The Benefits of Installing Suspended Ceilings

With the advent of smart LED lighting, modern air-conditioning systems, fire-alarm systems, and even modern security systems, the new-age office and even homes prefer to install suspended ceilings, better known as false ceilings or dropped ceilings.     

Suspended ceiling installation is finding application in almost all major buildings such as schools, colleges, hospitals, offices, retail shops, industrial setups, commercial kitchens and conservatories.

What is a Suspended Ceiling?

A suspended ceiling, installed below the main ceiling, is made of square panels connected by wires to a metal grid fitted in the structural ceiling element. The panels can be of different materials, sizes, textures, colours and finishes. These panels can be lowered to the preferred height to create a false ceiling containing lighting, wiring, piping, AC vents, ducts, and other utilities hidden inside the ceiling to provide a clean and aesthetically pleasing look. 

A suspended ceiling system is cost-effect and easier to maintain, especially in commercial spaces. These days, builders appoint suspended ceiling contractors who install false ceilings to hide the structural or mechanical components. This helps the facility management staff locate, repair and maintain the essential utilities in a building premise.

Lately, suspended ceiling home designs are getting more attention from the interior designers who are coming up with suspended ceiling ideas to get more residential projects.

Since domestic suspended ceilings are different in many ways from the commercial setups, their installation should be done by an installer having considerable experience.

What are the Key Benefits of Suspended Ceilings?

• Appealing Look: Suspended ceilings help improve the look of your premises and make them look cleaner and smarter. The roof showcases the lights, ducts, speakers, etc., without the wires, which add to its appeal.
• Better Lighting: The materials used in suspended ceilings have reflective qualities, which help improve the room compared to the normal ceiling. Good lighting is known to affect the mood of the occupants greatly.    
• Enhanced Soundproofing: One of the best benefits of suspended ceilings is that it absorbs sound to an extent, and so in a workplace environment, the employees can work in peace.
• More Safety: Suspended ceilings can offer protection in the event of a fire breaking out in a building. The tiles used in suspended ceilings are fire retardant and can withstand fire for up to an hour* (*Varies depending on manufacturer, always refer to specification sheet or consult your installer for fire rating information).
• Easy to Maintain: Suspended ceiling tiles are lightweight and can be easily installed and removed. If any tile gets damaged, it is cheaper and easier to replace a single tile without much expenditure.

How to Make a Suspended Ceiling?

Getting suspended ceilings done for your home or office is a professional job that a professional installer should finish. In the UK, there are some reputed companies that can help you build customised suspended ceilings using suspended tiles and ceiling panels of the leading brands. You can brief them about your specific requirements and choice and get the perfect solution. For example, if you want good sound absorption and attractive interior design on your premises, you can go for a suspended acoustic insulation.

How to Insulate a Suspended Ceiling?

Insulating a suspended ceiling is a professional job undertaken by expert installers. There is no need to bring the ceiling panels down to insulate in most cases.   

• Begin along one wall and leave the first panels’ row in place
• Lift and slip the second panels’ row to let them rest above the third row, leaving the second row open
• Insert and fit insulation batts on the first row of panels through the second row
• Once the first row is complete, slide the panels back to their place in the second row

Repeat the same process by sliding the third row to the fourth row while leaving the third row open to insulate the second row.

Use this process throughout to reach the other end of the ceiling, whereby you will have to remove the last row of panels and put them back after insulating the last two rows.

How to Fit a Suspended Ceiling?

Although it is not advisable to fit a suspended ceiling yourself as it requires construction skills and experience, on the contrary, replacing damaged and broken ceiling tiles is a simple task.

Still, if you are one of the do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, you can follow some simple steps for fitting a suspended ceiling:

Begin by Calculating the Height the Ceiling

• The minimum height should be 7 feet, 6 inches
• Ensure it is 3 inches below plumbing and 5 inches below lighting
• Snap a chalk line for marking after finalising the height
• Install track supports on walls through the room perimeter

Cut Main Tees to Length Using tin Snips or a Hacksaw

• Place them on track supports
• Hang them from the joists with #12 wire attached to eye screws, inserted every 4 feet

Insert tabs of 4-foot cross tees in the main tees slots and snap them into place

Gently lower solid panels and any fluorescent lighting panels you are installing.

• Cut border panels using a utility knife to fit
• Wash your hands well before handling the panels, as smudges cannot be removed easily

How to Build a Suspended Plasterboard Ceiling?

Plasterboard ceilings provide a smooth and nice look to your roof. It is ideal for those looking for sweeping curves or seamless slopes. When combined with special acoustic baffles and rafts, plasterboard ceilings can help combine the look of a plasterboard ceiling with more practical consideration to great effect.

How Much Does a Suspended Ceiling Cost?

The suspended ceiling cost depends on various factors, such as the ceiling material, size of the room, ceiling height, and desired features. Above all, add the suspended ceiling installation cost, which will depend on the complexity of the installation.

In the UK, as per rough estimates, the average cost of suspended ceilings is around £28.50 per square metre, while the installation cost ranges from £22 to £35 per square metre. The installation costs are higher in the southeast and London.

If you want more information on the installation or replacement of suspended ceilings, get in touch with Galaxy Insulation and Dry Lining - one of the UK’s leading companies, since 2009.