A suspended ceiling, otherwise known as a dropped ceiling, typically takes the form of a grid of steel supports with square or rectangular tiles placed in between, which is hung below the roof structure or floor above to provide a location for HVAC, cables and piping, and to create an attractive appearance without obvious clutter.
The suspended ceiling was devised in 1958 by an American named Donald Brown and it has changed very little since that time. Suspended ceilings are generally rarely found in the home, but they are usually found in business office and commercial environments where building construction approaches are different and additional services including air con, PA systems and fire detection are made use of.
Suspended ceiling systems aren’t without down sides, nevertheless, and can become aesthetically displeasing after some years of installation. Frequently, the panels can be discoloured as a result of tobacco smoke or water leakage. Panels can bulge down, or repetitive removal and reinstallation for repair may result in the sides and corners of the panels getting ruined. In the event the layout of the space needs changes, suspended ceilings can be modified to suit the new layout but this is often carried out inexpertly by basic trades-people and may result in a poor visual appeal. In humid environments including pools, mold may become a difficulty if eventually left unattended.
Stretch ceilings are really a new innovation which may be a superior alternative to suspended ceilings quite often.
A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet which is anchored at all perimeters to the wall surfaces and placed under tension so that it will become flat. A stretch ceiling has many of the positive aspects of a suspended ceiling, in terms of masking aesthetically displeasing roof supports or old plaster, but provides a more attractive finish and neater installation all around pillars and other unusual features. The ceiling could also be arched or curved to take advantage of the space available, and could be supplied in a range of colours or perhaps lit from behind by coloured lights. They’re also immune to mildew and mold because water simply flows off them, which makes them appropriate for use in humid environments.
Stretch ceilings are an appealing contemporary alternative to conventional suspended ceilings and so are increasing in popularity.