A suspended ceiling, otherwise known as a dropped ceiling, typically takes the form of a grid of aluminum supports with square or rectangular tiles installed in between, which is hung below the roof or next storey to give an area for air supply, wires and cables and piping, and to create an appealing look and feel with no apparent clutter.
The suspended ceiling was devised in 1958 by an American called Donald Brown and it has changed little since that time. Suspended ceilings are generally seldom found in the home, but are usually encountered in office and industrial settings where building construction techniques differ and a lot of services such as air con, public address systems and fire detection are made use of.
Suspended ceiling panels usually are not with no negative aspects, nevertheless, and may become ugly after some years of being installed. Regularly, the panels may become discoloured as a result of tobacco smoke or water leakage. Panels can bulge downwards, or repetitive taking out and replacement for servicing may end up in the sides and corners of the panels becoming harmed. In the event the layout of a building demands alteration, suspended ceilings can be modified to fit the new design but this really is often done amateurishly by general building contractors and may end up in a inadequate look and feel. In damp environments such as swimming pools, mildew can be a difficulty if allowed to remain untreated.
Stretch ceilings really are a new innovation that may be a superior alternative to suspended ceilings quite often.
A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet that is anchored at all perimeters to the walls and placed under stress such that it will become flat. A stretch ceiling has many of the advantages of a suspended ceiling, in terms of covering up ugly roof beams or old plaster, but provides a more eye-catching finish and tidier installation all around columns and other unusual features. The ceiling could also be curved or arched to take advantage of the room available, and could be offered in a assortment of colours or even illuminated from behind by coloured lighting effects. They are also resistant to mold and mildew because water simply flows off them, causing them to be suitable for use in humid environments.
Stretch ceilings are an appealing modern alternative to conventional suspended ceilings and they are increasing in popularity.