2. What is Suspended ceiling?
• A suspended ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main (structural) ceiling. They may
also be referred to as a drop ceiling, false ceiling, or dropped ceiling , and are 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 ductwork.
• A typical dropped ceiling consists of a grid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down
"T", suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snap together in a regularly
spaced pattern - typically a 2x2 foot square grid or 2x4 foot rectangular grid, or 600 x 600 mm
grid.
• Each cell is filled with lightweight "tiles" or "panels" which simply drop into the grid.
• Tiles can be selected with a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or mineral
fibres, and can come in almost any colour.
3. Components of Suspended Ceiling
There are five key parts of a suspended ceiling system -
• Main runners, the primary support members, are
arranged in parallel rows that run the length of the
room. Main runners come in a variety of finishes and
shapes.
• Cross runners are lighter-gauge supports that fit
between the main runners at right angles.
• Hangers are lengths of lightweight (usually 18-
gauge) wire. One end of each hanger hooks into holes in
the main runners, while the other end attaches to the
ceiling joists.
• Ceiling panels fit into the grid created by the
runners. The panels can be square or rectangular and
come in a variety of sizes and patterns.
• Wall moulding is a metal channel attached to the
walls. The moulding supports ceiling panels around the
perimeter of the room.
4. Types of Suspended Ceiling
EXPOSED GRID
Exposed grid varieties are the most common type of
suspended ceiling. They consist of long metal strips, called
"mains," which are interconnected with shorter metal pieces
known as "tees." Together, the mains and tees form a grid system
of 2' by 2' or 2' by 4' squares, which are then filled with acoustical
ceiling tiles. These exposed grid systems feature a standard
15/16" wide metal frame around each tile, though wider and
narrower versions are also available.
CONCEALED GRID
Concealed grid systems use the acoustical tiles to hide the grid
system from view. This creates a smooth, clean look that many
find to be aesthetically pleasing. The tile used in a concealed
system has a small groove built into it's perimeter, which slides
over the mains and tees to cover them. This type of system is
more expensive than an exposed system, and can make it difficult
for maintenance personnel to access areas above the ceiling.
5. Types of Suspended Ceiling
BANDRASTER
Bandraster systems are one of the most versatile types of
suspended ceilings. They are comprised of metal tees and mains
of varying lengths, which can be used to form a variety of patterns.
These systems are often used by building owners who want to
create a certain look with their ceiling, as they can be arranged in
many different ways. Bandraster ceilings require the use of
specially-sized tile to fit within the unique grid patterns.
SUSPENDED DRYWALL CEILINGS
Some suspended ceiling systems do not require the use of
metal grid, and instead use wires and hangers to suspend
sheets of drywall below the ceiling. These systems are an
easier alternative to the extensive framing and hat channel
that are typically required to create drywall arches or ceiling
structures. Flat sheets of suspended drywall or panels may
also be hung below ceiling level to provide acoustical or
aesthetic benefits .
6. Uses of Suspended Ceiling
1. They are used to cover up air ducts and maintenance areas of
• Light fixtures
• HVAC air grilles
• Speakers
• Fire sprinkler
2. The suspended ceiling was originally developed to conceal the underside of the floor above and to
offer acoustic balance and control in a room.
Dropped ceiling, after installation. Light fixtures, a
speaker grill, smoke detectors, and an air grill are
all visible.
Interlocked panels can be "slid" across and out of the grid
7. Advantages
• Very good for fire safety, you can get ceiling tiles that are made
from certain mineral fibres or fire proof fibres that will meet fire
codes around the world and possibly save you or others lives.
• Another advantage of a dropped ceiling is that the easily-
removed ceiling panels offer instant access to the plenum, greatly
simplifying repairs or alterations.The tiles and other parts of a drop
ceiling are easily removed to allow access to the area above the
grid to do any necessary wiring or plumbing modifications.
• Nearly all components the grid can be dismantled and
reassembled somewhere else.
• Gives thermal insulation.
• As a design element. Numerous colours and patterns thus
making the space look good.
• To soundproof rooms such as meeting rooms, auditoriums, etc,
which require a quit environment.
8. Disadvantages
• One disadvantage with this ceiling system is reduced headroom. Clearance is required
between the grid and any pipes or ductwork above to install the ceiling tiles and light fixtures. In
general, a minimum clearance of four to eight inches is often needed between the lowest obstruction
and the level of the ceiling grid.
• Dropped ceilings are frequently used by slumlord to hide structural and cosmetic damage,
loose wiring, insect/rodent infestation, avoiding the need to carry out any repairs or maintenance.
• They tend to show their age quickly (and are sometimes discoloured by excessive
smoking), are damaged easily and are somewhat lacking aesthetically.
• The space between the true ceiling and the suspended ceiling gets very dusty over a period
of time.
