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Suspended Ceilings

Are you looking for a ceiling that is easy to access, looks great, and has excellent sound quality?  Maybe you need to cover a ceiling that no longer looks it best.  Whatever it is, suspended ceilings may be an option for you.  Read on to learn more.

What are Suspended Ceilings?

Suspended ceilings are hung from the ceiling joists with a metal grid.  This creates a cavity between the joists and the ceiling where pipes, wiring, and ductwork can be hidden.  The cavity can also hold light fixtures, sprinkler heads, and other various electrical devices.  The grid consists of a series of metal channels in the shape of an upside down T, suspended on wires from the overhead structure.  The suspended ceiling was originally developed in order to conceal the underside of the floor above and to offer acoustic balance and control in a room.  They can also be used to hide a ratty existing ceiling.  Tiles are generally 595mm by 595mm.  This allows them to fit within the standard exposed grid suspended ceiling framework.  However, they are also available in a 595mm by 1195mm format.

Insulation and Suspended Ceilings 

Insulated suspended ceilings can help to reduce the radiant temperature in the home by up to 90 percent.  The polystyrene insulation makes the area below much more comfortable.  If noise is a problem for you, there are special acoustical tiles and panels that help to control noise.  Of course, the insulation also helps to reduce noise.  Be aware that the thicker and denser the ceiling panels are, the better their ability to absorb sound.

Advantages of Suspended Ceilings

Any wiring or pipes that are installed behind a traditional ceiling can be very difficult to change once the ceiling is in place.  To make modifications, it is necessary to demolish the ceiling, or fish the wiring through hollow spaces in the walls.  Suspended ceilings, however, allow the tiles to be easily removed as necessary in order to access the area above the grid. This allows you to make any wiring or plumbing changes.  If fire safety is a factor in your area, ceiling tiles made from mineral fibres or fire-rated wood panels can be used.  The sound quality is also much better in rooms that have suspended ceilings installed.

Suspended Ceiling Options

Suspended ceiling tiles allow you to improve your interior décor with a special feature.  You can also create a ceiling that will not stain or sag, that can be wiped clean, and that is environmentally friendly.  Plasterboard suspended ceilings can be flush mounted for a seamless look or they can be made in curves or domes for a stylish appearance.  As well as plasterboard, the tiles can be made from wood, metal, or mineral fibres.  The ceiling tiles used in suspended ceilings are available in a range of colours – whether standard, metallic, architectural colours or white.  They can even be made according to a custom design.

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