Suspended Ceiling

The other day I was at one of my friend's place because I wanted to check out her swank new home theater system. With a Sony Bravia, 42 inch, LCD flat screen I was in for a treat. It did turn out to be one when I reached her place and she put on the music full blast. The sound quality was fantastic and it almost seemed like I am in a disco. Just as I was thinking about that, my friend (who is an architect), said all I need is a false ceiling with disco - LED lights and we are going to rock! Intrigued, I asked her to explain what it is. She readily told me so. If you too want to know what it is, you might just want to read on, right?

What is Suspended Ceiling?

A suspended or dropped ceiling is one which is hung below the main or the structural ceiling. It is also referred to as false ceiling. It is a very common phenomenon in modern architecture. The vacant area above the dropped ceiling is also referred to as the plenum space. It is commonly used as an area to conceal piping, ductwork or wiring. Typically, a dropped ceiling comprises a grid-work of metal channels resembling an upside-down "T". This 'T' is suspended on wires from the overhead structure. The channels formed thus snap together in a 2X2 or 2X4 foot grid in the USA. This concept of ceiling was developed for hiding the underside of the ceiling as well as to offer acoustic balance control in that particular room. Hooks are used for hanging things or trinkets from suspended ceilings.

Suspended Ceiling Systems

Those who are in interior designing or architecture need not be told what is a suspended or dropped ceiling or would need to know about installing these ceilings. For laymen, a brief explanation is warranted before we moved on and went in details. All the same, there are a couple of systems. Take a look.

Exposed Ceiling
In an exposed drop ceiling, the panels created through the channels of wiring and the 'T' of the ceiling are fixed into a grid. As the name mentions, the suspensions can be seen, are exposed. This type of a false ceiling gives a chance to experiment with the ceiling tiles to be fixed in the grid. It gets installed quickly and in addition to that, there is a void between the original ceiling and the false one. This makes it convenient and easier to maintain it and clean it.

Concealed Ceiling
As compared to the exposed ceilings these are from the earlier generation of ceilings and less common. It is also termed as concealed grid system in architectural jargon. In this system, there is a method where panels are interlocked into each other as well as the grid. As a result you cannot reach the area or the space above the ceiling without damaging the installation or panels. However, there is a key panel (usually in a corner) which can be removed, helping you slid the other panels, till you reach the coveted panel. These are installed in houses where access to the area above the ceiling is not deemed to be necessary. In houses built sometime earlier, you can find these ceilings. The most prominent disadvantage of this method is that if at all you have to remove and reattach the panels forming the grid, it is very difficult. Moreover, if you are able to do so, it cannot be without causing irreparable damage to the panels which are removed.

In addition to this, there is a type of suspended ceiling which has a free span. There are planks in this design, which need to be held together with the help of a perimeter trim. It is normally used for corridors and such ceilings impart a smooth, seamless look and structure. A demountable table design further will help you access the space between the original and the suspended ceiling as well. That is it. Till next time, it is adios from me!