Thursday, 19 January 2012 12:08

3 Articles on ceiling tiles + suspended ceilings

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Hi,

I need 3 articles on ceiling tiles + suspended ceilings and, the sort of things you find on http://www.suspendedceilingshop.co.uk/

Not a riveting subject I know! If you could try and talk about them and their usage in business that would be great.

Comment

Hi *********,

Articles attached,

Thanks,
Amy


Ceiling tiles
Ceiling tiles are used to build what is essentially a second ceiling underneath the load bearing one; this is sometimes referred to as a suspended ceiling or a dropped ceiling. The idea was first pioneered by Donald A. Brown from Westlake, Ohio, in 1958, and has since become a staple of modern construction techniques. Suspended ceilings are popular designs not only because of their contemporary feel and ease of installation, but because they provide an area between the two ceilings – known as the plenum space – which can be used for HVAC return and to keep unsightly wiring or piping out of view.
Typically, dropped ceilings are made up of gridded metalwork which is suspended from the solid ceiling above it, then lightweight ceiling tiles are dropped into place. Tiles tend to be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, or mineral fibres, and can be purchased in a wide range of colours. Their flexibility within the sphere of design as well as practicality is a great advantage of this type of ceiling structure, they can be used to complement the rest of the décor and even fit easily around lights, speakers and fire-sprinklers. A general size guide to work by is that most ceiling tiles come in measurements of either 600x600 or 1200x600, but the lightweight nature of the material means they cut to fit shapes and fixtures without too much trouble.
The suspended ceiling, although initially developed to conceal wires and pipes, quickly evolved to offer additional advantages, namely an improved acoustic balance for the rooms they’re installed into. Enhanced sound absorption and attenuation is something that ceiling tiles have been designed to provide following substantial research into their performance, extra insulation – called Sound Attenuation Batts – are essential to reducing noise disturbance from floor to floor. Insulation is placed above the panels in order to deaden sounds and minimise noise pollution.
The biggest advantage of using ceiling tiles to create a dropped ceiling is the ease with which modifications can be undertaken after the panels are put in place. The tiles are simple to remove, allowing instant access to the plenum space between the two layers, this can significantly reduce repair or alteration times, particularly for work that needs carrying out over a number of floors. In addition, there is very little mess to clean up afterwards, as no walls have to be demolished or plaster removed. Big businesses will know that entire building installations can be a nightmare, especially if wiring or plumbing is affected, so it’s no surprise that this practical, economical solution can be found in offices and function rooms all over the world. Furthermore, if larger spaces need to be converted into small office spaces, suspended ceilings are incredibly versatile when it comes to switching interiors around. Then, if years down the line the business is moving or altering again, the sections are easily dismantled in order to open up the space again, or to be relocated to an office with a different floor plan.

Suspended ceilings
Due to the immense popularity of suspended ceiling tiles, particularly in the business world, there are a whole host of different colours, designs, and materials used to create them. The varying manufacture techniques are there to serve different purposes – in other words, it depends where the tile will be used and what sort of ceiling needs to be constructed, as to what type of material the panels should be made from.
Acoustical ceiling tiles are used to reduce noise and to improve sound performance within the building, they are made from spun mineral wool fibre which is mixed with starch, this makes them lightweight, but solid and dense at the same time. The capabilities of this type of panel vary, depending on the quality of the materials used, the degree of soundproofing required, and the structure of the buildings they are installed into. Not only can acoustical tiles reduce the amount of noise pollution, but also they can actually improve the sound produced from within as well, as they are developed to provide enhanced absorption and attenuation, giving the space a greater acoustic balance. Used prevalently in buildings that will house a lot of noise – such as nightclubs and function rooms, this kind of tile can also be purchased in a range of colours to match interior design themes, allowing the suspended ceiling to become a part of the architecture as well as just a practical addition to the building.
Tin ceiling tiles are actually manufactured from lots of different metals, such as brass, steel, and copper, not just tin. Although they are produced in large rolls and can be made with designs stamped onto them, they aren’t tremendously cost-effective, particularly the old fashioned, genuine tin panels, but they are great to look at and very durable; this is probably why they are popular with both residential and commercial properties.
Ceilume panels are classified as Class I (fire rated) tiles, which means they can be used under lighting fixtures and for sprinkler systems. They are highly robust, since they are made from vinyl they should be safe from water damage, and they contain no asbestos. Furthermore, ceilume tiles are impervious to mould and bacterium’s that cause poor air quality in office spaces, making them long lasting and high performing for busy buildings.
Cork tiles are the eco-friendly alternative, and their lightweight nature means they are significantly quicker to install than their metal counterparts. Waxed or un-waxed varieties are available, although this tends to be more for cosmetic effect than for necessity. Cork is well known as being a tough insulator, and even though they may cost a little extra, it could be worth it for the quality of the materials.
Finally, plastic ceiling tiles are probably the most common type of panel used to create suspended ceilings, primarily because they offer a great choice and they are much cheaper than the alternatives. It’s not difficult to get hold of plastic tiles that are made to look more expensive either, a bonus if you’re working on a budget. Stone-look and faux-tin versions are readily available, to create good quality insulation, but also add something to the inside of a room without bumping up the price at the same time.

Ceiling tiles for business use
Gone are the days of hideous polystyrene tiles on the office ceiling, the modern day suspended ceiling has opened businesses up to a new world of design and functionality. For new business starters and veterans of trade alike, it can be a real struggle to maintain a fresh, contemporary feel in the workplace, whilst at the same time making sure fire regulations and safety measures are taken into consideration. If you shop around a little and find the perfect ceiling tile for your needs, there’s no reason why a stylish, eye-catching dropped ceiling should break the bank, now or in the future - when extra installations may be needed.
With so many people using the electricity and plumbing in one building, there’s bound to be a seemingly endless network of pipes and wires supplying necessities to every corner of the property, choosing a lightweight, easily installable ceiling panel can cover up any eyesores that can’t be plastered into the walls. Investing in a suspended ceiling can seriously benefit the outward impression your business gives to customers and other visitors, clean, smooth lines and complementary colours will make your office look more professional – an invaluable asset in a time when appearances could mean the difference between failure and success in the business world.
As well as making offices presentable, the right ceiling tiles can make the space work for you in ways it may not have done before. The sheer variety alone will make the room come together from a design point of view, but the material you choose could also enhance the acoustics, giving the area a more inviting atmosphere that lends itself to hard work and progress. Denser tiles, designed to absorb sound waves, also provide peace and quiet in what can sometimes be a hectic, loud environment. It’s easy to separate spaces and get rid of interruptions with a sound proofed suspended ceiling, even more insulation can be added in the space between the tiles and the solid floor above – called the plenum space – to create greater sound resistance. This will also do wonders for the bills at the end of the month, as the building will become more energy efficient and in turn save more money.
Businesses housed in older buildings can benefit from this modern technology too, ceiling tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used to hide uneven ceilings, as well as being cut to shape to fit around such interior features as pillars or light fittings. It only takes a small adjustment of the metal grids, which hold the panels up, and your office or commercial area will instantly be transformed into a contemporary, professional place of work.
Once installed, suspended ceilings are not only an essential design feature, but they also allow electricians and plumbers to access the areas they need to with very little trouble, the panels are easily removable, and tiles can even be used to cover specific electrical outlets.

Comment

Hi Amy,

Yes it's 400-500 for each article.

Thanks

Comment

Hi ************,

I'm assuming that's 400-500 for each article, not all three together? Just wanted to check before I started.

Thanks,
Amy