4 Benefits of Installing a Suspended Ceiling

There are a number of benefits in installing a suspended ceiling grid. Easy installation with basic hand tools makes the suspended ceiling a viable option for the average homeowner. This article will discuss 4 reasons why suspended ceilings are chosen over more permanent types even for residential applications.

What is a Suspended Ceiling?

Like the name implies, a suspended ceiling consists of square panels supported by a lightweight metal grid system suspended from a higher ceiling element made of wood, metal or masonry. Tie wires which are anchored to the permanent ceiling maintain the lowered “false” ceiling at the desired height. The panels themselves are available in a variety of metal, wood, synthetic or composite materials. They can be purchased as flat unadorned surfaces, or in textured, engraved or finely detailed patterns. Panels are also available in a variety of sizes, but 2 by 2 foot and 2 by 4 foot are the most commonly used.

The grid consists of perforated T-shaped main “runners”, with cross T’s installed at the proper increments. The perforations are made to accept the 16 gauge wires which are hung from the ceiling. Once the grid system is installed, the panels are simply dropped onto the grid from above, held in place by the “lip” along the perimeter of each square provided by the metal “T’s”.

Why Install a Suspended Ceiling?

1. It is not often desirable to lower a ceiling height for any reason. The most obvious reason for a suspended ceiling is to hide exposed structural or mechanical components of the building system. This would include pipes, plumbing, ducts, conduits, cables, structural framing members, or just a bare masonry surface. The lower ceiling is the price you pay for the improved appearance of the room.
2. It might sometimes be necessary to gain access to electrical or mechanical equipment hidden above the suspended ceiling. This is easily accomplished by lifting the appropriate panels up and over to one side. When the work is finished the panels are dropped back into place. When the tiles themselves become corroded or discolored from moisture or mildew, they are simply lifted out of the grid and replaced with new ones.
3. The lower, exposed surface of the panel is surrounded by a flange which is hidden by and supported by the metal grid. Even with plain flat panels, the combined effect of the materials is to enhance the aesthetic quality of the new ceiling. Also, consider that the lighting fixtures designed specifically for ceiling grids will be recessed; allowing for more headroom, but imparting an institutional look to a residential environment.  
4. Lastly, an important consideration for selecting a suspended ceiling is the acoustical benefits. Often, the material used to manufacture ceiling tiles is inherently sound-resistant. But the selection of the ceiling panel based solely on its ability to block sound transmission will ensure improved sound quality. This is achieved by the material’s ability to absorb sound generated within the room as well as sound emanating from an adjacent space.