About Drop Ceilings
Drop ceilings are also known as dropped ceilings, false ceilings or suspended ceilings. They were originally created to hide the floor and fixtures above a room and to provide acoustic control. Drop ceilings are installed at a height lower than the actual ceiling in a room. They are popular for their ease of installation, modification and versatility.
Function
Drop ceilings are used as secondary ceilings to conceal ductwork, wiring and piping of buildings. These types of ceilings are typically seen in large buildings such as department stores, hospitals, schools and office buildings. Drop ceilings also function as a sound barrier when properly insulated. They deaden sounds so that adjacent rooms are kept quieter.
Types
The older type of drop ceilings are known as the "concealed grid" system. These ceilings interlocked the panels of the grid, making it more difficult to remove single panels to gain access above the ceiling. Modern drop ceilings are known as the "drop panel" system and are used almost exclusively where drop ceilings are needed. The drop panel system allows individual panels to be removed when repairs are needed.
Features
Drop ceilings consist of a grid of metal channels which are suspended on wires from the structure over head. These channels are snapped together in a regular panel and filled with acoustic ceiling tiles. The tiles in drop ceilings can be made of an array of materials from wood to metal or plastic. Fluorescent lights, sprinklers and air conditioning vents are also installed into the grids as needed. Insulation known as "Sound Batts" are installed in drop ceilings to control and block sound.
Benefits
The main benefit of drop ceilings is the ease of access to fixtures above the ceiling. This makes repairs, maintenance and alterations easier. They are extremely popular in commercial and industrial buildings where there is a need to cover fixtures in the ceiling. Another benefit is the ability to hide structural damage or other building flaws.
Warning
Drop ceilings can be misused and are often a means of hiding faulty wiring, pest infestation and building damage. Beware of landlords who try to hide problems with drop ceilings. They easily discolor and do not age well. Drop ceilings are easily damaged and aren't usually aesthetically pleasing. This makes them less desirable for residential applications. Loss of height is another disadvantage of drop ceilings. Four to eight inches is usually needed between the bottom of the actual ceiling and the top of the drop ceiling. Before installing drop ceilings, make sure you have enough space for them.
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