False Ceiling

A false ceiling is a ceiling suspended from the main roof with the suspension fixed to the walls, roof, or beam of the superstructure, it is a ceiling created under the main slab or floor using material like gypsum sheet, POP, ply-wood, etc.

These ceilings are generally used for aesthetic purposes, they are also good for thermal insulation and sound absorption.

Here we will learn about false ceiling, types of false ceilings, advantages & disadvantages of false ceilings.

Introduction to false ceiling:

In simple terms, a false ceiling is a second roof that forms below original slab, it a gives beautiful homogeneous appearance and smooth finish.

Plaster of Paris is popularly used to build false ceilings because it can be easily moulded into various designs, however gypsum boards, modular ceilings, metal ceilings are also used on a large scale.

Purpose of false ceiling:

It improves aesthetically and it basically manages the heights of the room and the remaining are as follows:

• Hides ducting and minimizes the volume of the room.
• Ugly structural members such as beams, etc. which usually spoil the look of the room are hidden.
• Ceiling reflects more light can reduce the cost of lighting and electricity costs.
• Soundproof rooms like meeting rooms, conference rooms require a considerable environment.

Types in False Ceilings:

PVC False Ceiling:

PVC ceiling are of two parts- one is using flexible PVC and another solid PVC, which helps easy installation of lights and other accessories.

These PVC panels are quick, easy to install and allow for finishing, edges, and corners.

They are also easy maintenance, durable, water-resistant, lightweight, and a great alternative to POP ceilings and Gypsum ceilings.

PVC ceilings are mostly used in living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen rooms.

Gypsum False Ceiling:

These ceilings are made of hydrated calcium sulfate which makes the material hard and flexible.

They are lightweight, easy to install and more economical compared to other types of false ceilings.

Regular Gypsum Boards are used for surface layers on ceilings and walls, they are costly than POP because of their high quality and flexibility.

Wood False Ceiling:

Wood false ceilings are commonly used, due to their natural textures and patterns.

Depending upon the type and nature of the wood, its texture, finish are selected to give a pleasant look.

They consist of good acoustic properties, insulation properties, high insulation strength that give your house a natural and cool appearance.

POP False Ceiling:

Plaster of Paris is the most regularly used in the construction of false ceiling.

These ceilings are made of POP powder, it is manufactured as a dry powder and mixed with the water to form a paste.

Metal flase ceiling:

This false ceiling is made with metal panels which is applicable for large range of application.

They reduce overall costs, as they are easy to install and access.

It also gives very modern look and blend well with glass.

Advantages of false ceiling:

These ceilings are attractive, easy to maintain, low cost, long lifespan, and very excellent insulators of heat and cold.

Following are the advantages of false ceiling as follows:

1. Fire protection:

If we install fireproof Gypsum products, it provide excellent fire protection solutions.

2. Thermal insulation:

The application of false ceilings develops a gap between the slab and the ceiling, it helps in keeping the room much cooler.

3. Sound insulation:

Conventional walls offer a poor sound insulation as compare to lightweight construction material like Gypsum board.

By installing a false ceiling with rock wool reduces outside noise.

4. Light and sturdy:

Gypsum Boards are 8 to 10 times lighter than masonry structures.

5. Aesthetically more appealing:

These ceilings are aesthetically more appealing and offer flexibility in dividing spaces, it also permit experiment with the shapes and sizes.

6. Saves electricity:

False ceiling reduces space in the ceiling, it helps in increasing air conditioning performance and provides an insulation layer.

7. Fixing of lights inside the ceiling:

Having a false ceiling can completely transform the look of your ceiling by allowing you to install led lights inside the ceiling.

Led Lights for reading or diffused lighting for parties or a relaxed atmosphere.

Instead of putting one or more tube lights inside your room, you get to use high quality LED lights.

LED lights consume less energy and most of them work well for several years.

8. Faster construction:

Gypsum boards are easy to install and require very less time.

In brick construction, the wall also needs to be broken and redone again, if there are some wire or other installation it takes additional time.

9. Available in many materials and colors:

False ceilings are available in wood, plastic, fibre, and other materials.

10. Revolutionary look:

This roof provides a revolutionary look to contemporary interiors.

Disadvantages:

1. False Ceilings reduces the height of a room.
2. It needs more maintenance and does not have a long life.
3. Also becomes difficult to repair the concealed electric wires, pipes, etc.

Also read: Load Bearing Wall, Sheet Piles & Sunken Slab

Conclusion:

False ceiling is a type of artificial roof created as a lower extension of an existing roof; depending on the type of space, you can choose a false ceiling based on different materials and designs.