False Ceiling - Definition | Purpose | Types | Advantages | Disadvantages

What is a false ceiling?

False ceiling is mostly used in commercial buildings but now a day it is also being used in residential building. False ceiling is also known as a drop ceiling, suspended ceiling, secondary ceiling, hung ceiling, T bar ceiling, grid ceiling. This is the second layer of ceiling suspended from the main roof with the help of a metal or wooden frame. In simple language, the false ceiling is a ceiling under the actual concrete ceiling. A false ceiling was first used in Japan for the purpose of aesthetics in the period of 1337 to 1573 and later in London and England in 1596 for better acoustic.

Purpose of false ceiling

1. False ceilings are mainly used in offices to conceal internal wiring, accommodating centralised AC system and other electrical fittings.
2. It improves the athletics of the room.
3. Provides insulation from heat - It is provided to keep the room cool during summer and warm in winter.
4. It also has sound absorption capability and makes your room cosy and quiet. We often see a false ceiling in soundproofing rooms such as meeting rooms conference rooms etc which require a quiet environment
5. For a design element to create various shapes and curves.
6. Fire safety - It is always a factor in several industrial building. Ceiling tiles made from mineral fibre or fire-rated wooden panel can be used within the construction to meet acceptable standard and rating.
7. Light reflectance a ceiling which reflects more light can reduce lighting and electricity cost.
8. Echo reduction in cinema and concert halls.
9. Energy Efficiency - the insulating effect of suspended ceiling panels may help lower Home Heating or cooling bill.
10. False ceilings are also used in industrial buildings for hiding ugly trusses.

Elements of false ceiling

A suspended ceiling consists of three parts

• Primary member
• Secondary member
• Main ceiling material or tiles

1. Primary and Secondary members are known as structural members. They form the framework on which the boards, lighting fixtures, AC ducts etc are fixed.  The diagram shows important parts of a false ceiling.
2. Main runner the structural members which are fixed in the wall
3. Secondary member the structural members which connect to main runners.
4. Perimeter section it is fixed along the Periphery of false ceiling area.
5. Hanging members
6. Tiles the area above the fall ceiling is called the plenum space.
7. Generally, the false ceiling is fixed at a minimum distance of 8 inches from the main ceiling.

Things to consider while selecting false ceiling

• Ventilation and lighting aspects must be considered
• The weight ceiling can bear and its durability is the important factor.

Properties of a good false sealing

• It should be durable and portable.
• The material used should be lightweight.
• It should be waterproof.
• It should have great fire resistance.
• It should be easy to install.
• It should be soundproof.

According to the appearance and visibility of member false ceilings are classified into two type

• Exposed grid system and
• Concealed grid system

Exposed grid system  

A system where a grid is invisible and into which panels are laid. Generally, fibre ceiling synthetic leather or cloth ceiling, glass ceiling fall into exposed Credit System. the exposed grade system is Rapid to install and provide a high degree of Asus to the ceiling void.

Concealed grid system

A system where a grid is not visible. The tile used has a small group built into its perimeter which slides over the Mans and teases to cover them. it is expensive than the exposed grid system and it is difficult for maintenance to assess areas about the ceiling. Generally, p o p ceiling, gypsum ceiling, wooden ceiling, various kinds of metal ceiling fall into the concealed grid System.

Different types of false ceilings on the basis of materials

Plaster of Paris false ceiling (Pop)

Pop is originated from France. This is suspended in the framework of aluminium T sections. Gypsum which gives of water when heated mix pop. post-heating gypsum softens and is then Crush to form a powder. It hardens instantly when water is added to it. It is applied to fibreboard or wood pressed which is then suspended to form the false ceiling.

Gypsum false ceiling

Gypsum is a soft lightweight hydrated sulphate of calcium. It consists of gypsum boards that are being supported by iron Framework. it is available in various thickness and sizes as well. it is quite lightweight and it is easy to install. gypsum boards are available in size of 600 x 600 mm with thickness ranging from 9 mm to 15 mm. it is fixed in the framework of the GI channel.

PVC false ceiling

The PVC material is used in this type of false ceiling hence its maintenance cost is almost zero. In PVC false ceiling PVC panels are fixed in the framework of aluminium T sections. PVC panels are available in plenty of attractive colours and Designs.

Metal false ceiling

The metals mainly used for false ceiling are galvanised iron and Aluminium. fixing and installation of metal sheets are quite easy and consumes very less labour. metal sheets and plate of different sizes and thickness are available in the market.

Wooden false ceiling

Hollow wooden blocks or panels or boards can be used to make the wooden false ceiling. It is easy to install wooden blocks even with the help of Nails and screws.

Fibreboard false ceiling

Mineral fibre is a material developed by man-made, natural or synthetic minerals. These mineral fibre tiles are available in various shapes sizes and patterns.

Glass false ceiling

Glass is a non-crystalline material. it has the general property of being brittle and transparent but its properties can be altered by adding metal content and also adhesive to its composition. The glass being used is fibreglass for the purpose of the false ceiling.

Synthetic leather or Cloth false ceiling

Synthetic leather and thermo-col sheets are artificial materials being used to provide an aesthetic appearance to the interior of the building. Either leather or cloth is used in this type of false ceiling. It is compulsory that only one material can be used for making a false ceiling design. One, two or more than two materials can also be used. for instance, usage of a combination of wood and the POP false ceiling is quite common.

Advantages of the false ceiling

1. It helps in cooling the room.
2. A false ceiling provides a smooth homogeneous surface to the roof.
3. It provides fire protection has as It creates compartmentation.
4. false ceiling help in acoustical treatment.
5. It concealed all the non-praising elements and hides it from the viewer's eyes.
6. It also hides the pipelines and electrical cables are running in the room. All the Ducts of air conditioning can be hidden under it.
7. False ceiling materials are easy to install and cheap as compared to a traditional roof system.

Disadvantages of false ceiling

1. The false ceiling needs maintenance if not maintained well the false ceiling can be a home to pests and spider webs.
2. Prone to moisture and pest attack.
3. The most working aspect of having a false ceiling would-be pests. They can get through into space between and can start their own breeding which might lead to a lot of trouble.
4. Lastly, the fall ceiling would reduce the height of the ceiling considerable and hence do not install false ceiling unless you have a design ceiling height.

So, friends, I hope I have covered all the information about the false ceiling in this article. If you learn something please be sure to share it with someone who might benefit from it. If you want to add any information which have missed in this article you can mention it in the comment section. Finally, thanks for reading this article.

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