A suspended ceiling is a secondary character structure that covers the original ceiling of interior rooms. Typically it is used in construction first of all to conceal installations from view, so as not to show the passage of cables, pipes or other structures.
The creation of “plenum” between the ceiling and the overlying structural floor also allows it to indirectly perform thermal and acoustic insulation functions and possibly fire resistance and/or reaction.
The suspended ceiling is also used in cases where the structural slab has suffered damage, such as “breaking through” or as a result of infiltration or other deterioration.
Finally, the ceiling can have merely an aesthetic-decorative function.
The ceiling structure can be movable or fixed, depending on the functions it is to perform. Of course, if there are systems that require maintenance, it is advisable to allow for the possibility of inspecting the covered area. There is a wide range of false ceilings available, offering a variety of styles and materials, each with specific characteristics and price ranges to meet every need, both technical and decorative. In this article, we will explore the main types of suspended ceilings, examining their costs and most common uses. Special attention will be paid to plasterboard ceilings, which are now the industry standard. Let’s find out the reasons for this favor.
The suspended ceiling consists of a frame placed below the original ceiling at a more or less wide distance. This structure is to which the panels are subsequently fixed, forming the visible part of the new ceiling.
One of the typical aspects of false ceilings is the reduction in room height. Sometimes this is precisely why this solution is chosen, but sometimes it is a limitation.
For industrial or commercial environments, or for rooms with excessive height, lowering the ceiling allows the spaces below to be heated or cooled more efficiently, as well as concealing technological systems and creating a more balanced visual impact. False ceilings are therefore not only a necessity but can also be considered an opportunity to optimize space.
Sometimes, however, false ceilings cannot be used, even if they are necessary for technical reasons, such as the ducting of an air conditioning system. This is because in residential buildings the interior height cannot be less than m. 2.70 (excluding mountain area where the height may be lower) and usually no spaces are left suitable for inserting a suspended ceiling. Usually it is consetito the execution of a “lowering” to 2.40 m. in accessory spaces such as corridors and/or hallways.
On the other hand, building a false ceiling is relatively simple, does not involve complex structural work, can be done quickly, and can be easily removed.
For this reason, false ceilings are increasingly being used by designers, interior decorators, and architects due to their versatility. Recessed spotlights, air conditioning and heat pump systems, electrical and IT systems can all be easily coordinated with false ceilings.
Whatever solution is adopted, a false ceiling always consists of two parts: the supporting structure and the infill, i.e. the material visible inside the room.
So let’s start with the question that everyone asks sooner or later:
How much does it cost to make a suspended ceiling?
Let’s start by giving a general idea of the cost, because the minimum cost obviously depends on the material used, which in turn depends on the purpose of the work.
A fixed plasterboard false ceiling is generally less expensive than a modular and removable one made with prefabricated panels. The average total cost for installing a false ceiling is generally between $30 and $60 per square meter, including labor.
But let’s specify the things to consider in order to define the cost of a false ceiling more precisely.
The cost of a false ceiling that includes thermal insulation and/or soundproofing material averages between €40 and €60 per square meter.
If, instead of a simple false ceiling, you want to install one with recessed spotlights, the average cost would increase from €50 to €70 per square meter.
We have dealt with simple ceilings because in the case of special structures, such as in the case of shatterproof ceiling, the cost increases according to the technologies needed to restore the ceiling.
Why is the ceiling done?
The false ceiling is a technical solution that has become increasingly common in construction because it solves several problems and has become relatively simple to implement.
The use of plasterboard has become so widespread that it often replaces brick for internal paneling and vertical division of spaces. This is also thanks to the quality of the materials and the availability of a wide range of accessories that make it easier to support even heavy loads on the partitions.
False ceilings are still horizontal partitions that can be flush with the original ceiling, but are more often suspended below it. Its purposes can be summarized as follows:
- One of the main reasons why false ceilings are made in construction is to cover systems from view, so as not to show the passage of cables, pipes or other technical structures. This often allows for simplified plumbing, with the advantage of not having to work on the wall structure.
- A second reason for using false ceilings is that, by creating a space between the ceiling and the area below, space is created for inserting material that is useful for thermal and acoustic insulation.
The installation of insulating panels in the cavity can perform both functions, provided that the behavior of the structure is also investigated.
Thermal and acoustic insulation can be installed either on the underside (intrados) or on the upper side (extrados). In any case, it is necessary to prevent the sound from being reflected in the environment below. There are also commercially available insulated ceiling tiles specifically designed to correct acoustic problems in particular noisy work environments. - A third function, which is sometimes the main one, however, is aesthetic. Sometimes one is almost forced to cover the ceiling, which is too uneven as a result of damage, renovation, or breaking through. But most of the time the ceiling is used to visually demarcate areas: entrances, hallways, built-in cabinets. Without altering the floor plan, the suspended ceiling allows the subdivisions of spaces to be perceived simply by drop-offs, perhaps illuminated in a special way. The creation of a new ceiling, with the many solutions on the market today, can create innovative visual solutions even with curved and undulating sections.
What types of suspended ceilings are there?
