What is a Suspended Ceiling?
A suspended ceiling, also known as a false ceiling or dropped ceiling, consists of a secondary ceiling created from a metal framework and ceiling tiles. With a gap of 3-8 inches between the suspended and structural ceilings, the naming convention follows its original format. A suspended ceiling provides a clean and professional atmosphere while utilising the gap space for necessary wires, ventilation, and heating.
There are many benefits of suspended ceilings in your home. First of all, it is easy to install. With a bit of research and knowledge, you can even install it yourself. The same goes for its removal. Any time there is a need for repairing a problematic area, you can take a part of the ceiling off and then put it back again. As suspended ceilings come in various colours, designs, and materials, you always have an option for a stylish ceiling. Plus, no matter where you need lights, suspended ceilings pose no issue with the installation of light fixtures.
With high acoustic properties, dropped ceilings act as a great soundproofing tool, are moisture resistant, and will help you cover the ceiling and conceal any random flaws and imperfections.
Cost Comparison: Suspended Ceiling vs. Exposed Ceiling
Installation Cost
Based on location, construction costs for a suspended ceiling could be the more cost-effective option compared to an exposed ceiling. When including both installation and tiles, you’re looking at £25 to £28 per m2. Overall, the entire kit starts at £320 to £450, depending on the complexity of the project.
The materials for an exposed ceiling, depending on your design, average out to £92 per m2, which includes insulation and other materials along with decorating. Plus, you still have the expenses related to hiring a structural engineer (£100 per hour) and a builder (£250 per day).
Maintenance Cost
Outlining all maintenance costs proves to be a challenge since there is no cleaning of pipes, ducts, and raceways. Plus, you won’t have to paint any exposed equipment or systems. In other words, fewer maintenance activities around a suspended ceiling mean fewer maintenance costs.
Energy Efficiency
Studies suggest energy consumption is lower when suspended ceilings are installed. They are designed to provide more insulation, which means that heat is retained in the winter. During the summer, however, the outdoor heat is kept out while retaining the cooler air—thus less use of the air conditioning.
Cost Comparison: Suspended Ceiling vs. Drywall Ceiling
Installation Cost
Installing drywall is a lot harder than installing a dropped ceiling. This is where your labour costs increase.
Moreover, drywall ceiling installation tends to be slow and messy, and the drywall sheets are so heavy that you need two people to lift one sheet at a time. And even once the sheets are done, extra work like sanding, cleaning, and painting is needed.
So, for example, if we take a 121-metre room, to install a dropped ceiling you would need roughly £3,413.76, based on the materials and installation. Now the drywall ceiling would require $798.51 to $3,832.57. However, with the additional painting that needs to be done, plus the complexity it requires to set up the lights, maintenance, etc., the costs surpass those of the dropped ceiling but without the perks of extra insulation and acoustics.
Maintenance Cost
No matter if you do some maintenance work on the ceiling itself or on items near that space, suspended ceilings will always be easier to manage. No matter the damage that is done to a ceiling tile, you can simply change one (or a few), and the place will be back to new.
With drywall, however, this is not possible. You will work with a larger area, where you would cut a part of the ceiling, install the new piece, and then re-tape and plaster it again, re-sand it, and re-paint it. In cases where the issue is not directly with the ceiling, an access door is highly recommended, as without one, you are looking at breaking off some of the ceiling just to get to the part you need.
Energy Efficiency
Like the previous case, a drop ceiling is once again a better option compared to a drywall ceiling. As the wall height is decreased, there is less area to warm up, so the energy costs are lower. If an air conditioner and heater are the main sources of heating and cooling, it is expected that you will see a drop in the electricity bill.
Suspended ceilings are a great option for anyone interested in hiding MEP installations, spending less time on having a clean industrial look (if using an exposed ceiling), or worrying how something will be repaired when using drywall. The work on suspended ceilings offers flexibility, a variety of options, and the assurance that the job will be done right. Make your place look aesthetic and clean with Crisp Contracts. From material, installation service to expert assistance, we have a range of services that you’ll ever need under one roof.