Insulated Suspended Ceiling Tile Overview
Insulated tiles are traditionally made from a composition of either stone wool or glass wool. Their soft texture offers excellent sound absorption, with even basic ranges achieving Class A sound absorption status.
Stone Wool
The most popular stone wool ceiling tile producer is Rockfon who are a subsidiary of Rockwool International, world leaders in the production of stone wool. Stone wool offers all round performance and is a popular insulation material as it offers sound absorption, provides protection from fire and retains warmth.
- Sound Insulation – Stone wool is renowned for its excellent acoustic properties. It has a dense, non-directional fibre structure, meaning it effectively traps sound waves and dampens vibration to provide an enhanced noise reducing solution.
- Fire Protection – Created using the same process that occurs at the heart of a volcano, stone wool tolerates temperatures of up to 1000°C and does not burn. In the event of a fire, stone wool products are designed to remain stable and slow the spread of flames. The products are fire-safe and help to protect the building’s load-bearing structure, buying valuable time for occupants to safely escape. Installing stone wool ceiling tiles can help you meet safety regulations in both new builds and renovations projects.
- Thermal Insulation – Its excellent insulating properties derive from tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structure of the stone wool. As well as reducing the heat needed to keep buildings warm in winter, stone wool also maintains a cool interior temperature in summer. It’s energy-efficient as well as being environmentally friendly.
- Humidity Resistance – Stone wool ceiling tiles offer fantastic humidity resistance, with some brands such as Rockfon boasting 100% resistance to humidity. This means they will not sag even in extremely humid environments such as swimming pools or changing rooms. Stone wool is breathable and allows moisture to pass through the ceiling, making it a fantastic solution for rooms that are prone to damp.
Glass Wool
Glass wool is made from a mix of natural and recycled glass. The most popular manufacturer of glass wool is Ecophon, part of the Saint Gobain group, characterised by a distinct yellow backing. Glass wool offers very similar benefits to stone wool, being a fantastic thermal insulator and offering effective fire protection.
If you would like any further information about our range of tiles or suspended ceiling systems, feel free to get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help.
The Benefits of Insulated Ceiling Tiles
Insulated ceiling tiles offer many advantages, making them a great choice for both new constructions and refurbishment projects. At Workplace Interior Shop, we understand the importance of quality and efficiency in building materials. Below, we look into the benefits of incorporating insulated ceiling tiles into your workspace or educational environment, highlighting how they contribute to a safer, more comfortable and energy-efficient atmosphere.
- Enhanced Acoustic Performance
One of the standout benefits of insulated ceiling tiles is their superior sound absorption capabilities. These tiles are designed to significantly reduce noise levels, making them ideal for busy offices, classrooms and public spaces where controlling ambient noise is crucial for concentration and comfort. Our range of stone wool and glass wool ceiling tiles, including popular options from Rockfon and Ecophon, boast Class A sound absorption, ensuring that your space remains acoustically serene.
- Fire Safety
Safety is of the upmost importance in any building, and insulated ceiling tiles contribute significantly to fire protection. Composed of materials that are inherently fire-resistant, such as stone wool, these tiles can withstand high temperatures and slow the spread of flames. This feature provides crucial extra minutes for evacuation, offering peace of mind that your building is better equipped to protect its occupants in the event of a fire.
- Thermal Comfort
Insulated ceiling tiles maintain thermal comfort throughout the year. Their insulating properties help to keep spaces warm in the winter and cool in the summer, contributing to a more consistent indoor temperature. This not only enhances comfort for occupants but also reduces the energy required for heating and cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
- Humidity Resistance
In environments where humidity levels can fluctuate, such as swimming pools, bathrooms and kitchens, insulated ceiling tiles offer outstanding moisture resistance. This prevents the tiles from sagging or deteriorating over time, ensuring that they maintain their aesthetic and functional qualities even in challenging conditions. Our selection includes tiles with up to 100% humidity resistance, making them a durable choice for any setting.
- Eco-Friendly
Selecting materials that have a minimal environmental impact is more important than ever. Many of our insulated ceiling tiles are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. Choosing these tiles helps to reduce waste and support sustainable building practices.
How Do Insulated Ceiling Tiles Work?
Insulated ceiling tiles are engineered to provide a barrier that enhances a building’s thermal and acoustic performance. But how exactly do they accomplish this?
The secret lies in their material composition and structure, which work together to control heat flow, manage indoor temperatures and reduce noise transmission. Here’s a straightforward explanation of how insulated suspended ceiling tiles work, offering valuable insights into their functionality.
Thermal Insulation
The primary function of insulated drop ceiling tiles is to minimise the transfer of heat. Whether it’s keeping warmth inside during the colder months or preventing heat from entering during warmer periods, these tiles play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. This is achieved through the use of materials that have a low thermal conductivity, such as stone wool or glass wool. These materials contain millions of tiny air pockets within their structure, acting as barriers that slow down the movement of heat. As a result, less energy is required to heat or cool the space, leading to significant energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions.
Sound Absorption
In addition to thermal insulation, these tiles are designed to improve the acoustic environment of a space. This is particularly important in settings where noise reduction is critical, such as in offices, schools and healthcare facilities. The fibrous nature of materials like stone wool and glass wool allows them to absorb sound waves rather than reflecting them back into the room. By trapping and dissipating sound energy, these tiles help to significantly reduce background noise levels and prevent echo, creating a quieter and more focused environment.
Fire Resistance
Insulated ceiling tiles also contribute to a building’s fire safety measures. Materials such as stone wool are inherently non-combustible, meaning they can withstand high temperatures without catching fire. In the event of a fire, these tiles can help to prevent the spread of flames and protect the building’s structural integrity, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.
Moisture and Humidity Control
Another key benefit of insulated ceiling tiles is their ability to resist moisture and humidity. This is crucial in preventing the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause health issues and damage building materials. The breathable properties of the insulation materials allow moisture to pass through without being trapped, ensuring that the ceiling remains stable and intact even in humid conditions.
Our Customers Also Ask
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Can you insulate a suspended ceiling?
Yes, you can insulate a suspended ceiling, and doing so can significantly enhance your space's thermal efficiency, acoustics and fire safety. Suspended ceilings, often found in commercial and educational environments, offer an ideal structure for installing insulated ceiling tiles. These tiles are designed to fit seamlessly into the grid of a suspended ceiling, providing an easy and effective way to upgrade your space. At Workplace Interior Shop, we stock a wide range of insulated drop ceiling tiles made from stone wool and glass wool. These materials are specifically chosen for their excellent insulating properties, including superior sound absorption and fire resistance, making them suitable for a broad array of applications. By choosing to insulate your suspended ceiling, you'll not only improve the comfort and safety of your environment but also potentially reduce your energy costs over time.
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Can you insulate above a suspended ceiling?
Absolutely, insulating above a suspended ceiling is a feasible and effective way to enhance the thermal and acoustic properties of a space. This approach allows you to add insulation material on top of the ceiling tiles, within the void between the tiles and the original ceiling structure. This method is particularly useful in environments where maintaining a comfortable temperature and reducing noise levels are crucial. Utilising insulation above suspended ceilings can significantly improve energy efficiency, keeping heat from escaping during colder months and reducing heat entry during warmer periods. Additionally, it can help in soundproofing spaces, making it an ideal solution for offices, educational settings, and healthcare facilities where a quiet and focused atmosphere is essential.