Most offices and commercial workplaces will have a suspended ceiling – and there’s good reason for that. Consisting of a grid framework and individual tiles, false ceilings have a huge impact on the overall performance and appearance of a room.
Typically, they’re installed to create a clean, smooth internal finish whilst hiding HVAC utilities such as wiring and pipework. What you might not realise is that they also have a heavy influence over the acoustics, insulation and fire resistance in your building.
Some of the most common places they’re installed include:
- Offices
- Hospitals
- Supermarkets
- Kitchens
- Restaurants
- Airports
- Schools
Commercial Ceilings for Your Space
There are a wide variety of suspended ceiling systems to pick from. At Gravity, we have strong industry connections to be able to supply a large variety, including some of the most popular products in the UK market.
Acoustic Ceilings
Struggling to hear yourself think? When it comes to acoustics, there are two potential areas to be addressed:
- If a room is too loud, sound can be removed from the building with the help of a sound absorbing ceiling.
- If too much sound is travelling room to room, a sound insulating ceiling can help reduce this.
If acoustics are a concern for your workplace, we’re here to help. Along with an acoustic ceiling system, our design experts can incorporate rafts, panels and canopies to absorb sound and create unique design features that will help you curb the chaos and harmonise a productive work setting.
Mineral Fibre Ceilings
The most common suspended ceiling uses mineral fibre tiles. These are made from recycled newsprint, play, perlite, scratch and fibreglass.
Different quantities are added depending on the characteristics of the tile. A softer mineral fibre panel will contain more fibreglass or mineral wool. This will provide your ceiling with a higher level of sound absorption, whereas a harder mineral fibre panel will contain more clay. In comparison, this denser tile will provide better insulation.
Metal Ceilings
Metal ceilings have a style that’s increasingly popular in modern workplaces. Much like traditional mineral fibre ceilings, the system uses the same configurations – just with metal ceiling tiles!
Opting for a metal ceiling over more standard options can provide great value for money as they are durable, robust and can last centuries without the need for replacements.
We’ve only scratched the service. To discuss the best commercial ceiling for your space, make sure to give our team a call.
Reasons to Look Up
There are many reasons why suspended ceilings are so popular in commercial spaces. Here are just a few:
- Energy Savings – Reducing the height of your room with a suspended ceiling ‘traps’ warmer air and prevents it from being lost through the roof. This, along with many other qualities, is just one way this type of office ceiling can help to reduce your energy expenditure AND your heating bills. If you’re looking to make your workplace even cosier, talk to our team. We can incorporate ceiling insulation to improve your building’s efficiency even further.
- Cost Efficient – One of the wonderful aspects of a suspended ceiling is the cost savings it offers. Should one of your tiles need replacing, you can order individual tiles and replace them, without the expense of replacing the entire ceiling.
- Acoustic Performance – Noise in the office can distract staff and ultimately reduce productivity. Not with a suspended ceiling. Acoustic options can act as a barrier to prevent sound from travelling between floors, improving the overall privacy of your room.
- Aesthetics – With so many design opportunities, a new ceiling can do more than improve the performance of your office. Metal ceiling tiles, colour ceiling tiles and additional rafts, canopies and baffles can all be incorporated into your design too!
- Practicality – Suspended ceilings allow easy access into your ceiling void. With additional security, this is essential for businesses with sensitive utilities or who need regular access to the electrics that their commercial ceiling conceals.
Suspended Ceilings in Gloucestershire
We have the knowledge and expertise needed to accurately advise you on the best commercial ceiling option to suit your requirements. Our heritage aligns closely with the suspended ceiling industry, meaning we have close connections with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and know our way around for installation. This means we can offer high-quality solutions at the very best possible price. To learn more about our office fit out services, please contact our team.
We are also able to incorporate office lighting options and insulation with your suspended ceiling system, tailoring our installation methods to meet the needs of your business.
FAQs – Suspended Ceilings
Do suspended ceilings offer fire protection?
Certain systems are fire tested and fire rated, however, the overall protection your system provides will depend on several external factors including installation method and other products used. If you’re interested in a fire rated ceiling, we recommend revisiting your building regulations and contacting our experts for further advice.
Are dropped ceilings expensive?
Drop ceilings are popular for their value for money. The cost will depend on the size of your room and there are also many different systems to suit different requirements. If you’re working with a stricter budget, get in touch with our team who can help fit the ideal system.
What types of suspended ceilings are there?
Some of the most popular types of suspended ceiling systems include:
- Acoustic ceilings
- Mineral fibre ceiling
- Plasterboard ceilings
- Metal ceilings
Do suspended ceilings contain asbestos?
One of the most common misconceptions is that suspended ceilings contain asbestos. Rest assured that our fitters will not install any asbestos as part of your commercial ceiling installation.
What are suspended ceilings made of?
A suspended ceiling system is made of several key components that, once constructed, create a smooth flush surface. These include:
- Suspended ceiling tiles
- Main runners
- Cross tees
- Edge trim
- Wire hangers
- Topfix fixings
For any more information, please get in touch with our team.
