A suspended ceiling–often known as a drop ceiling or false ceiling–is a ceiling hung from structural framing. There’s often a niche of three” – 8” between the structural ceiling and the suspended ceiling–which is the place the title comes from.
Why Have a Suspended Ceiling?
Suspended ceilings are very fashionable in basements and industrial buildings. They supply fast and quick access to the companies working below the ground above–equivalent to electrical, ducting, and plumbing.
There aren’t any lengthy and costly repairs required when eradicating and changing suspended ceiling panels. The sections raise out simply and drop again into place when the repairs are full. Exchange the panels that had been eliminated and the job is completed. Even just a few broken panels could be changed for a small price.
Suspended Ceiling Techniques
Many suspended ceiling panels have acoustic properties. They’ll soak up and dampen sound waves. The suspended ceiling additionally reduces the amount of the air inside a room. This makes for fewer echoes within the area.
Suspended ceiling programs additionally could also be designed with metallic or laborious PVC panels. They’re very ornamental and out there in a number of designs and colours. Though the room might be made smaller, these panels is not going to dampen the noise.
T-Bar and Panel Suspended Ceiling System
T-Bar suspended ceilings are the most typical programs. They’re user-friendly for DIY installations. The components are interchangeable and broadly out there. Panels are available in 2’ x 2’ and a couple of’ x 4’ sizes. Most producers supply mild panels and HVAC panels that match into the grid the place wanted with none modifications.
Hid Grid Suspended Ceiling System
The image above exhibits the kind of suspended ceiling system most individuals are conversant in. Hid grid suspended ceilings have a smoother completed look as a result of the panels cowl the grids.
The panels match collectively tightly edge to edge. They’re additionally simple to take away and exchange for entry to pipes, ducts, and electrical. Arktura manufactures some really superior suspended ceilings.
Stretch Suspended Ceiling System
Stretch suspended ceilings are made of 1 giant panel put in in a customized body. Frames could be made to suit tight to the partitions. Or grasp independently in a part of the room. The stretch materials is skinny plastic equivalent to PVC or vinyl that may be coloured as desired.
Stretch ceilings are additionally product of wooden and material. Frames are often customized made and materials is “stretched” contained in the body.
SnapClip Suspended Ceiling System
Canadian-made SnapClip ceilings solely cut back head area by 1 ⅛”. This characteristic eliminates one of many largest drawbacks of suspended ceilings. The system is technically a suspended ceiling however with out the wires utilized by different suspended ceilings. It is just out there in white.
SnapClip ceiling programs are simple and fast to put in as a DIY challenge. Connect clips on to present ground joists. Snap within the tracks and set up the panels.
This brief YouTube video describes the system and the way it’s put in.
Customized Suspended Ceiling System
Customizing a suspended ceiling is simpler than ever. Many producers concentrate on making out-of-the-ordinary merchandise. A few of them–like Arktura–supply off-the-shelf ceilings or they may work with architects and designers to create one thing particular for places of work or houses.
Suspended Ceiling Ending
Suspended ceilings present virtually limitless ending choices. Mixtures of colour, materials, and design make for attention-grabbing and generally spectacular drop ceilings.
- Shade. Ceiling panels can be found in virtually any colour possible. Most panels could be painted or powder coated to match or accent particular room colours.
- Materials. Fiberglass, gypsum, metallic, plastic, and mineral fiber are widespread supplies utilized in off-the-shelf suspended ceilings. Customized panels are sometimes product of plastic, hardwood, metallic, material, and glass for much more spectacular seems to be.
- Sizes. Normal panel sizes are 2’ x 2’ and a couple of’ x 4’. Each are round ¾” thick. Equipment equivalent to HVAC and lightweight panels are made the identical sizes.
- Acoustics. Most producers are conscious about acoustics. Particularly in giant open workplace purposes. Sound attenuating and dampening merchandise present nice work and/or leisure environments.
Most suspended ceiling programs have some hearth resistance properties. Portray or powder coating could change that. Be certain the hearth score nonetheless meets the necessities after portray.
Upkeep and Cleansing
Suspended ceiling panels–particularly acoustic panels–could be made of soppy absorbent materials full of small holes to soak up and diffuse sound. These could be tough to maintain clear and the situation of ceiling tiles doesn’t make it simpler. Verify cleansing directions of merchandise earlier than selecting and putting in a suspended ceiling.
Common upkeep equivalent to portray is often not needed for many suspended ceilings. Many suspended ceiling producers guarantee their merchandise for 30 years (some Armstrong and Certainteed merchandise).
Suspended ceilings have come a good distance from the fiberboard merchandise of years in the past. Not solely do they improve a room’s look, they will make your entire design. Many suspended ceilings grow to be a focus and ought to be thought of for any development challenge–residential or industrial.