9. Materials
1. GYPSUM BOARD (GYPBOARD)
• Lightweight, flexible and fire and moisture
resistant, gypsum is most commonly used for false ceiling.
• Gypsum board panels are tough, versatile and
economical, and are fast replacing other ceiling materials
such as POP.
• Gypsum board can be used while constructing false
ceiling. as well as to renovate old ceilings.
• The material is fire-resistant, waterproof, as well as
soundproof, which is why it is the most preferred material
for false ceiling.
• A gypsum panel could have tapered or square
edges. Panels with tapered adage are used for ceiling since
the gap between each edge can be filled, to give a smooth
surface.
• Square-edges board can be used. Where visibility of
the joints is a requirement.
• A suspended Gypsum board ceiling can be
constructed by nailing Gypsum board panels to each other,
or by fixing the panels in a metal grid (usually steel).
Generally, gypsum panels of 600 mm×600mm are used.
10. Materials
GYPSUM CEILING ARE POPULAR BECAUSE:
• The ‘dry construction’ eliminates the use of extra
water while making the ceiling. This also keeps the building
clean.
• Gypsum board is quite flexible. It allows for various
shapes and design-such as plain, curved, stepped, coffered,
pelmet, drop design, etc.
• Gypsum board has high impact-resistance and is very
strong. It is possible to suspend a load of up to 15 kg from
the ceiling without any difficulty.
• A Gyp board ceiling suspended on a metal grid forms
a strong ceiling design.
• The ceiling can be easily decorated with wallpaper or
paint, 24 hours after it is constructed.
• Glass fibre-reinforced gyp board makes excellent
insulation material.
• Gypsum ceilings are non-resonant which makes then
good soundproofing.
• When exposed to fire, gypsum gives out water, which
is converted to steam and helps combat the fire. This is what
makes the ceiling fireproof.
16. Materials
2. METAL CEILING PANELS
• Metals ceilings are suitable for a large Range of
applications. The false ceiling is constructed with metal
panels. Which are coupled with insulating materials to
make them soundproof.
• They are ideal for concealing ducts and wiring,
since they can be easily installed and maintained.
• Aluminium or steel panels, 600mm×600mm in
size, are generally used.
• The panels can be laid on a visible steel grid with T-
sections or cross-sections that are suspended from the
ceiling by rods. This result is strong, long-lasting surface,
which is easy to access.
• The panels can also be clipped to each other or
clipping into a suspension system having springs. That
method prevents the panel edges from being seen.
• The third method is to stretch the metal sheets to
form various shapes, which can be suspended form the
ceiling. This treatment is ideal for obtaining a variety of
shapes in the metal, without changing its soundproofing
ability.
17. Materials
ADVANTAGES OF METAL CEILING:
• They reduce overall cost, since they are easy
to install and access.
• Hidden services can be easily accessed since
the panels are removable.
• They are ideal for workspaces which require
clean environments and services that require
maintenance such as the machinery rooms, the
AHU, etc.
• They have a monolithic look.
• They give the space a very modern look and
blend well with glass.
18. Materials
FIBREBOARED AND FIBRE/MINRAL REINFORCED TILES
• False ceiling can be made with fibre or mineral reinforced
tiles and fibreboard.
• Fibre reinforced tiles are strengthened with wood vegetable
fibre, wood waste, reed paper and agricultural wastes.
• Mineral tiles are Ceramics reinforced with natural stone,
wood, vegetable fibre, bitumen and tars. This process increases
the insulation capacity of the product.
FIBREMINERAL-REINFORCED MATERIALS ARE USED BECAUSE:
• They have high insulation against sound and fire.
• The fibre increases the hardness and the toughness of the
material.
• The material can be decorated with paint or other finishes
improving the aesthetics of the room.
• Water repellents and preservatives can be added to increase
the life of the product.
19. Materials
PLASTER OF PARIS
• Plaster of Paris (POP) is commonly used for
constructing false ceilings. Gypsum, which gives out
water when heated, makes POP.
• Post-heating, gypsum softens and is then
crushed to form a powder. POP hardens instantly
when water is added to it.
• It is applied to fibreboard or a wood base,
which is then suspended to form the false ceiling.
ADVANTAGES OF POP
• A smooth, uniform finish.
• The surface can be recorded or painted.
• POP false ceiling are easy to construct and
maintain.
• The ceilings are reality light.
20. Materials
PLYWOOD
• Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal.
• These ceilings are created with strips of ply glued or
nailed together.
• The strips are held together and strengthened with ply
supports at equal distances.
• Ply ceiling are generally used in place with cold
climates.
ADVANTAGE OF PLY CEILINGS
• They are strong and look appealing.
• They can be given various finishes, or painted to get
the right look.
• They can be treated to increase their lifespan.
