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Pros and Cons of Installing a Drop-Down Ceiling in Your New Home Build

22/1/2019

21 Comments

 
PictureImage courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
When it comes to ceilings, whether it’s for your new home, renovation, or commercial space, there are many factors to consider, everything from your budget, the look, to the purpose of the ceiling – indeed, there’s more to the ceiling than being a cover over your head. Ceilings help insulate (both noise and temperature) the room below, they hide the structural elements of the house, they often conceal utility pipes and cables and they provide a decorative finish.
 
In this article we examine the pros and cons of using drop-down ceilings in your home building project, also known as suspended ceilings, which are common in many commercial buildings and found in residences. In houses they are more typically used in basements because of their construction, cost and simplicity.
 
These ceilings typically consist of a framework, normally metal tracks, which is suspended from the house structure using wires. Tiles or panels are then set or laid inside the tracks, forming the suspended ceiling.
 
Types of tiles or panels
The most common ceiling tile used in drop-down or suspended ceilings is the acoustic tile. These come in various colours and finishes and varying qualities. For an eye-catching look various colour tiles can even be combined. Some tiles can be more easily wiped clean – which is useful after the maintenance team has been working in the ceiling.
In addition, there are other tile options such as:
  1. Ceiling Tiles
  2. Drywall
  3. Breadboard
  4. Wooden Planks
  5. Plywood
  6. Stained glass
  7. Corrugated metal
 
Advantages of drop-down ceilings
1. Easy Installation
– To install a drop-down ceiling, one needs to install metal tracks suspended by wires below the roof structure, then panels are laid or placed between the tracks – this is how the name “drop-down” or suspended ceiling came to be. Though it may seem simple to suspend the panels, installing the track work may require the assistance of a knowledgeable contractor. Many home owners intending to install the ceiling themselves can obtain the required knowledge from readouts and the internet, and they can purchase the materials from their local building supply stores. However, they need to maintain the safety of their home and ensure the ceiling won’t fall, while also ensuring that it’s aesthetically pleasing without sags when it’s finished.
2. Soundproofing – Drop-down ceilings can enhance the soundproofing of the room, either blocking noise from outside the house or from rooms above. Drop-down ceilings can be insulated with fibreglass, or similar products.
3. Concealing of wires, duct-work and imperfections – For the most part, drop-down ceilings are installed to hide wires, ducts and pipes, while providing easy access to the duct-work, wires and any other necessary building parts that require maintenance or check-ups. Similar to an access panel that provides easy and simple access to the ceiling space, drop-down ceilings do the same.
. 
Disadvantages of drop-down ceilings
1. Loss of height and space – The biggest disadvantage of ceilings is that they reduce the height of a room by several inches (usually at least 8 to 12 but often more) to allow for the frame and wires. This could make the room appear smaller and the lower ceiling may interfere with the tops of windows, cupboards and furniture.
 2. Quality – While drop downs are a cost-effective solution for a building, there are sometimes quality issues. They can over time deteriorate and change colours. This can be prevented with routine maintenance of the ceilings and panels and by ensuring there are no leaks leading to condensation or mould build-up. With time, poorly installed ceilings may sag. Frequent lifting of the panels to access the pipes and utilities in the ceiling space will lead to panels becoming damaged.
3. Not strong or sturdy – Generally the panels, framework and wires are lightweight. They can’t support heavy loads, such as a person’s weight, nor can they be used to support heavy light fittings or even ceiling fans, unless there’s additional support structures added.

Conclusion – Weigh the Options
Ceiling tiles can be eye-catching, and a properly installed drop-down ceiling could be a feature of the room. It’s often a practical low-cost solution for your ceiling requirements, hiding the services and utility pipes and cables in the ceiling void, while providing easy access to them for maintenance. Using different types of tiles can convey varying styles to your room. However, poor installation and using cheap products could result in your ceiling deteriorating with time. Care must also be taken that your drop-down ceiling doesn’t look like a commercial office ceiling. These ceilings aren’t as strong as traditional ceilings and can easily be damaged.

Drop downs are a great choice for basic buildings and for practicality – just remember to ensure it meets all your building needs.
 
So, if you are thinking of replacing your current ceiling, or planning on a remodeling project consider the various ceiling types and what will be best suited to your needs, budget and what will best suit your room and style choices.
The is a guest article supplied by Access Doors and Panels - Your Access Door Super Store

For more valuable tips and advice read: Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open.

21 Comments
SBDICE Plaster Ceiling link
22/5/2019 08:28:03 am

Thank you for sharing.

<a href="http://sbdice-sbdplastersiling.blogspot.com">Plaster Ceiling</a>

Reply
Access Doors and Panels link
22/8/2019 05:25:01 am

Thanks for sharing this very detailed post. A learning material I can use in the future

Reply
Ceiling Access Panel link
16/10/2019 04:47:27 pm

Thank you very much for sharing. We are happy to see such articles.

