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Office Acoustics
FIS Site Guide: Suspended Ceilings
What is a Suspended Ceiling?
Suspended ceilings are also sometimes known as ‘dropped ceilings’ or ‘false ceilings’. The ceiling is created with a gridwork structure that is fixed to the roof of the building, individual ceiling tiles are then placed into the gridwork to create the ceiling. The individual ceiling tiles are usually manufactured from mineral fibre (materials used include recycled newsprint, clay, perlite, starch and fibreglass) or metal. Suspended ceilings are fairly easy to install.
What are the Benefits of Suspended Ceilings
Design/Aesthetics
With the huge variety of products available today there is a suspended ceiling to suit any design. From coloured ceiling tiles and gridwork to a metal ceiling for that industrial look, installing a suspended ceiling can create a modern, sleek finish or even become a bold design feature within the room.
Acoustics
The acoustic performance of a room can have a huge impact on those people working within it. It is important to get the acoustics right across all applications from hospitals to schools to offices. Noise pollution can have a detrimental effect on performance.
The ceiling is usually the largest unbroken surface area within a room and therefore it can have a huge impact on acoustic performance. A sound-absorbing suspended ceiling can help by absorbing any sound that would usually reverberate around the room, this helps keep excess noise levels down. A sound-insulating ceiling is another option that is ideal for meeting rooms where the noise needs to be contained to increase privacy.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing the ceiling height in any space using a suspended ceiling essentially creates a ‘trap’ for any warmer air that rises and stops this heat from being lost through the roof of the building. Certain suspended ceilings are better at insulating than others and extra insulation can also be incorporated into the ceiling. An energy-efficient suspended ceiling can save you money on energy bills.
Safety & Practicality
Installing a suspended ceiling covers up utilities such as electrics and plumbing, however, because the ceiling tiles can be removed, access to the void and these utilities is quick and easy. Some suspended ceilings are fire rated to help prevent the spread of fire.
Lighting
Harsh or insufficient lighting can lead to eye-strain, fatigue and headaches. A suspended ceiling can improve the lighting in a space by reflecting any natural light back into the room. Ceiling tiles have a light reflectance score published by the manufacturer as a percentage. Ceiling tiles with a high light reflectance can return up to 90% of the light back into a space, compared to around 75% for standard ceiling tiles.
What are the Main Types of Suspended Ceiling?
As mentioned, suspended or dropped ceiling tiles are usually made from mineral fibre or metal, these then sit in a galvanised steel frame. The composition of the ceiling tile dictates its performance in different areas.
Mineral Fibre
Mineral fibre tiles are the most popular and widely used type of suspended ceiling tile. Mineral fibre tiles are manufactured using a variety of recycled and natural materials including recycled newsprint, clay, perlite, starch and fibreglass, with different quantities of each being used depending on the characteristics and performance of the tile. Certain ceiling tile manufacturers are well known for using a particular type of material for their ceiling tiles, for example, Rockfon ceiling tiles are manufactured using stone wool. A mineral fibre tile that contains more fibreglass or mineral wool is known as ‘soft’ and allows a higher level of sound absorption but less sound attenuation/insulation than a ‘hard’ mineral fibre tile. This is because ‘hard’ mineral fibre tiles contain more clay, which is heavier/denser and therefore provides better insulation.
Metal
Metal suspended ceilings offer a sleek and modern look, they are strong and durable as well as being virtually maintenance-free. The only maintenance needed on a metal suspended ceiling is occasional dusting. Metal ceiling tiles are great value for money as they have such a long life span, having a meal suspended ceiling installed can increase the value of a property. Metal ceiling tiles including a perforation pattern have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Previously, metal ceiling tiles were predominantly made simply with a plain face. The perforations within the metal tile allow the product to have a far greater sound absorption rating.
Who are the Main Suspended Ceiling Manufacturers?
Often when upgrading or replacing a suspended ceiling it can be tempting t stick to what you know or use the same manufacturer that made the old ceiling. There are so many choices of manufacturer and tile out there that it is worth exploring all of the options, you may even find a tile that performs just as well for less money. Our staff can help you identify what ceiling you currently have and what the best replacement or upgrade would be. At Workplace Interior Shop we stock a huge range of ceiling tiles from key manufacturers such as Zentia-Armstrong, AMF, Sektor, Ecophon, Rockfon, British Gypsum and SAS.
Suspended Ceilings from Workplace Interior Shop
Whether you need a full suspended ceiling, replacement tiles or gridwork we have everything you could possibly need to get the job done. Our staff have extensive knowledge of all ceiling tiles, manufacturers and installation requirements. If you need help choosing the right suspended ceiling then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
