity for more details on ceiling treatments).

1.       PAINTING THE EPICORE MSR DECK:

          The most economical ceiling finish can be to simply paint the underside of the EPICORE MSR deck. Since the EPICORE MSR has closed flutes, there will be a seam every 8" on center creating a linear planking effect (similar to a 1 x 8 wood plank ceiling). The EPICORE MSR deck should be thoroughly cleaned with a pre-paint cleaner to remove any oils. A metal prep primer spray (compatible with galvanized metal) is applied, followed by the finished coat of paint. The finish should be either a flat non-glossy paint or a "popcorn" texture.*

2.      EPICORE MSR WITH A "POPCORN" TEXTURE:

         The following shows 20 gage Epicore MSR deck that was primed and had a "popcorn" texture applied.*

3.      EXPOSED GALVANIZED DECK

         On urban loft projects, the architect may desire to simply leave the bottom of the EPICORE MSR deck as an exposed galvanized finish. Thoughtfully combined with exposed ductwork and sprinkler piping, the exposed EPICORE MSR deck can achieve a high-tech industrial loft look while also providing the cost savings of eliminating the drywall ceilings. (Infinity recommends using 20 gage EPICORE MSR in lieu of 22 gage when the deck remains exposed as the ceiling.)

4.       HAT CHANNELS AND DRYWALL:

          A common approach is to shoot metal hat channels to the bottom side of the EPICORE MSR deck after the concrete has been poured and then screw drywall to the hat channels (Note that the drywall is not required to achieve the U.L. rating). In an apartment or condo project with a lot of overhead electrical, it is a preferable to use 1.5" or 2" hat channels to run the electrical conduit underneath the EPICORE MSR and have enough plenum depth for the conduit and electrical boxes. Electrical conduit and boxes may be placed in the EPICORE MSR slabs; however using the 1.5" hat channels with the electrical below keeps the electrician out of the critical path, enabling a faster pour schedule. Combining this with the pre-punched holes in the Infinity Wall Panels simplifies the electricians' job and reduces expenses. The STC rating is slightly higher with drywall ceilings as well.

* If the finished ceiling is painted, Infinity recommends increasing the EPICORE MSR to 20 gage to reduce "oil canning," erection pings or damage, shoring marks, or other imperfections that may compromise the aesthetics of the finished ceiling, It is important for the architect or owner to consult Infinity regarding their expectations of the quality level of finish that can be achieved by directly finishing the bottom of EPICORE MSR compared to the potential cost savings. For the highest quality level ceiling finish, it is recommended that steel hat channels and drywall be used, (Please consult Infinity for further details.)