Things You Need to Know About False Ceilings

False ceilings are an excellent element for your house to make a transformational change that is not only decorative but also beneficial. If you’re one for keeping your roofs plain and simple, it is time to rethink your decision.
Since roofs are an integral feature in all constructions, enhancing them with drop ceilings will add to the protection of your house whilst making them aesthetically pleasing.

Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, brings you an all-inclusive guide on the uses and benefits of false ceilings in homes.

 

What is a False Ceiling?

 

 

False ceilings (or Drop Ceilings) are artificial layers hung below the actual roof. This helps in hiding all the ductwork, and electrical wires and gives a neat and stylish outlook. in rooms.

These type of roofs typically are just artificial installments for beautification purposes, and should not be constructed as a load-bearing wall. Besides its aesthetic properties, false ceiling designs are an excellent source of absorbing heat and sound.

 

Purpose of False Ceiling

You can make the most of your roof by adding a false roofing layer that will also serve a purposeful role in your house. Following are some significant uses that these are used for.

• Concealing of electrical wiring, duct pipes, fittings
• Bringing down the height of a very high ceiling/roof
• Beautification of the ceiling
• For addition of more lights and fixtures in a room or space
• Soundproofing
• Acting as thermal insulation

 

Pros and Cons of False Ceilings:

False ceilings are an excellent element of your home. However, not everyone vows to the idea of installing these in their homes.

This is because there are various benefits and drawbacks involved in incorporating these in your home. Let’s take a look at how these pros and cons of false ceilings weigh against each other.

 

Advantages of False Ceilings

 

 

Following are a few main advantages that drop ceilings bring with them to your home or any space.

• Great addition to enhance interior decor
• Creates a sleek and clutter-free look
• Enhances the acoustics in your room
• Cuts down on energy bills
• Neutralises the temperature of your room
• Balances the height of ceiling
• Great Addition to Enhance Interior Decor

Unlike regular ceilings, false ceilings come in many designs because of their light weight and use of different materials. These are easier to carve thus making it customisable as per your choice.

You can choose your favourite designs and give your room just the creative touch to make it modern. Giving your roof just the right carvings and cuts along with the addition of lights is an excellent way to make your interior space elegant and sophisticated.

 

Creates a Sleek and Clutter-Free Look

 

 

When it comes to plain roofs and ceilings, we see a lot happening. This is because of the electrical wiring, duct pipes, air conditioning pipes and so many other cluttering elements that come in the way of a neat look.

False ceilings help conceal these imperfections and give out a clean and beautiful facade that elevates the look of your space. Since it de-clutters the roof, it comes in very handy for the house.

 

Enhances the Acoustics in Your Room

 

 

If you’re worried over the noise in your house that grows from its surroundings; false ceilings are an excellent way to balance the acoustics in a room. This is because it acts as a sound barrier that minimises noise thus acting as a soundproof layer.

It serves a major role in blocking out the extra sounds making the environment calm and peaceful.

 

Cuts Down on Energy Bills

 

 

False ceilings can help a lot in bringing down the temperature of your house. This protection against the sun’s scorching heat eventually adds up in cutting down the electricity bills.
The added layer creates an insulating barrier that cuts down your air-conditioning cost in summers.

 

Neutralises the Temperature of Your Room

Amongst so many benefits, another reason that false ceilings prove to be beneficial is their role in beating the summer heat.

Apart from the air-conditioning cost that it reduces, these help a lot to control the humidity and warmth that traps inside your house. With false ceilings, the roof remains comparatively cooler making it easier for you to bear the summer weather.

 

Balances the Height of the Ceiling

 

 

In case your home or building has a high roof, false ceilings can easily balance the height. This is because they come as an added layer, which is usually a maximum of 8 inches or less from the ceiling.
This gives your house a cosy and inviting feeling, making it more inviting and comfortable. Besides, repairing and fixing any damage in these is way easier than traditional designs and roof types.

 

Disadvantages of False Ceilings

Similar to its many advantages, false ceilings do come with a few drawbacks that may come around as a hurdle when you’re making a decision for installing false ceilings.

Following are some pointers you can consider if you’re thinking of making a decision for their installment in your construction projects.

• Reduces area in your room
• Requires frequent maintenance
• Less durable than traditional ceilings
• Falling risk of fixtures

 

Reduces Area in Your Room

 

 

When installing false ceilings, it is important to take into consideration the space and surface area of your room. Just as these are helpful in balancing height for high ceilings, these may come around as more of a space compressor if we’re considering small spaces.

If your roof is already hung low, then going for a drop ceiling type might not be the best idea. It is important to consider the surface area and height of a room when considering installing them.

 

Requires Frequent Maintenance

False ceilings frequent attention in terms of upgrades and maintenance. This is due to its lightweight and difference in strength, meaning they tend to fall off and damage easily.
Thus, repairing them consistently now and again is an important aspect of opting for these.

Another difficult perspective that comes with this kind of roofing is the repairing of electrical wires and pipes. Because these are hidden behind the artificial layer, repairing them can be costly since it requires extra cleaning and repair.

 

Less Durable Than Traditional Ceilings

False ceilings do not serve as durable as plain and regular roofs in the house. This is because these types of ceilings are not strong enough to survive through humid climates and extreme weather conditions.

If you live in an area that is prone to sudden climate change and natural disasters, false ceilings are not the right option. In such cases, they might even be around as an additional layer of danger.

 

Falling Risk of Fixtures

If you’re still weighing on installing false ceilings, you ought to understand the risks involved before actually installing them.
It is important to remember not to put up light features dangling from your drop ceiling.

In case you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall frequently, you can perhaps add show lights that are embedded within the false ceiling. This makes them safe from falling down or any damage in the case of natural storms.

 

Types of False Ceilings

 

 

False ceilings can be installed in different materials and vary as per their usage, the area they are to be installed in, and their design.

These makeup up most of the popular house ceiling designs in Pakistan. Amongst multiple materials for it, some commonly used materials are as follows.

• Plaster of Paris
• Wooden False Ceilings
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Mineral Fibre
• Gypsum False Ceilings
• Metal False Ceilings
• Glass False Ceilings

All these materials are efficient and are brilliant to be used as false ceiling designs. These have become increasingly popular in the past decade, with their usage in almost all construction projects.

If you’re looking for more information on the types and designs of your roofs, visit Graana Blog.