False Ceiling

False ceiling is a ceiling made beneath the main ceiling of the room or building. In other words, it is a second layer of roof suspended from the main roof with the help of metal or wooden frame. It is also known as dropped ceiling. False ceiling has multiple advantages. It improves the aesthetics of the room.

Advantages of False Ceiling

  • It provides a smooth homogeneous surface to the roof.
  • It provides fire protection as it creates compartmentation.
  • False ceiling helps in acoustical treatment.
  • It conceals all the non-pleasing elements and hides it from the viewer’s eyes.
  • It also hides the pipelines and the electrical cables running in the room. All the ducts of air -conditioning can be hidden under it.
  • False ceiling materials are easy to install and cheap as compared to traditional roof systems.

Disadvantages of False Ceiling

The most worrying aspect of having a false ceiling would be pests. They can get through into the space between and can start their own breeding which might lead to a lot of trouble.
Also be careful while putting up decorations or hangings while you have a false ceiling in place. Make sure you know the strength and durability, do’s and don’ts with regard to your ceiling.
Lastly, the false ceiling would reduce the height of the ceiling considerably and hence do not install false ceiling unless you have a decent ceiling height.

The major classification based on materials used are listed briefly below,

  • Gypsum Ceiling
  • Plaster of Paris Ceiling
  • Fiber Ceiling
  • Wooden Ceiling
  • Glass Ceiling
  • Metal Ceiling
  • Synthetic Leather or Cloth Ceiling

Gypsum False Ceiling

Gypsum false ceiling is a hydrated sulphate of calcium. This type of false ceiling are lightweight, sound insulated, fire resistance, soft and thermally insulated.Gypsum false ceiling comes in the shape of square boards that are hung with the help of iron framework. The finishing work on these boards like paints, laminates, wallpapers and texture finish gives good look.

Plaster of Paris Ceiling

Plaster of Paris (POP) is the majorly used material in the construction of false ceiling. POP is obtained when gypsum is heated to a certain degree. It gives the both aesthetical and functional help. Plaster of Paris false ceiling are attractive, almost no maintenance and has a long life span. They are very excellent insulators or heat and cold. These types of false ceiling don’t only hide the ugly members of structure, ventilation ducts and conduits but also give smooth finish to the ceiling.

Fiber False Ceiling

Fiber false ceiling are in high demand for the construction of false ceiling due to low cost and east installation. The material used to manufacture fiber ceiling panels are man made by synthetic and natural minerals. As these are man-made they come in many shapes and sizes.

Wooden False Ceiling

Wooden false ceiling is used due to its natural textures and pattern. Nowadays this types of false ceiling are used commonly as it gives a pleasant look to the eyes.Wooden false ceiling being costly, is not used in malls and hospitals but can be installed in residential buildings. They can be given various finishes, or painted to get the right look.

Synthetic Leather or Cloth Ceiling

The materials used in this type of ceilings are either leather or cloth. As both the used materials are man-made they can be given any form, shape and design which improves the aesthetic view of interior of the building.