Breaking the glass celing

[bobby spray]

Literally! I live in a late Victorian villa where the roof of the building has a cupola lighting up the centre of the house. Sometime (probably in the 1950’s) a previous owner had a false ceiling installed, no doubt to save heat. I am looking to replace the Cupola with a modern double glazed unit. This means that the glass ceiling has to go as well. It’s large approx 4m x 8m and varies in height of 12’ – 20’(as you go down the stairs) There is cleaning access from above the ceiling. I was thinking of taping the glass, smashing it out then chain sawing the frame out. Anyone have experience of this type of project?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

How was it fitted? I would hazard that the best way to remove it would be a reversal of how it was fitted.

 

[JohnD]

I don't know about yours, but false ceilings with panels usually have the panels sitting in a sort of tray made from the cross-parts, and the panels can be pushed upwards and lifted out.

The supports will (should) usually be supported by multiple cables or sometimes threaded studding, but yours looks like it is built as a conservatory roof with beams off the walls.

 

[bobby spray]

Gents. More info..... The ceiling is constructed as a frame supported off the walls only. There is nosupport from above. The whole lot sits on a large picture rail which (i presume) is attached firmly to the internal walls. The whole frame is nailed/screwed together and the glass is puttied into place. reversing the installation is not really feasible I fear.


TIA

 

[foxhole]

I don't know about yours, but false ceilings with panels usually have the panels sitting in a sort of tray made from the cross-parts, and the panels can be pushed upwards and lifted out.

The supports will (should) usually be supported by multiple cables or sometimes threaded studding, but yours looks like it is built as a conservatory roof with beams off the walls.

He has removed suspended ceiling want to remove glass panels.
If you cover the panels in tape you can break out in virtually in one piece, the frame will cut easy with a hand saw [or reciprocal saw if you have weak wrists.]
Chain saw a bit over the top.
You could remove putty from above and lift out the glass but slower process.

 

[SimonH2]

Before smashing glass - might be worth asking a local reclamation yard if they ever get asked for old glass. No idea if it has any value, but might be worth asking.