Teresa Kreutzer inquires about dealing with ceilings, complaining that
the exposed mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems (absent the
covering of a dropped or suspended ceiling) aren't attractive.

From a preservation standpoint I've encourage institutions to do without
suspended ceilings, painting the exposed equipment and ductwork flat
black. Most people, I don't believe, really notice. The benefits include
immediate availability of equipment which may be malfunctioning,
allowing better insect and rodent control, and getting rid of those
ceiling tiles that are great for holding water (from either roof or
condensate leaks) and breeding mold.

On the other hand, I also caution institutions who think that getting
rid of ceilings will be cheaper that the painting of equipment if often
as much, or more, than the ceiling itself. So, it really comes down, I
believe, to the preservation issues.

Best,

Michael Trinkley, Ph.D.
Director
Chicora Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 8664
Columbia, SC  29202
803/787-6910
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