Kehoe Interior & Suspended Ceilings remain one of Ireland's longest-established providers of quality suspended ceilings. We have installed long-lasting ceilings in various styles and colours in businesses, commercial properties and public buildings. Our expertise means our installers often field questions on this type of ceiling. Therefore to make this information more accessible, we have included the most common questions below.
What is a suspended ceiling?
A suspended ceiling, also known as a drop ceiling or a false ceiling, is a type of secondary ceiling that is installed below the central structural ceiling of a room or building.
A suspended ceiling is typically constructed using a grid of metal channels or wooden framing, suspended from the main ceiling using wires or hangers. Ceiling tiles are then placed into the grid, covering the space between the two ceilings. The tiles are usually made from mineral fibre, metal, or plastic and can be designed in various colours and patterns.
Suspended ceilings are often used in commercial buildings such as offices, hospitals, and schools, as they provide many benefits, such as improved acoustics, better lighting, and easier access to the main ceiling for maintenance and repairs. They are also commonly used in basements and other residential spaces to hide ductwork, wiring, and plumbing.
Where are suspended ceilings typically installed?
Suspended ceilings are a standard feature you've seen in many places. They're a type of ceiling that's installed below the main ceiling, and a grid of metal channels or wooden framing holds them up. The tiles are then placed into the grid, covering up the space between the two ceilings.
These ceilings are often used in commercial buildings like offices, schools, and hospitals because they can help improve acoustics and provide better lighting. They're also great for hiding ductwork, wiring, and plumbing. But they're not limited to commercial spaces - you might even have one in your basement at home!
Overall, suspended ceilings are a practical and cost-effective solution that can be used in various settings to improve the look, feel, and functionality of a space.
How much weight can a suspended ceiling hold?
The weight capacity of a suspended ceiling can vary depending on a few different things, like the materials used, how far apart the supports are spaced, and the condition of the existing ceiling. But as a general rule, suspended ceilings are usually designed to support the weight of the ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures.
In terms of weight, a suspended ceiling can typically handle around 15 pounds per square foot. That being said, it's not a good idea to try and hang heavy objects from a suspended ceiling. These types of ceilings aren't designed to support the weight of things like storage or equipment, so if you need to hang anything heavy, it's best to consult us at Kehoe Interior & Suspended Ceilings to ensure it can be done safely and securely.
What is the difference between a dropped and suspended ceiling?
"Dropped ceiling" and "suspended ceiling" are terms often used interchangeably, and they both refer to the same thing - a secondary ceiling installed below the main structural ceiling of a room or building.
To install a suspended or dropped ceiling, a grid of metal channels or wooden framing is suspended from the main ceiling using wires or hangers. Then, ceiling tiles are placed into the grid to cover the space between the two ceilings. Different types of ceiling tiles are available, made from materials like mineral fibre, metal, or plastic.
Sometimes, people might use the term "dropped ceiling" to refer specifically to a ceiling that's been lowered below the original ceiling height, which can be achieved by attaching framing or furring strips to the existing ceiling structure. However, both "dropped" and "suspended" ceilings typically involve the same installation process and use similar materials.
So, whether you call it a dropped ceiling or a suspended ceiling, you're talking about the same thing.
Still, have questions regarding suspended ceilings? Then please get in touch with our offices today. We will be more than happy to discuss everything from prices to installation times.