A suspended ceiling, otherwise known as a dropped ceiling, usually takes the shape of a matrix of steel supports with square or rectangular tiles positioned in between, which is hung beneath the roof structure or next storey to give a location for HVAC, cables and plumbing, and to produce an attractive look and feel without noticeable clutter.
The suspended ceiling was conceived in 1958 by an American named Donald Brown and it has altered very little since. Suspended ceilings are rarely seen in domestic situations, yet are usually encountered in office and industrial settings where property construction approaches are unique and additional services for example air con, PA systems and fire detection are made use of.
Suspended ceiling systems usually are not without negative aspects, nevertheless, and may grow to be ugly after several years of being installed. Frequently, the panels can be discoloured as a result of tobacco smoke or rain water leakage. Panels can bulge down, or repetitive removal and replacement for maintenance may result in the edges and corners of the panels becoming broken. When the layout of the space requires alteration, suspended ceilings can be modified to go well with the new layout but this is often performed amateurishly by general building contractors and may result in a very poor visual appeal. In damp environments for example swimming pools, mildew may become a difficulty if eventually left untreated.
Stretch ceilings really are a new advancement which is often a superior option to suspended ceilings on many occasions.
A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet that is anchored at all perimeters to the walls and placed under stress so that it becomes flat. A stretch ceiling has several of the benefits of a suspended ceiling, in terms of masking ugly roof supports or aged plaster, but gives a more appealing finish and tidier installation around columns and other irregular features. The ceiling could also be curved or arched to take advantage of the space available, and could be offered in a variety of colours and even illuminated from above by coloured lighting. They are also resistant to mold and mildew because water merely flows off them, which makes them suitable for use in wet environments.
Stretch ceilings are an appealing contemporary alternative to traditional suspended ceilings and are increasing in popularity.