What Type Of Ceiling Tile Is Best?
Whether you're building the recording studio of your dreams, updating a commercial office, or simply refinishing your basement after water damage, deciding on the right ceiling will be top of mind (or at least top of room). While you may not often spend time staring directly up at the ceiling, a ceiling's colour, material, and texture have a major impact on the character and aesthetics of any interior space. A moulded tin ceiling gives off a very different feeling than a standard tiled drop ceiling or a ceiling with a geometrically patterned motif.
And then there's function. Aesthetics are one thing, but what other qualities do you expect from your ceiling? Do you need it to absorb sound? Reduce the risk of fire spreading? Or, perhaps, resist germs and bacteria? Ceilings can do all of these things, plus more, but usually not in their unfinished form.
Ceiling tiles are one of the most attractive, versatile, and functional options for finishing a ceiling. They come in a plethora of colours, materials, and styles and are ideal for a wide range of purposes.
In this post, we'll take a look at a variety of different types of ceiling tiles as well as provide some details about their characteristics, ratings, and installation. By the end, you should have a good sense of which products may best fit the needs of your particular space and requirements. As always, the friendly and knowledgeable team at STAR Building Materials is here to help you feel confident in your final decision. If you're seeking ceiling tiles in Winnipeg, we've got you covered!
Why Ceiling Tiles?
Why not ceiling tiles? When you've got an unfinished ceiling to cover (exposed wood beams, concrete, or metal), ceiling tiles offer an attractive, affordable, and functional solution. Ceiling tiles can also be used to cover a finished ceiling that needs updating. Plus, they're relatively straightforward to install!
If you're looking for a ceiling with special properties, such as noise reduction, fire retardation, or mould resistance, ceiling tiles will be your best bet. They're standard in many residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
What Are Ceiling Tile Ratings?
Some ceiling tiles come with specific types of ratings based on particular qualities. Below are some of the most common:
NRC and CAC
If you're looking for acoustic ceiling tiles that will absorb or reduce noise, you'll want to pay attention to their NRC and CAC ratings.
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) ratings refer to how much capacity a ceiling tile has to reduce noise by absorbing it. The higher the rating, the more absorption is indicated.
CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) ratings, on the other hand, refer to a ceiling system's efficiency in acting as a barrier for airborne sound transmission between walled spaces (in other words, how much sound is blocked by the ceiling tiles). CAC ratings are important to consider if you're trying to minimize noise between different rooms or storeys in a building.
Fire Ratings
Before installing ceiling tiles, you'll want to be certain they comply with fire codes. This is particularly crucial in public buildings like schools and hospitals, but it's also an important consideration in other types of buildings as well. Ceiling tiles are rated based on their burning characteristics (UL 723 Flammability) as well their ability to resist and prevent flame spread and smoke development. Be sure to consider ceiling tile fire ratings before purchase.
Other Ratings
Some ceiling tiles are rated for characteristics beyond sound and fire resistance. Other types of ratings can include light reflectivity, recycled content, and more.
Ceiling Tile Installation
When it comes to ceiling tile installation, there are two main options: Surface mount ceilings and drop ceilings. Let's quickly refresh ourselves on what sets each of these ceiling styles apart.
Surface Mount Ceilings
Surface mount ceilings are a design-friendly option that are connected directly to ceiling joists or drywall via a metal grid system. They provide for more headroom in spaces without generous measurements, but don't allow for access to overhead utilities.
Drop Ceilings
Also known as suspended ceilings or T-bar ceilings, drop ceilings are secondary ceilings that are suspended below the main structural ceiling. They're most commonly installed using a metal grid system, but can also be made of drywall. Drop ceilings allow access to overhead utilities such as plumbing and electrical.
Types of Ceiling Tiles
General Purpose Tiles
Often used in commercial settings, general purpose ceiling tiles come in a wide range of sizes and materials; they're ideal for reducing noise and creating an affordable finished appearance.
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
Acoustic ceiling tiles are specially designed for spaces where quality of sound is important, such as recording studios and theatres. They're also often used to reduce noise in high traffic or otherwise high volume environments, including commercial and industrial spaces.
Mould-Resistant Tiles
These ceiling tiles resist moisture retention and mould development. They're also less prone to sagging than standard tiles.
Antimicrobial Tiles
Perfect for medical or research environments, antimicrobial ceiling tiles help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
Plastic Ceiling Tiles
Plastic ceiling tiles are affordable, lightweight, easy to clean, and straightforward to install. They're available in all sorts of unique patterns and textures—from understated to bold.
Cork Ceiling Tiles
An environmentally friendly option, cork ceiling tiles can lend warmth to your home's aesthetic as well as improve insulation and sound absorption.
Tamper-Resistant Tiles
These steel tiles are primarily used in correctional settings and are mounted using specially fortified hardware.
Conclusion
As you can see, ceiling tiles come in a wide variety of materials and styles and are advantageous for a range of different settings and purposes. If you're wondering which ceiling tiles may be the right fit for your current project, the knowledgeable staff at STAR Building Materials will be more than happy to advise you and answer your questions.
When it comes to building supplies in Winnipeg, STAR provides impeccable service backed by expertise and experience. If we don't currently stock the ceiling tiles you're looking for, we'll special order them to ensure we bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discover the STAR advantage!