Suspended ceilings are a great modern solution that offers a lot of freedom and gives a unique look to any project and space. With them, you can diversify your home and make it even more cozy and aesthetically pleasing.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE SUSPENDED CEILING
Suspended ceilings have primarily a decorative function, but they also perform a practical one, which consists in concealing cracks, irregularities, holes or damage. This is achieved using a system that includes a metal structure of profiles, which is suspended or hung from the ceiling and then filled with special panels (planes), which can be mineral fiber, mineral wool, gypsum, as well as a combination of metal and wood.
The suspended ceiling has an easy and quick way to install, move and clean. It belongs to the so-called dry construction systems, which are applicable in all seasons, the installation times are short, and construction waste is minimized. And if the direct costs of dry construction are comparable to those of conventional, the indirect ones are lower. Dry interior construction is an optimal solution in terms of the environment and health, individual and flexible layout, living comfort, coziness and efficiency. More and more architects are looking to the future and are oriented towards the so-called ecological products (such as gypsum), which, thanks to the latest innovations, along with classic construction techniques, offer completely new creative design possibilities.
An important feature of a suspended ceiling is that it absorbs and reduces noise. Noise reduction improves comfort and hence productivity when the structure is a solution in an office building. Manufacturers of suspended ceiling systems seek and use materials with high absorption and reduce audibility from room to room, according to precisely tailored criteria.
Suspended ceilings offer a variety of interesting lighting options. They play a key role in optimizing light reflection and saving energy. Light reflectance is a characteristic of a suspended ceiling that measures how much of a given light is reflected from a surface (in this case, the material used in the construction of the suspended ceiling).
The suspended ceiling makes it possible to hide pipes and installations such as electrical wiring, telephone, ventilation, air conditioning, smoke and fire extinguishing systems, while providing easy access to them.
ADVANTAGES OF SUSPENDED CEILINGS
Modern ceilings are often subjected to various tests such as humidity in buildings with uneven heating and cooling, areas with a high concentration of people, structures open to the outside environment, etc. To meet these requirements, manufacturers offer a wide range of products and materials for suspended ceilings that are moisture-resistant, i.e. can stand without being washed off and are suitable for installation in conditions of up to 95% relative humidity, with some products also withstanding extreme conditions of 100% relative humidity.
The suspended ceiling is a suitable choice in another respect – antibacterial and hygiene (cleanability/washability). Modern health and safety requirements require that the relevant regulations regarding the food and health industries be taken into account when choosing a ceiling. In areas such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and computer technology, there are also requirements for controlling the cleanliness of the environment and achieving 100% cleanliness. The panels of the suspended ceiling structure can be cleaned and washed with water and detergent, which, in addition to cleanliness, also ensures a longer life.
Suspended ceilings provide fire resistance in accordance with the requirements of Bulgarian standards, with some of the products also including additional protection, in accordance with current building codes and requirements. Fire resistance is a property of the ceiling to act as a horizontal barrier in conjunction with other partitions.
HOW TO CHOOSE AND WHERE TO INSTALLE A SUSPENDED CEILING?
Due to the qualities that suspended ceilings possess, they become applicable in all types of premises, including solutions for open spaces such as sheds, gas stations, train stations, etc. Durability, stability, elegant design, color variety, sizes, shapes, a wide range of acoustic characteristics, diverse and functional methods of suspension help architects and designers in choosing a solution for office buildings, hospitals, schools, commercial and entertainment facilities, laboratories, sanitary facilities, swimming pools, etc.
Choosing a suspended ceiling for a given space means taking into account several criteria – acoustics, fire resistance, hygiene, moisture resistance, installation and dismantling, design. The type of building and its purpose are taken into account, the technical requirements and parameters that need to be covered and last but not least – the aesthetic appearance. It is extremely important to determine the client’s needs for the room in advance – whether durability, hygiene (easy maintenance) and cleanliness are sought, acoustics, possibilities for easy dismantling, design preferences, light reflection. The choice depends not only on the client’s financial capabilities and design preferences, but also on factors such as moisture resistance, fire safety, thermal insulation, maintenance of the ceiling.