However, ply ceiling are difficult to maintain, since the
are prone to termite attacks. The room has to be
thermally controlled to reduce the humidity in the air.
Also, the wood is prone to warping and other physical
changes, with time.
21. Safety issues
• The space above the dropped ceiling is often used as
a plenum air return for ventilation systems, requiring only
enclosed ducts that deliver fresh air into the room below.
Return air enters the ceiling space through open grilles
across the ceiling. In the event that the dropped ceiling is
used as a plenum, low-voltage cables and wiring not
installed inside conduit need to use a special low-smoke
and low-toxicity wire insulation which will tend to char
and stop burning on its own. This helps to protect building
occupants so that they are not poisoned with toxic
chemicals sucked through the ventilation system in the
event of a fire, and helps to prevent fires from spreading
inside the hidden plenum space. This special low-smoke
cable is typically referred to as plenum cable.
• Lighting fixtures and other devices installed in a
dropped ceiling are required to be firmly secured to the
dropped ceiling framework. Binding the fixtures to the
framework assures that if the framework must be pulled
down the fixture will come down with it and not become a
pendulous swinging hazard to the firemen.
22. How to install ?
1) PLAN THE JOB
Make a plan-view drawing to determine the number of
cross runners and ceiling panels you'll need, as well as the lineal
feet of the main runners. Panels are available of different sizes
e.g. 24x24-inch and 24x48-inch sizes. The latter works better if
you'll use fluorescent lighting; the panels fit the standard
fluorescent tube length. Smaller panels require more cross
runners, so the job is more time-consuming. Wall moulding and
main runners are sold in different lengths.
2) LOCATE THE BENCHMARKS
The key to success is making sure marking the ceiling
level across the entire room. Existing floor and ceiling surfaces
may not be level, so never use them as reference points for
measuring. Instead, establish benchmarks on the walls at every
corner using a water level to ensure that each benchmark is
precisely located.
Benchmarks can be placed at any height, but a 60-inch
height is most convenient. Future measurements will be taken
from these benchmarks.
23. How to install ?
3) DETERMINE THE CEILING HEIGHT
The standard ceiling height is 96 inches; 90 inches is the
minimum height for lighting in a suspended ceiling. Once the
ceiling height is determined, measure up from the benchmarks
to locate the top edge of the wall moulding. Snap a chalk line
between the new marks on the walls around the perimeter of
the room.
4) INSTALL THE WALL MOULDING
Using the chalk lines as a placement guide for the top
edge of the moulding, nail moulding to the walls using nails.
Make sure each nail penetrates a stud. When cutting the wall
moulding to length, remember to account for the thickness of
the adjacent wall angle. Butt lengths of wall moulding where
they meet mid-wall.
24. How to install ?
5) ESTABLISH THE CENTERLINES
Measure the length and width of the room and divide
these measurements in half to get the centre point of each wall.
Use layout strings, stretching them tightly, to connect opposing
midpoints. With a framing square, check the intersection of the
two strings to make sure they're square to each other. If not,
adjust one or the other until they are. It's easier to adjust layout
strings when they're attached to nails that can be wedged
behind wall moulding.
6) ADJUST THE LAYOUT
Plan the layout of ceiling panels to minimize the need
for small pieces around the border of the ceiling; this will
create a better-looking job. If the border tiles will be less
than half the width of a field tile, adjust the layout one way
or the other until the border panels on opposite sides of the
ceiling are the same size.
25. How to install ?
7) INSTALL THE GUIDELINES
Plan to install the first main runner approximately parallel
to the wall and at a distance from the wall equal to the width of
the border units. Measure from the centrelines rather than
from the wall, since the wall might not be square. Stretch a
layout string between the lower edges of the wall mouldings at
these points.
8) ATTACH THE HANGER WIRES
Start with the joists at either end of the ceiling. Install a
screw eye or a fastener supplied by the ceiling manufacturer
into every fourth joist directly above the layout string. Twist a
piece of hanger wire through each screw eye so that it hangs
about 6 inches below the layout line. Cut a main runner to
length and hang it from the wires so that it's just barely above
the layout string. Twist the wires to secure the runner in
position.
26. How to install ?
9) INSTALL THE CROSS RUNNERS
Slip the first cross runner between the main runner and
the wall moulding, locking it into the main runner's prepunched
slots. Install the next main runner by using cross runners to
gauge its spacing; maintain the proper spacing according to the
size of the ceiling panels being used. Continue to work across
the room until all the runners have been installed.
10) INSERT THE CEILING PANELS
Set each ceiling panel into place by turning it at an
angle and pushing it into the grid of runners. Use a utility
knife and a straightedge to cut the panels at the borders as
needed. When handling the panels, one should wear clean,
lightweight gloves so one don't smudge the finished
surfaces.