A dropped ceiling is often a secondary ceiling, hung below the main (structural) ceiling. It may also be referred to as a drop ceiling, T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, or suspended ceiling, and is a staple of modern construction and architecture. The area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space, as it is sometimes used for HVAC air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to conceal piping, wiring, and/or duct work.
Advantage of ceilings
A ceiling helps cool the room. When the height of the room is too much, providing a ceiling helps to reduce the height. "Reducing the height also helps in reducing the capacity of the air-conditioner ,covering the upper area also has the multiple advantages such concealing the wiring, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning ducts, security cameras, and other fixtures. The ceiling also acts as an attractive base for all kinds of decorative electric lights and fans. These apart, a ceiling helps eliminate echo in the room. In bathroom, ceilings can be provided to hide the pipes or any other fittings above.
Types of false ceilings (based on material)
1) Thermocol ceilings
2) Gypsum ceilings
3) Armstrong ceiling
4) PVC ceiling
5) wooden ceilings etc
In the olden days, wooden ceilings were vastly used and the preferred choice. Today, you can choose from a wide range of ceiling materials including asbestos sheets, bamboo sheets, jute, coir-ply, Plaster-of-Paris, plastics, particle boards, decorative aluminum panels, aluminum and plastic composite materials. Both Aluminum T-sections and galvanized iron are usually used for the structure.
There are basically two types of ceilings - Grid and Plain. Grid ceilings are those in which channels to which the ceiling materials are fixed can be seen. These are available in the size of 2' x 2' and 2' x 4'. In the plain ceilings, the grid work remains hidden.
Grid ceiling
While choosing ceiling material, understanding its properties is of primary importance to determine whether it will meet your requirements.
The cheapest ceiling material available in the market is thermocol. It costs around Rs.20 to Rs.26 per sq.ft. along with aluminum channels. Though thermocol with aluminum structures are very economical, it lacks durability.
Imported ceiling materials like Armstrong are also available in the market. Though costlier, they give a better finish and come in attractive designs. Most materials including wooden particleboard, thermocol, wooden boards, plastic, fibre and coir are combustible
Aerolite false ceiling materials, made of calcium silicate are hundred percent humidity resistant and noncombustible, Available in the size of 2' x 2' and a thickness of 15 mm, Aerolite false ceiling materials costs Rs.65 to Rs.85 per sq.ft. Different designs exist in Aerolite.
Gypsum boards are lightweight, thermally insulated, sound insulated and fire resistant. Gypsum ceilings along with GI channels and with the ceiling materials of 2' x 2' size. "MR Gypboards for instance are more water resistant," says Abdulla Mali, regional manager, India Gypsum Limited. Paints, laminates, wallpapers, ceramic tiles and texture finishes can be applied on the Gypboard, to give it an extra finish. Screwing the gypsum boards to the GI channels prevents it from sagging.
Gypsum ceiling
In Plaster-of-Paris and gypsum boards, the sides and corners can be decorated with attractive designs. In Plaster-of-Paris, ornamental designs can also be molded. The material is smooth and aids lighting. The down side is that comparatively they lack durability and discolor with time.
POP false ceiling
PVC Ceilings are made from a robust plastic material called PVC. They are attractive, last for years and require almost no maintenance. PVC Ceiling Panels offer the home or business owner a cost efficient alternative to regular rhinolite ceilings. PVC Ceiling panels offer excellent insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool during the summer. The PVC Ceiling Panels are available in a huge variety of colours and designs offering a classy ceiling for a fraction of the cost of normal ceilings
PVC ceiling