Types of Ceiling
Gypsum Ceiling
Gypsum ceilings are the most common form of false ceilings. They are extremely versatile and perfect to create intricate designs. They are contiguous and meld without traces of any edges/seems and can be done in rounded edges. Vintage to luxurious; Chic to classic, all kinds of designs are possible here; this when combined with modern lighting fixtures, they give a surreal feel to the room.
Further, newer boards are available that have enhanced qualities like moisture resistance, fire resistance or sound proofing. In general, the important benefits of gypsum ceilings are (a) Design aesthetics, (b) Uniform lighting, (c) Thermal Insulation, (d) Better Sound proofing, and (e) Energy efficiency.
Pvc ceiling
PVC Ceilings are a newer form of false ceilings that come in pre-printed designs. They are plastic and hence are moisture resistant. Like Gypsum ceilings they too need a channel structure to mount the PVC sheets, and are slightly faster than Gypsum to cut and install.
The advantage is that they are pre-printed with designs and can be used along with gypsum to create unique and interesting designs. However, step structures, rounded designs that are common with gypsum, are difficult to implement with PVC sheets. Another shortcoming are the grooves / edges that are visible where the PVC sheets are attached to one another.
Grid ceiling
Grid Ceilings are the de-facto false ceilings used in offices. They are normally 2*2 ft mineral boards that are ‘placed’ on top of suspended channels. They allow for quick and easy access to the utilities like electricity lines, fire lines above the false ceiling fitted to the soffit.
Armstrong and Ecophon (from Saint Gobain) are the default branded choices, with a huge variety of other brands available in the market. But one must note that there are a dozen different products available even within these brands with different quality properties for different applications – moisture resistance, noise reduction, sturdiness and load bearing strength are a few important ratings a discerning client must ask!
Some of the others ceiling design
Owing to the growing popularity of false ceilings several newer alternatives have emerged. Each alternative has its pros and cons, solving for different use-cases. Please discuss with our false ceiling experts to identify what is best suited for your requirements. A few notable mentions are (a) Calcium Silicate boards that are sturdier and moisture resistant, (b) Pine wood slabs for a natural look, (c) acrylic sheets that let light pass for translucent effect, or(d) Readymade ceilings with lighting.
