Suspended ceilings

Suspended ceilings

1. Functional requirements

   • Aesthetic function
     • Reduction in room height
     • Provision of a decorative plane
     • Concealment
   • Practical function
     • Concealment of services
     • Protection against fire
     • Thermal insulation
     • Illumination
     • Heating and ventilation
     • Sound control
   • Weight
     • Light as possible
     • Strong enough to support self and services
   • Accessibility
     • Consider services in void or incorporated into the system
     • Suitable access points
     • Access for future works
   • Thermal insulation
     • Increase thermal properties of the roof
     • Reduce heating space
   • Sound control
     • Contribute to resistance
     • Correct acoustics by absorbing or reflecting sound
   • Fire
     • Potential risk due to void in the suspension area

2. Definition

   • A ceiling hung at a distance from a floor or roof and not bearing on the walls

3. Selection

   • Jointless
     • Used when fire resistance or a durable tough surface is required
     • Methods
       • Wet
         • Expanded metal lathe hung from above then plaster is applied
       • Dry
         • Metal system supporting dryling
   • Frame and panel
     • Most common type
     • Accessed through removable tiles
   • Linear strips
     • Long lengths of material supported in one direction
   • Louvre and open strip
     • Open celled panels or tiles
     • Provides a visual cut off
     • Easy access for services