ADVANTAGES OF FALSE CEILING IN COMMERCIAL SPACES

It improves aesthetical appearance ( form, color, treatment etc.) &

proportions bymanaging room

heights basically and remaining are as follows:

Hides ducting & reduces the volume of room Ugly structural

members like beams,
etc that usually spoil the look of the room are concealed.
Provides insulation from heat.
Acoustical improvement.
As a design element to create various shapesand curves.
Fire safety is always a factor in several industrial buildings, ceiling
tiles made from mineral fibres or fire-rated wood panels can be
used within the construction to meet acceptable standards
and ratings. Differing levels of fire protection are obtained from the
various types of ceiling available.
Anti-microbial performance. The control of bio-contamination is
essential in health care settings such as hospitals and
large commercial kitchens
Light reflectance. A ceiling with that reflects more light can reduce
lighting and electricity costs.
To accommodate lighting systems. to provide lighting effects
such as hidden lighting etc
Soil resistance and cleanability. Environments that are subject to a
lot of dirt such as certain manufacturing buildings may need ceilings
that can resist dirt and are easy to clean.
At some places to hide ugly trusses(commonly known as attic)
Sound proof rooms such as meeting rooms, conference rooms, etc,
which require aquit environment.
Echoe reduction in cinema and concert halls
Sound absorbtion reduces noises and reduces reverberation with in
the areacovered by the ceiling
Reduces overall volume of the space which reduces air conditioning
cost.
2.4 ELEMENTS OF A FALSE CEILING
A suspended ceiling system consists of 3 parts:
Primary Members Secondary Members and Main Ceiling Material or Tiles (e.g. acoustic
boards, cloth etc.)
These primary and secondary members are called the structural members
and form theframework on which the boards, lighting fixtures, A.C ducts
etc. are fixed. The diagrambelow depicts all the important parts of a false
ceiling (suspended ceiling) system:1)
Main Runners2)Secondary members3)Perimeter section4)hanging
member5)Tile

3.1 TYPES OF FALSE CEILING SYSTEMS

Suspended ceilings are created using metal grid systems, which are
suspended below theceiling or roof deck using a series of wires. The grid
is then filled in with ceiling tiles, whichare primarily made from mineral
fiber blends. Depending up on the appearance andvisibility of the
members false ceilings are classified in to two types. They are :1.
Exposed Grid2.
Concealed grid
3.2 EXPOSED GRID SYTEMS
A system where the grid is visible and into which panels are laid. The grid
is finished incolours to harmonise or contrast with the panels is known as
exposed grid type ceiling.

Exposed grid varieties are the most common type of suspended

ceiling.They consist of long metal strips, called "mains," which are
interconnected with shortermetal pieces known as "teesTogether, the
mains and tees form a grid system ,which are then filled with
acousticalceiling tiles.Exposed grid suspended ceiling systems can
contribute to passive fire protection.The system is rapid to install and can
provide a high degree of access to the ceiling void.
3.3 CONCEALED GRID SYSTEMS
Concealed grid systems use the acoustical tiles to hide the grid system
from view.This creates a smooth, clean which is aesthetically pleasing.The
tile used has a small groove built into it's perimeter, which slides over the
mains andtees to cover them.Various metal and a few kinds of pop
ceilings come under this categeoryThis type is more expensive than an
exposed system.This kind of false ceiling system is difficult for
maintenance to access areas above theceiling.
Figures showingsections of theconcealed grid ceilings

4.1 MATERIALS USED FOR FALSE CEILING IN COMMERCIAL SPACE

S:
Depending on the place of usage, ambience needed and economy
available. The mostcommoly used false ceiling materials are

Gypsum boards

Plaster of paris (POP)Other materials used are

Metal ( alumunium, Asbestos)

Mineral wool board


Poly vinyl chloride (PVC)

UPVC

Wood

Polystyrene

Glass

Acrylic
4.2 GYPSUM BOARD (Gypboard):
Lightweight, flexible and fire and moisture resistant, gypsum is most
commonly used forfalse ceiling. Gypsum board panels are tough, versatile
and economical, and are fastreplacing other ceiling materials such as POP.
Gypsum board can be used whileconstructing 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
falseceiling.A gypsum panel could have tapered or square edges. Panels
with tapered adage are usedfor 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 suspendedGypsum board
ceiling can be constructed by nailing Gypsum board panels to each other,
orby fixing the panels in a metal grid (usually steel). Generally, gypsum
panels of 600mm600mm are used.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 designsuch as plain,curved, stepped, coffered, pelmet, drop design, etc
Generally available in the tiles of 600mm X 600mm.Rates of some of the
available Gypsum board false ceilings based on the survey andbrouchers
available are as follows:

Plain gypsum board ceiling panel: 40/- per sft.

Gypsum board poly Ceiling panel: 47/- per sft.

Gypsum board PVC laminated Ceiling panel: 70/- per sft.

Gypsum board Semi Perforated Ceiling panel: 48/- per sft.

Gypsum board Fully Perforated Ceiling panel: 60/- per sft. without glasswood.

Gypsum board Fully Fissured Ceiling panel: 60/- per sft.