The main differences between the different types of ceilings can be summarized between the system in adherence, that is, in contact with the old ceiling, and those suspended. This second type of false ceiling requires that there be a gap between the old ceiling and the new one, which can be filled with insulating material.
Without prejudice to the obligation to maintain the minimum height of 270 cm established by law, the ceiling can usually be lowered using plasterboard panels.
Bonded ceiling is a paneling that remains in contact with the old ceiling. It is often used to solve peeling problems, that is, when parts of the piñatas in concrete constructions break off. In this case, the suspended ceiling is used to restore the damage and fill the damaged parts with new insulation material.
Ceiling panels? Here are the best
KNAUF
Knauf’s ceiling tiles are among the most attractive products on the market. Installers use them because they know the technical level they offer, which provides an excellent level of soundproofing. Knauf has patented a special plasterboard panel structure with holes of different sizes which, together with a special soundproofing felt applied to both sides of the panel, guarantees a truly remarkable level of insulation.
The aesthetic appearance is not a problem because it is produced in many different colors, edges, and finishes, and designers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the most suitable visual solution for the space they are designing. In fact, Knauf panels are used in apartments and commercial spaces, both small and large, as well as in public buildings.
One of Knauf’s best-selling products is the modular acoustic ceiling with exposed T-beams, made from fully recyclable materials. This system helps improve the indoor microclimate, and it is possible to paint it without affecting its ability to absorb sound. It is available in a smooth version or with various decorative designs.
There are other versions of Knauf ceiling panels, some specifically designed for residential interiors and others for large, noisy spaces such as supermarkets or canteens. There is a solution for every need.
The use of the RAL quality seal ensures constant control and high quality and safety of the mineral wool used, which is also biosoluble.
Knauf false ceilings also offer guarantees in terms of thermal insulation and AMF mineral fiber products, which have excellent fire-resistant properties, making them particularly suitable for public places such as airports, hotels, schools, conference centers, laboratories, and any environment where maximum safety is essential.
Rockfon Color-all®
Rockfon is a company that also makes excellent ceiling tiles that had the idea, in order to increase its market, to offer a product line with a new design. With this purpose, the “Rockfon Colours of Wellbeing” line was born, a series of panels produced in 34 new color shades inspired by the warm tones of nature.
This new collection is specially designed to offer innovative solutions to design, architecture and furniture, and finds application in the design of residential as well as office, commercial and recreational spaces. It is an opportunity for designing spaces that can provide greater well-being.
From a technical point of view, the Rockfon Color-all® series retains the remarkable insulation characteristics of its rockwool panels, which are produced in smooth and matte finishes throughout the new range of natural colors. The desired effect is the perfect integration of these elements with contemporary colors and styles, which can be combined in an infinite variety of combinations, colors, and textures.
Combining the technical quality of this product with endless creative possibilities is the goal achieved by Rockfon with this new Color-all® line for creating stimulating and innovative spaces.
GYProC
One particular innovative proposal comes from the company GYproC, which produces a flexible, lightweight material applied to plasterboard panels. It is a particularly suitable solution for creating curved and undulating ceilings, offering different options for creating ceilings according to particular specific needs.
GYProC can be applied to both inspectable ceilings, i.e., composed of gypsum board with integrated inspection hatches, and non-inspectable or continuous ceilings. Even with large surfaces, GYProC can offer different finishes to make the space aesthetically pleasing.
Each false ceiling system offers:
• concealment of systems and infrastructure, such as ventilation ducts, air conditioning systems, electrical cables, and plumbing pipes, as well as covering any surface defects that may emerge over time;
• thermal and acoustic insulation, thanks to the use of mineral wool panels positioned between the existing ceiling and the plasterboard panels;
• optimization of interior lighting, allowing the integration of customizable recessed lights without altering the existing wall structure.
In addition to these aspects, the particular adaptability of systems made with GYproC panels offers maximum customization of spaces through the implementation of curves, varying levels, geometric shapes, and recesses.
With GYproC panels, it is possible to create virtually any solution that can be designed.
GYPSOTECH
For the category of shatterproof panels, the experts told us about the GYPSOTECH System from the company Fassa Bortolo.
For false ceilings that, in addition to insulation, must also resist floor collapse, we recommend the Gypsotec system by Fassa Bortolo as one of the best products available.
The GYPSOTECH® system for interiors is one of the best solutions for break-proof false ceilings with single frame and single coating. The centerpiece of the system is GYPSOTECH® FOCUS BA 15 gypsum board (type DFI according to EN 520), characterized by a fire-resistance enhanced gypsum core enriched with specific additives, glass fiber and vermiculite.
The metal structure is composed of 6/10-thick galvanized steel sheet profiles in accordance with UNI EN 14195. Horizontal rails, model U 28/16/28 mm, are mechanically joined around the perimeter using fasteners spaced a maximum of 400 mm apart. The uprights, model C 15/48/15 mm, are also arranged at a maximum spacing of 400 mm and placed perpendicular to the direction of the joists.
The fastening system involves the use of perforated spacer hooks, alternating on the joists or spaced no more than 1000 mm apart, and anchored to the ceiling by dowels appropriate for the type of support. Mounting is possible if desired, with the appropriate accessories, by spacing the panels with different sizes
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