What is underneath there?

We bought this house built in 1978 and today I pulled at these faux beams because one of them was already sagging a bit. These "beams" feel like Styrofoam and underneath there seems to be a steel beam. At least I think so, since I haven’t removed the beam yet. Does anyone have an idea what might be hidden underneath? And if anyone has suggestions for what could be used instead of Styrofoam beams, just let me know. Good suggestions will be rewarded with Belgian beer. ;)

Hello Dirk, Thank you for your answer! Yes, there is actually a steel beam under that one thing. I have now read several times that a special fire protection cladding has to be installed there. Is that true? I can't imagine that this was done in 1978. At least in the living room it was clad with wood, for a really rustic feeling. Best regards, Jules

Hello,

I can well imagine that [Brandschutz] must be planned there, since steel beams lose their strength abruptly in the event of a fire. So either a [Brandschutzbeschichtung] (special paint) or clad with gypsum board panels.

Regards

One more thing. Please make sure for yourself that the material is free of asbestos before you tear that down. Year of construction, fire protection, etc. make me vigilant.

Yes, I looked at the coverings today and will do it that way. The thing with the asbestos is now weighing on my mind. I thought it was just ugly Styrofoam... Thank you for the hint!

Ok, I had an expert here who gave the all-clear. It's really just an ugly cladding. You can also order these things online if someone is looking for a rustic look. I will have a new U cladding made from these fire protection panels and that’s it. Thank you all, those were good tips.