Suspended Ceiling

What Are Suspended Ceilings?

Suspended ceilings are secondary ceilings, also known as drop ceilings. These are ceilings or wall coverings suspended from the structural floor slab above to create a void that adds an aesthetic element to the room. The space between the undersides of the suspended ceiling tiles also covers any unsightly wiring or pipes on the ceiling. The gap between the actual ceiling and grid ceiling is often between 3 to 8 inches which is what its name false ceiling or drop ceiling suggests.

Benefits Of Using Suspended Ceiling

Besides skirting, moulding, and jambs, suspended ceilings are popular in commercial and residential buildings. However, recently offices have been making greater use of suspended ceilings to give an elegant and professional look to a room. 

• One of the most prominent reasons why the suspended ceiling is preferred in offices is its soundproofing ability. Acoustic tiles can act as a sound barrier between floors. Moreover, with sound-absorbing tiles, it's possible to improve the general acoustics of a room.
• Suspended ceilings can be great for insulation in the room as the reduced height of the room will trap the warm air in the lower part of the room and prevent it from escaping. Hence, this can help make a space more energy-efficient.
• A wide variety of designs can be added to the ceiling using different styles of suspended ceiling panels. Like wall fabrics, it can also make spaces more royally intriguing, improving the mood of the visitors and residents.
• A fire-rated ceiling in a space can help in preventing the spread of fire. This will retain the structural integrity of a building when it catches fire. 
• Installing reflective suspended ceiling tiles can dramatically improve the lighting of the room. The quality of light in a room is an essential factor in maintaining the look and feel. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, in turn reducing the productivity and comfort of an individual. High light reflectance ceiling tiles can reflect 90% of the light into space.

Types 

There are various types of suspended ceilings available in the market. Before opting for either one of them, it is essential to be aware of the options. While making a choice, it is vital to use suspended ceiling panels that complement the wallpapers of the rooms.

Read ahead to know about a few types of suspended ceilings. 

Exposed Grid

The most common type of suspended ceiling is exposed grid. These ceilings have "mains" that are long metal strips interconnected with "tees," shorter metal pieces. 

The mains and tees together form a 2′ by 2′ or 2′ by 4′ grid system of squares, later filled with acoustic tiles.

Concealed Grid

Acoustic tiles are used in concealed grid ceilings to hide the suspended ceiling grid system creating a neat and smooth look. This look is very aesthetically pleasing, which is why many use it in their high-end homes.

A concealed system uses suspended ceiling tiles with a tiny groove built into the perimeter. This groove slides over the tees and mains to cover them.

However, the overall cost of installing this system in a home is higher than an exposed system.  Moreover, once the content is placed above the ceiling while installing, it would be challenging for the maintenance personnel to reaccess them.

Suspended Drywall Ceilings

Instead of metal grids, suspended drywall ceilings use hangers and wires. So, this ceiling is a relatively cheaper alternative to suspended ceilings with a frame. 

However, the lower cost doesn't affect its aesthetic beauty. Suspended drywall ceilings are equally able to give an elegant look to a room with its different designs.

Aluminum Suspended Ceilings

Aluminium being a durable material for suspended ceilings, requires significantly less maintenance. However, it can improve the look and feel of a place too. Aluminium suspended ceilings also work well in small bathrooms or conference rooms; space isn't an issue. 

Moreover, it has eco-friendly properties and hence has no adverse effect on human health, making it ideal for children's rooms. There are many more types of suspended ceilings that give a chic look to a house, like a vinyl suspended ceiling and a 3D suspended ceiling in interior fashion.  

Installation

The installation of a drop ceiling is easy but can be a bit tricky. Wall panels & cladding can be used to create suspended ceilings as well. 

To start with the installation, it is essential to know the design of the grid ceilings and the room's dimensions to ensure that you get enough tiles and other materials. Also, remember to mark the drop of the wall covering or ceiling. These steps prevent any improper installation. 

Then, your technician can fix supporting series of interlocking metal sections, brackets, and beam to the floor slab's underside. Then the suspended ceiling tiles will be hung by them.