Advantages Of Stretched Ceilings Over Suspended Ceilings
01.27.12
A suspended ceiling, or dropped ceiling, ordinarily takes the form of a matrix of aluminum supports with square or rectangular tiles placed between them, which is hung below the roof structure or next storey to give a location for air supply, cables and pipes, and to create an attractive look and feel without visible mess.
The suspended ceiling was developed in 1958 by an American called Donald Brown and it has changed little since that time. Suspended ceilings are generally seldom found in domestic situations, but are regularly found in business office and commercial settings where building construction approaches are distinct and a lot of utilities including air con, PA systems and fire detection are made use of.
Suspended ceiling panels usually are not without negative aspects, nevertheless, and can become unsightly after a few years of installation. Frequently, the panels can become discoloured as a result of cigarette smoke or rain water leaks. Panels can sag down, or repetitive taking out and reinstallation for maintenance may end up in the edges and corners of the tiles getting ruined. If the layout of the space needs modification, suspended ceilings can be modified to suit the new layout but it’s often carried out amateurishly by basic building contractors and may end up in a very poor appearance. In wet conditions including pools, mildew may become a concern if left without treatment.
Stretch ceilings are a new development which can be a superior option to suspended ceilings on many occasions.
A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet that is anchored at all perimeters to the wall surfaces and put under stress such that it will become smooth. A stretch ceiling has many of the benefits of a suspended ceiling, in terms of covering up unsightly roof supports or old plaster, but delivers a more beautiful finish and tidier installation around columns and other unusual features. The ceiling may also be curved or arched to take advantage of the space available, and could be offered in a range of shades or even illuminated from above by coloured lighting. They’re also resistant to mildew and mold because water just runs off them, which makes them appropriate for use in moist conditions.
Stretch ceilings are an interesting contemporary alternative to old fashioned suspended ceilings and so are increasing in popularity.