There are five types of suspended ceilings that Newbury Interiors are able to provide.
Mineral Fibre
Mineral fibre suspended ceilings were one of the first types of suspended ceiling to be developed and are a cost effective option to install. The basic product is often improved to increase fire resistance, acoustic performance, humidity resistance or cleanability.
Usually this type of suspended ceiling is laid into an exposed modular suspension system but it can also be adapted for concealed construction. These ceilings are available in a range of different textures. It is normally finished in white; however special colours can be ordered. Modern tiles now provide excellent humidity resistance.
Suspended ceilings of this type include Armstrong’s Ultima range and Owa’s OWAcoustic products.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool suspended ceilings are a popular first choice for many contractors due to its excellent performance characteristics in use and in the event of fire. It can be easier and lighter to install. Mineral wool is a stable product even under a wide range of temperatures and retains its thermal performance throughout the lifetime of a building.
During a lifetime of 50 yrs mineral wool typically saves more than a 1,000 times the quantity of energy used to make it. With efficient manufacturing process and strict environmental controls mineral wool has lower embodied energy and yields greater environmental returns than many other insulants.
Armstrong’s Dune, all Rockfon and Ecophon products are all examples of mineral wool suspended ceilings.
Metal
Metal suspended ceiling systems offer a number of significant advantages over conventional mineral fibre which should be taken into account before specifying. Metal suspended ceilings have a low life cycle cost as they are manufactured to the highest standards from intrinsically durable materials be it steel or aluminium. A polyester powder coating process protects against corrosion, providing a washable, humidity resistant finish. The anticipated life span of a metal system is in excess of 25 years, which, at a price comparable to mid range mineral tiles, offers very low life cycle costs.
An extensive range of perforation patterns combined with acoustic infill, allow precise sound absorption and specialised performances criteria to be achieved. Infills can be varied without changing the overall appearance of the ceiling to allow variations of acoustic performance for specific areas.
Metal suspended ceilings offer easy access for service maintenance with a number of systems featuring hinged down mechanisms making access even simpler. Panels can be supplied with factory formed apertures to allow easy on site installation of luminaries, smoke detectors and air grills.
The suspended ceiling’s appearance can be varied in terms of perforation pattern, finish, size and shape -in other words, a made to measure product can be made for the customer that is long lasting and durable.
Metal ceilings are ideal for hospital and cleanroom environments where hygiene is of paramount importance.
Burgess and SAS ceilings, together with Armstrong’s Orcal range are examples of this type of suspended ceiling.
Plasterboard
Plasterboard suspended ceilings have the advantage of providing amongst the most versatile design and aesthetic options available. In addition, they have superior acoustic performance, are tolerant of high humidity, are durable, give good fire protection and are easy to maintain.
Lay in grid tiles, planks and seamless boarded solutions are available. Ceilings can be vinyl faced or patterned to enhance any interior environment.
British Gypsum’s Casoprano, Gyprex and Gyptone ranges are examples of plasterboard suspended ceilings.
Feature Ceilings
Free hanging units are often used where it is not appropriate to install a standard suspended ceiling but where it is necessary to have some degree of acoustic insulation. They may also be installed where additional sound absorption is needed in addition to that provided by a suspended ceiling. On the other hand they may be installed for purely aesthetic reasons too as they can be used to define spaces or accentuate an area and provide a focus. Used individually or in groups, they are suspended from a building structure or wall by a simple cable system to give dramatic impact to your office space.
Armstrong’s Canopies and Ecophon’s Edge products are examples of this type of suspended ceiling product.
