When we are going to build our own house from scratch, or we are going to make a small reform in the one we already have, one of the most unnoticed elements are the ceilings. However, this is an area of the house that can be used for a lot of purposes, especially with the well-known “false ceilings“.
Undoubtedly, the false ceiling is a highly effective architectural strategy which, as its name suggests, modifies the perception of the real height of the original ceiling in order to redesign the dimensions of the interior space.
If you didn’t know about these structures, in this article you will discover the advantages of incorporating the false ceiling in your home.
What is a false ceiling?
Before we start telling you some of the benefits of the false ceiling, let’s give you a little introduction to what it is.
A suspended ceiling is a secondary structure that is suspended below the main ceiling of a building. This element can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as plasterboard, mineral fibreboard, PVC or metal, and can have different designs and finishes to suit the desired aesthetics.
Suspended ceilings are used in a wide variety of environments, from residential to commercial and industrial spaces, and serve a number of essential functions in modern architecture.
The minimum interior free height of our models is 2.50m as established in the CTE, with the possibility of increasing the free height in certain rooms depending on the design. In wet rooms (bathrooms, kitchens, galleries) and corridors, the headroom may be reduced.
Advantages of false ceilings
Apart from their aesthetic function, suspended ceilings also provide benefits that make them very attractive to homeowners.
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Sound insulation:
- One of the most outstanding benefits of suspended ceilings is their ability to improve sound insulation in a space. These structures reduce noise transmission between rooms and areas, which is especially important in offices, schools and entertainment venues where a quiet environment is needed.
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Thermal insulation:
- They can also act as an additional layer of thermal insulation, helping to maintain an optimal indoor temperature in the building. This can result in a significant reduction of heating and cooling costs over time.
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Fire protection:
- Suspended ceilings use materials specially designed to resist heat and flame. This includes materials such as gypsum, mineral fibre and metal, which have high fire resistance and do not contribute to the spread of fire.
- In addition to slowing the spread of fire, suspended ceilings also help to contain the smoke generated by the fire. Toxic smoke is one of the main threats to people’s safety during a fire, as it can impair visibility and cause serious respiratory problems.
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Hide facilities:
- These structures are ideal for concealing lighting systems, electrical cables, air conditioning ducts and pipes. This not only improves the aesthetics of the space, but also facilitates maintenance and future modifications.
- In interior design, it is common for changes to be made over time. Whether installing new luminaires, upgrading wiring systems or making modifications to HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) infrastructure, concealed installations greatly simplify these tasks.
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Lighting control:
- By integrating lighting systems into these ceilings, an aesthetic and functional solution is achieved that goes beyond simply illuminating a space. One of the highlights is the ability to integrate recessed lighting into the false ceiling. These luminaires fit seamlessly into the suspended ceiling, providing a soft, uniform light source that can be directed or dimmed as required.
- Lighting systems integrated in suspended ceilings are often dimmable, allowing precise control of the light intensity. This is essential for creating different atmospheres, from bright task lighting to subdued, relaxing lighting for a more intimate setting.
