The false ceiling, also known as the suspended ceiling, has become a symbol of modernity and sophistication today. But there are different kinds of false ceilings that are found in our interiors.
The different types of false ceilings
The false ceiling comes in many forms depending on its use, the materials used, its appearance and its visibility. Here are the different classifications of false ceilings.
We first find the false ceiling made of gypsum. It is a hydrated calcium sulphate. This type of false ceiling is light, soundproof, fire resistant, soft and thermally insulated. The false ceiling in gypsum is in the form of square panels hung using an iron frame. Plank finishing works like paint, laminates and wallpapers are used to give this ceiling an extra look.
The second type of false ceiling is the plaster of Paris ceiling. Plaster of Paris is the material mainly used in the construction of false ceilings. It is obtained when gypsum is heated to a certain temperature. Plaster of Paris is an attractive suspended ceiling, requiring almost no maintenance while having a long lifespan. It is excellent in terms of insulation. This type of ceiling is also the suitable element to hide the misshapen parts of the structure such as the ventilation ducts and also gives a smooth finish to the ceiling.
The third category of false ceiling concerns the wooden false ceiling. This false ceiling is used because of its texture and natural look. It is used more and more because it offers a pleasing appearance to the eye. It is ideal for residential buildings because it gives a fairly stunning result in terms of look.
Another type of false ceiling used in construction is the glass false ceiling. It is a non-crystalline material with brittle and transparent properties. But there is a possibility to make it less fragile and non-transparent by using additives. Glass is a good insulator for heat. This type of false ceiling also improves the aesthetic appearance of the building.
A rather unusual type of false ceiling is the metal false ceiling. As this material is hard and durable, it is also used as a false ceiling. When the metal surface is polished, it gives it a shiny surface which is quite futuristic aesthetically. The metals used are iron and galvanized aluminum. The cost of this ceiling is low, as it is easy to install.
The last type of false ceiling concerns synthetic leather. The material used in this type of false ceiling is either leather or fabric. What is interesting with this kind of material is that it can be given any shape, thus improving the aesthetics of the interior of the building. As these collect dust and have low light transfer property, it is mostly used in tents or other temporary buildings.
In what context and why to install a false ceiling?
If you are remodeling a room or transforming a basement into a new living space, the false ceiling presents itself as a good solution with real advantages. The often neglected space above your head then gains a lot of added value thanks to the false ceiling. Indeed, the suspended ceiling offers many varieties of styles, textures and colors. It is possible to install your own false ceiling yourself without the help of a professional, which reduces costs when you want to refresh your home.
In addition, opting for a false ceiling allows easy access to the system of the house. Indeed, conduits, plumbing, wiring, TV, network, and other mechanical systems can be easily hidden in a suspended ceiling, while remaining accessible for possible repairs. But the most important thing is that the false ceiling is resistant to humidity, sag and fire. Suspended ceilings are also resistant to mold and bacteria. They can be used in areas where high humidity is present, such as the bathroom. In addition, the false ceilings are fireproof panels and tiles and meet industry standards for flame spread.
How much does a false ceiling cost?
What should be remembered when choosing to install a false ceiling is that the cost of the latter will vary depending on the type of material chosen. The installation of a false ceiling will depend solely on your budget. In order to make a wise choice on the material, it all depends on the room where you want to install your false ceiling: is it the bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom? But also do you need standard or ecological insulation? The price of your false ceiling will then depend on all these criteria. Nevertheless, you can always request quotes according to your needs to be sure.
How to install a false ceiling yourself?
To install a false ceiling, you have two options. You can either attach the frame directly to the beams or to the plaster ceiling. To do this, start by attaching a wooden frame as a support structure directly to the ceiling beams or the existing roof. Make sure you are using the correct plugs. Note that the roof beams can be of different heights. Fix the wooden supports with a spacing of 40 cm. The ceiling panels will then be screwed to the wooden frame.
The second option is to attach a suspended frame to a plaster ceiling. As in step 1, fix the supports to the ceiling with equal spacings of 40 cm. Screw the brackets to the existing ceiling using screws and dowels and make sure you fill all the brackets to the same height.