SUSPENDED CEILING - ACOUSTIC AND HEALTHY
The idea of an acoustic ceiling is very old. It originally arose from old houses, which were designed and built with higher ceilings. However, heating these rooms is more difficult. So gradually, designers began to look for suitable solutions by reducing the height of the rooms in order to supplement the thermal insulation and at the same time create a soundproofing environment, without disturbing the feeling of comfort in the rooms. They created modern suspended acoustic ceilings, which over time became a suitable choice for offices, schools, hospitals and entertainment centers.
The hygiene indicator is very important when the premises are located in hospitals, laboratories, food workshops, etc. Most modern materials meet hygiene requirements, having previously undergone various tests and thus become healthy ceilings. These tests prove the resistance of the materials to long washing cycles, resistance to dust and microbes, since the surfaces do not attract dust and do not allow the development of microorganisms, as well as water repellency, which demonstrates the resistance of the ceiling surface to moisture.
HOW TO INSTALL A SUSPENDED CEILING? SEE THE 8 STEPS
We will introduce you to a method of installing a suspended ceiling, which includes 8 steps.
Step 1: Attaching the supporting structure to the beams or plastered ceiling
Start by attaching a wooden structure directly to the ceiling or rafters. This structure will act as a support. Make sure to use appropriate dowels. Note that rafters can be of different thicknesses. Attach the wooden support beams at a distance of 40 cm from each other. The ceiling boards are then screwed to the wooden structure.
When installing a suspended structure directly to the ceiling, attach the support beams to it at equal distances of 40 cm. Screw them in using screws and dowels. Be sure to install all support beams at the same height.
Step 2: Attaching Vertical Supports to the Support Beams
The next step is to decide how high you want your new ceiling to be. Measure the desired height from the floor and mark it at the four corners. You can then use props of the appropriate length to attach the panels to the suspended ceiling. Attach these props to the ceiling joists. Insulation panels are usually 60cm wide. So if you attach the props 60cm apart, they will fit right in between the insulation panels. This means you won’t have to cut the panels to size.
Step 3: Attaching the wall supports and load-bearing beams
Use a string and a level to mark the locations of the wall supports on the wall. A laser level is a good solution for this, if you have one. This will ensure that the supporting structure is horizontal. Attach the wall supports to the walls along the marked lines with dowels and screws, and then attach all the supporting beams at the same height to the bottom of the supports.
Step 4: Installing insulation
The insulation boards are then attached to the support beams. If you have installed the supports at a distance of 60 cm, you will be able to attach the insulation panels without having to cut them to size. Remember to place insulation between the vertical supports to obtain a continuous layer of insulation. When working with insulation materials, always wear gloves, safety glasses, a dust respirator and protective clothing.
Step 5: Installing the first row of panels
Screw the first ceiling panel on the left to the wall with 25 mm drywall screws and a screw distance of 20 cm. Leave an 8 mm gap between the panel and the wall for expansion. This gap will eventually be covered with a decorative strip. Install the next ceiling panel with the narrow side to the narrow side of the first panel along the long side.
Step 6: Cutting the panels to size
At the end of the row, measure the required length and mark it on a new panel. Use the remaining piece of this panel to start the next row. Starting each row with a panel of the same length will result in a ceiling with the correct structure. To cut the panel to size, draw a line on the front side with a utility knife and then break it using a wooden batten or support board. You can then cut the cardboard backing.
Step 7: Processing the joints
If you want to fill the joints between the ceiling panels, make sure they are clean and free of dust. Then fill the joints with filler using a putty knife. After it dries for 24 hours, apply a second coat if necessary and once it dries, sand it finely. To prevent future cracking along the joints, you can use a flexible mesh when filling
Step 8: Gluing decorative molding
For a beautiful look at the outer edges of the suspended ceiling, glue the decorative strips in place with mounting glue. Apply glue to several points on the decorative strip, press it into place, immediately peel it off again and after waiting 5 minutes, press it firmly into place. For a beautiful look at the corners, you can cut the corners of the decorative strips at a 45° angle.
If you plan to install recessed lights in the ceiling, you must route the cables when you install the supporting structure. Cut the holes for the lights with a large drill bit. Route the cables to all points where you plan to install lights and connect the cables in accordance with local electrical safety regulations.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you can find panels for suspended ceilings with the standard dimensions of a square 60 x 60 cm and a thickness of 12 mm. The models are in stylish patterns that will give the interior of your home coziness and elegance.
The suspended ceiling panels in our store are at extremely affordable prices.
