A drop ceiling is also known as dropped ceiling, false ceiling, suspended ceiling and secondary ceiling. It is hung below the structural ceiling. Drop ceiling is one of the best examples of modern architecture and construction. The space above the drop ceiling is known as plenum space, most of the times this space is used for HVAC air return.
The plenum space is mainly used for concealing wiring, piping or ductwork. A classic dropped ceiling consists of metal channels and grid work, and it is in the shape of an inverted T, which is suspended on the wires from the structure overhead.
Dropped ceiling was developed to hide the underside of the flooring above, and to offer an audio balance and control in a room. The audio performance of the dropped ceilings has been improved over the years, with the improved attenuation and absorption. Sound Attenuation Batts (SABs) it is a type of insulation to achieve the audio quality. It is very helpful to deaden the sounds and keep all the adjacent rooms quieter. Don Brown came up with the whole concept and idea of dropped ceiling in 1958.
The empty space above the dropped ceiling is used for plenum air return for the system of ventilation, which requires only closed ducts that delivers fresh air in the room. The returning air enters into the ceiling space from the open grills through the ceilings. Dropped ceilings are also used to hide structural damage problems. Today, even more expensive and modern dropped ceilings are becoming famous. Below there are some easy steps on how to install drop ceiling
Things Required:
- Ceiling tiles or panels
- Grid work
- Eyelets
- Wire
- Safety goggles
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Carpenter’s knife
Steps:
- When you are installing a drop ceiling, look out for the local codes. Many municipalities have certain rules about how close a drop ceiling can be fixed to the existing lights or exposed to gas pipes and water.
- To find out the square footage of the ceiling you can use tape measure. This measurement will help you to determine the number of tiles and grid work required. Whenever you are buying the material, always buy 20 percent more than required. The extra material will be useful for repair in the later years.
- Now install the frame for the grid work. This entails determining the height for the new ceiling and connecting the frame to the surrounding walls. This requires you to measure the correct height, and to place a section of frame next to the wall using a proper level. Make sure the alignment of the frame is proper to fix the screw and frame in one place. Continue this process until the frame is all around the boundary of the room.
- On all the existing ceilings, you will have to attach eyelets. Make sure that you screw the eyelet in the support beams. Therefore, there is no option of the eyelet slipping out of its place.
- After this, you will have to measure and then cut the sections of wire, which reaches from the eyelet to the height of the frame. Allow extra 6-inches for wrapping the wire to the eyelet, also to the sections of the grid.
- Now, place all the long sections of the grid in the channel of the frame. If any one section is in the place, then secure it with wire to make a fixed grid.
- Later install all the ceiling tiles. Start with the center section and then work towards the outer side. Almost every tile will fall into place on the grid, and remaining tiles will create a crisscross design on the grid.
Tips and Warnings:
- Before starting work, read the instructions manual; this comes along with the grid. Place the tiles as indicated in the manual. This will save time and you will not have to do guesswork. Just adjust according to the panels.
Every time you work with tools, wear safety goggles. Some little amount of residue is left on the tile, which may cause eye irritation.
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