A false ceiling can provide several lighting options.
False ceilings -- also called suspended ceilings -- can do more than just hide pipes, electrical wiring and heating and air conditioning ducts. They can also provide insulation, better acoustics and allow a variety of lighting options as well as make a design statement. In addition, false ceilings can make use of several different materials to obtain the desired effect; they can also work well in almost any setting.
Gypsum Board
Perhaps the most commonly used material for false ceilings is gypsum board. As its name implies, it is made primarily of gypsum, which is fire-resistant, light-weight and easily cut into numerous shapes. While gypsum panels can be fastened to each other, they are usually placed on a metal grid. Although gypsum board provides a clean look as it is, it can be painted or decorated. In addition to residential use, gypsum board is often used to lower the ceilings in heated equestrian barns to provide more warmth in cold climates.
Fiberboard and Plaster of Paris
Fiberboard is often the most economical choice for false ceilings since it can be made of numerous plant fibers as well as wood and agricultural wastes. As a variation, some of these are reinforced with a variety of mineral components for added strength and insulating properties. Plaster of Paris is sometimes added to fiber board to give it a smoother texture; it can also be used by itself to create very light-weight panels.
Metal Panels
Metal ceiling panels are both easy to install and economical. While metal panels can give a clean, modern look, ones made out of tin can bear designs to give a more antique look. These panels also provide easy access to utilities without dropping any particles, as gypsum does; this makes metal panels very desirable when clean surroundings are a must.
Plywood and Other Materials
While plywood and other woods can give an aesthetic look to any ceiling, they are usually found only in cooler climates or areas that are climate-controlled. Too much moisture or humidity can lead to warping. If not treated, these ceilings are also susceptible to termites and similar insect pests.
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