Reply
Steven Rimmington link
13/1/2020 06:05:15 am

Hey guys a big hello here from the construction industry here in Australia. I've worked for 20 years in building drop ceilings an am a fellow ceiling blogger :). This is a good article nice and simple clearly written to help the reader. We're always interested in other peoples ideas and with an open mind there is always something new to learn. We would love to invite you to look an comment on our website http://www.suspendedceilingsqld.com.au
Great article!, and take care.

Reply
Donald Mayers link
23/3/2020 05:33:18 pm

Great article, this provides transparency in using suspended ceilings. The pros and cons are discussed properly.

Reply
Steve link
24/3/2020 08:53:45 pm

Why on earth I didn't notice it before. I was inspired by the blog about its pros and cons. Thank you for enlightened us what really should do when it happens.Why on earth I didn't notice it before. I was inspired by the blog about its pros and cons. Thank you for enlightened us what really should do when it happens.

Reply
Rebecca Gardner link
28/5/2020 11:44:12 pm

I'm glad you mentioned that drop-down ceilings are a popular option in commercial buildings in addition to residential homes. My brother is looking into the ceiling options for the kitchen of the brush restaurant he and his wife will be starting together this summer. I'll have to give him a call to see if they've looked into having drop ceiling tiles installed in the room!

Reply
Underfloor Insulation Wellington link
10/7/2020 05:03:26 pm

In this article you will get to know about the pros and cons of installing a drop down ceiling in your new home build. Anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter here. I am sure many people will come to read this in future. Great blog indeed, will visit again future to read more!! Found an another website Moisturebarrier.co.nz it has lots of valuable information for everyone.

Reply
Trimline Interiors link
7/9/2020 07:54:22 pm

Hi from Tyson in Gympie, Queensland. I have spent the last 15 years building drop-down ceilings. As with any professional worth his salt, I am always reading up on the subject. Congratulations on a really easy- to-read, impartial article. Good information for home owners and property owners.

Reply
Access Doors and Panels link
19/2/2021 06:10:05 pm

Average Cost of Drop Ceiling Installation

The average cost to have a drop ceiling installed is right at $5.50 per square foot when you choose a local remodeling company to handle the installation. For the DIY'ers out there, you can plan to pay around $2.70 per square foot to install a drop ceiling yourself. Excellent explanation. Anyone can easily comprehend since it’s simple & focused. Keep up the great work!


Reply
Best Access Doors link
22/2/2021 05:34:32 pm

The facts that have been discussed here are really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.


Reply
Braden Bills link
28/4/2021 09:35:53 pm

I want to get a new ceiling added. It makes sense that I would want to get the right kind of plaster would be important! I'll work with a professional to ensure that I do things correctly.

Reply
Drop Ceiling link
31/5/2021 06:44:38 am

I really enjoyed reading this article. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Pete Summers link
3/6/2021 05:23:56 pm

It got me when you said that it’s possible that you have mold if you can smell musty odors in your house. With that in mind, I’ll be sure to hire a mold remediation company for help. Since last week, my son has been complaining about headaches and sneezing due to his allergies.

Reply
Ceiling link
12/7/2021 09:16:28 am

Great posts. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
site link
19/7/2021 12:24:51 pm

I really enjoyed reading this article!

Reply
Drywall Bend link
23/12/2021 10:59:14 am

I benefit reading it. Thanks for sharing

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
12/1/2022 02:41:59 pm

I am grateful that this post underlined that it is important to have our ceiling properly repaired by professionals to prevent damages from occuring. I appreciate that this post highlighted that it is important that the ceilings are repaired prior selling our home as it will benefit the value. I will definitely keep this information in mind when I look for a repair work to be done.

Reply
John Carston link
28/1/2022 01:12:47 pm

I like how you mentioned that it is important to consider your budget before making a plan. My best friend mentioned to me last night that he is planning to have an acoustical ceiling installed in their workplace because of the comfortable feeling they provide, he asked if I have any idea what is the best option to do. Thanks to this informative article, I'll be sure to tell him that it will be much better if he consults a trusted acoustical ceiling installation service as they can answer all his inquiries.

Reply
website link
7/2/2022 06:55:18 am

This site has a lot of good content and feedback!

Reply
Melynda Williams link
10/3/2022 06:40:24 am

The room, either blocking noise from outside the house or from rooms above. Drop-down ceilings can be insulated with fibreglass, I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

Reply



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    I’m a construction professional, author of several successful construction management books, and a home owner. I’ve made mistakes in construction management, I’ve seen others make mistakes, but importantly I’ve had multiple successful construction projects and I’ve learned from the mistakes. I want to share these lessons and my knowledge with you.
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  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
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