What are the benefits of suspended ceilings?

This is the 143rd article of Home Selection Master

In life, there are many things that we struggle with, such as what clothes to wear when going out, what takeout to order at noon, and which new mobile phone to choose. Which brand...and decoration is even more troublesome~

When Andy's home was being renovated, his hair was falling out a lot. Just on the question of whether to suspend the ceiling, Andy asked his parents There was a long debate.

This must be an issue that everyone is more concerned about. Today Andy will share with you some knowledge about suspended ceilings.

01 I support whether to install a suspended ceiling or not: it will look grand if installed.

Families who choose a suspended ceiling generally consider functionality and aesthetics, because the suspended ceiling can hide pipes and wires. , and at the same time make the whole home more layered and stylish, and more beautiful.

But in fact, not all houses are suitable for suspended ceilings. The best floor height is 2.8m or above. In such a high-story house, installing a suspended ceiling can prevent the space from appearing empty and also add a visual highlight to the home.

On the contrary, if you have to install a suspended ceiling when the floor height is low, the effect will probably be like this ↓↓↓ (Andy cannot see this effect directly)

(The picture comes from the Internet)

If you have enough budget, you can also choose to have a flat roof. Don’t you know “flat top” means shrimp? Andy’s little tips should be included here.

Suspended ceilings are divided into flat ceilings and shaped ceilings.

The top surface of the flat roof is all on the same plane, and the spotlights, air duct fans, etc. are hidden inside, giving it a clean and neat beauty. (The picture below is a flat top)

(The picture comes from the Internet)

The top shape is more complicated. The top surface may have multiple overlapping levels, including concave circles, Shapes that produce special effects, such as concave light troughs, are more decorative.

Opposition: The space is more open without installation

Some people think that there is no need to suspend the ceiling. One is to save the budget, the whole house paving or the suspended ceiling with complicated shape, materials and labor The cost is not cheap; secondly, it does not affect the floor height and makes the home more spacious and brighter. (Because the family is small, Andy’s house does not have suspended ceilings in other spaces except the kitchen and bathroom)

Without suspended ceilings, simple wiring with plaster wire is also a good choice, single-layer, double-layer, simple carved ones, Various styles, also very generous and decent.

(The picture comes from the Internet)

In addition, there is actually a kind of partial suspended ceiling, which is to only make suspended ceilings where needed, so as not to make the space look too depressing. It can also play a certain role in covering up ugliness, and it doesn't cost that much. It can be said that it satisfies the ambivalence of many people.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

This kind of ceiling is mainly used to hide the body and pipes of central air conditioners, fresh air systems or air duct machines.

Andy reminds: If you want to install central air conditioning, you must ensure that the floor height is sufficient.

The thickness of the pipes and drainage space of the central air conditioner is about 50mm, and the thickness of the conventional indoor unit is 200mm (different models will vary). The reserved ceiling height must be at least 250mm, and the floor height must be at least 250mm. If it is not enough, even if it is only a partial ceiling, it will produce a certain sense of cramping.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

As for the kitchen and bathroom, Andy suggested that they both have suspended ceilings. After all, there will be pipes and circuits passing through them, and it is not beautiful and safe to expose them. As for the other When it comes to space, you should start from the actual situation. Don’t ask the designer to help you design the suspended ceiling~

Lazy version summary

Suspended ceiling (including flat ceiling and shaped ceiling): Rich people with a floor height ≥ 2.8m are welcome;

Partial suspended ceiling: suitable for families equipped with fresh air systems/central air conditioners/fresh air fans, or families who want to block curtain boxes;

No suspended ceilings : If the floor height is low and the budget is insufficient, don’t do this. It will be more generous to walk around the plaster line.

02 Material of suspended ceiling

Gypsum board: beautiful, suitable for different decoration styles

The main material of gypsum board is gypsum, which is light in texture, high in strength, fireproof and mothproof , easy to process, and the price is relatively low.

Gypsum board is generally used for flat ceilings. Suspended ceilings made of this material are suitable for many decoration styles and are relatively common.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

If you want the ceiling to be moisture-resistant and resistant to cracking, during construction, it is best to use a combination of water-resistant paper gypsum board, waterproof latex paint, cement-based water-resistant putty .

ps: Use neutral mildew-proof silicone at the joint between the ceiling and the wall to further seal it, which can effectively isolate moisture intrusion.

Aluminum gusset plates: more common in kitchens and bathrooms

Because pure aluminum is soft, the aluminum gusset plates on the market are generally made of aluminum alloy and are mainly used for ceilings in kitchens and bathrooms. furnish.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

Aluminum gussets have the advantages of fire resistance, moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, oil fume resistance, easy disassembly and assembly, and easy cleaning. The disadvantage is that the thermal insulation is poor and the installation is difficult. The requirements are high, the seam gaps are large, and the aesthetics are not high.

Ecological wood: cheap and can be replaced at any time

Ecological wood is made by mixing resin, wood fiber materials and polymer materials in a certain proportion, through high temperature, extrusion, molding and other processes. Profiles of a certain shape are waterproof and anti-corrosive and are often used on balconies.

Our common sauna boards and antiseptic wood are also ecological wood.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

Andy reminded that you must choose the color and texture to see if they are coordinated with the wall and the overall style, otherwise it will only have the opposite effect.

Integrated ceiling: long life, expensive

Integrated ceiling has become more popular in recent years. It is a combination of HUV metal square plates and electrical appliances. It is mainly installed in kitchens and bathrooms. Bath heaters and other products are all integrated in a suspended ceiling.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

The advantages are simple installation, flexible layout, and convenient maintenance. Compared with ordinary suspended ceilings, they are more beautiful and have a long service life. The disadvantages can be summarized in one word. :expensive!

Lazy version summary

Gypsum board ceilings can be made into different shapes and are cheap. If you want to be more economical, choose this one. However, the fire resistance and moisture resistance are relatively poor, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The place is not suitable;

If you have enough budget, you can choose to install integrated suspended ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom, otherwise you can choose aluminum gussets;

Whether the balcony is suspended from the ceiling depends on the demand, if you want to have texture If it's a little bit, choose ecological wood. If you don't seal the balcony, there is no need to suspend the ceiling.

03 About keels

The most commonly used keels on the market are wooden keels (pine, fir, etc.) and light steel keels.

Wooden keels are suitable for small spaces, are easy to install, and are cheap. However, they are prone to mildew due to moisture, and may cause cracks in the ceiling after shrinkage, expansion, and deformation. In addition, although it is painted with fire-retardant paint, the overall fire-retardant rating is still not high.

(The picture comes from the Internet)

Light steel keel has the characteristics of not being damp, not easily deformed, and fireproof, but due to structural reasons, it takes up more top space and is more expensive than wood. Keels are more expensive.

(Pictures come from the Internet)

You can choose light steel keels regardless of price. If you want to be more economical, you can choose a combination of light steel auxiliary keels and wooden keels.