Gypsum board Silt Ceiling panel: 64/- per sft. without glass-wood.
4.3 METAL CEILING PANELS:
Metals ceilings are suitable for a large Range of applications. The false
ceiling is constructedwith 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 andmaintained.Aluminum or
steel panels, 600mm600mm in size, are generally used. The panels can
belaid on a visible steel grid with T-sections or cross-sections that are
suspended from theceiling by rods. This result is strong, long-lasting
surface, which is easy to access. Thepanels can also be clipped to each
other or clipping into a suspension system havingsprings. That method
prevents the panel edges from being seen.The third method is to stretch
the metal sheets to form various shapes, which can besuspended from
the ceiling. This treatment is ideal for obtaining a variety of shapes in
themetal, without changing its soundproofing ability.
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 thatrequire 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.
Figs. showing metal ceilings in an airport on the left and a hotel corridor on the right
4.4 PLASTER OF PARIS (POP):
Plaster of Paris (POP) is commonly used for constructing false ceilings.
Gypsum, whichgives out water when heated, makes POP. Post-heating,
gypsum softens and is then crushedto form a powder. POP hardens
instantly when water is added to it. It is applied tofibreboard 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 really light.Thickness- 10-15 mmRate: 30/- per sft. to
soon depend upon the design & Pattern.

Labor cost for the pop ceiling is high.

4.5 PLYWOOD
:
Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal. These ceilings are
created withstrips of ply glued or nailed together. The strips are held
together and strengthened withply 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.But ply ceiling are difficult
to maintain, since these are prone to termite attacks. The roomhas to be
thermally controlled to reduce the humidity in the air. Also, the wood is
prone towarping and other physical changes, with time.
4.6 PVC FALSE CEILING:
PVC ceiling system is light in weight, moisture resistant and reduces
condensation andsubsequent dripping from ceiling onto work surfaces.
The cleanable, non-absorbent surfaceis UV stable and will not
discolour.PVC ceiling systems solves the problem of dirty, unhygienic
ceilings that are difficult,and expensive to clean by providing a bright,
durable and hygienic surface, which is easilymaintained. This extremely
practical ceiling system is suitable for any area requiring afixed, nonporous, non-fibrous and non-absorbent ceiling. they are waterproof,
termiteproof, fire retardant, economical, maintenance free, being nonporous and non-absorbent,can incorporate flush fitting, lighting, access
hatches, air vents and sprinklers easy to install& available in various
colours shades & no hassles of painting & polishing.

4.7
4.7 FIBERBOARD AND FIBER/MINERAL REINFORCED TILES
:False ceiling can be made with fiber or mineral reinforcedtiles and
fiberboard. Fiber reinforced tiles arestrengthened with wood vegetable
fiber, wood waste,reed paper and agricultural wastes. Mineral tiles
areceramics reinforced with natural stone, wood, vegetablefiber, bitumen
and tars. This process increases theinsulation capacity of the product.
Advantages

They have high insulation against sound and fire.

The fiber increases the hardness and the toughness of the material.

The material can be decorated with paint or other finishes improving the
aestheticsof the room.

Water repellents and preservatives can be added to increase the life of the
product.

If fire safety is a factor, ceiling tiles made from mineral fibers, or firerated woodpanels can be used within the construction to meet acceptable
standards/ratings
4.8 FABRIC AND CLOTH:
Fabric is an inexpensive material, may be drapedacross
ceilings, collect dust, these are used fortemporary purposes in big
churches and functionhalls.

In some places, the light is diffused through the fabric providing a

comfortable intensityThis kind of false ceiling is not functional but greatly
adds to the aesthetics of the place.
4.9 COMPANIES /MATERIAL SUPPLIERS:

Gypsum boards- India Gypsum PVT. Limited

Aluminium metal panels- LUXALON, Vista, LEVOLOR

Fibreboard and mineral board panels- Armstrong,INARCO limited,

ARKinternational, Modern Plasta Corporation

POP- Eternit Everest limited

PVC and UPVC- Beasal Polytech India Pvt. Ltd, ModelInteriors , Poly
Extrusions (India) Private Limited
5.1 DISADVANTAGES OF FALSE CEILINGS:

The most worrying aspect of having a false ceiling would be pests. They
can getthrough into the space between and can start their own breeding
which might leadto a lot of trouble.

Also be careful while putting up decorations or hangings while you have a

falseceiling in place. Make sure you know the strength and durability, do's
and don'tswith regard to your ceiling.

Lastly, the false ceiling would reduce the height of the ceiling considerably
andhence do not install false ceiling unless you have a decent ceiling
height.
5.2 CONCLUSIONS / RECOMMEDATIONS
:
Exposed grid systems are a simple, quick and cost-effective way of
installing a ceiling toyour office, factory or shop. These systems allow
easy access to the ceiling space forassociated trade work such as
electrical and air conditioning which will ensure you get thebest price for
your overall fit out.Fire safety is always a factor, ceiling tiles made from
mineral fibers or fire-rated woodpanels can be used within
the construction to meet acceptable standards and ratings. Thesesame
tiles can provide the needed additional resistance to meet the "time

rating" requiredfor various fire code, city ordinance, commercial, or other

similar building constructionregulations.

Wiring and piping installed behind traditional plaster or wallboard ceilings

is extremelydifficult to modify once the finished ceiling is in place. Wires
must either be fished throughhollow spaces in the walls behind, or the
ceiling must be demolished in order for wiring orpiping changes to be
made.In business, the suspended ceiling is often used with hollow steel
studs to construct smalloffice spaces out of a much larger space. Wiring
and other services are run through theopen ceiling, down through the
hollow stud walls, and to outlets in the work areas. Ifbusiness needs
change, the office spaces are easily dismantled and the overall space
isreconfigured with a different floor plan.