ABOUT DROP CEILINGS

Drop Ceilings, sometimes known as dropped ceilings or suspended ceilings, are secondary ceilings fitted below the main ceiling. They conceal wiring, piping, and ductwork, into a space known as the plenum. A grid of metal channels is suspended on wires from the main ceiling. Panels or tiles drop into the grid. Alternatively, air diffusers or light fixtures may be fitted into the grid. In addition to screening pipework and cabling, drop ceilings can be used to provide acoustic absorption, and to improve heat insulation.

LEADING USA DROP CEILING MANUFACTURERS

The following leading drop ceiling manufacturers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of drop ceilings, including online catalogs, colours and materials for drop ceilings, and care and maintenance of drop ceilings.

Armstrong: Drop Ceilings. Armstrong is a leading maker of ceilings, flooring, and cabinets, including drop ceilings. Drop ceilings typically require a drop of at least 3 inches from the current ceiling. They are a way to lower or level an existing ceiling, and provide easy access to fixtures above the ceiling. They also provide opportunity for recessed lighting. Armstrong manufactures a wide range of mineral fiber ceiling tiles for fitting into drop ceilings. They are available in patterned, smooth, and textured designs, and in a variety of colors including copper finish metal.

USG: Drop Ceilings. USG, based in Chicago, has been a manufacturer of building materials for more than 100 years. It was the inventor of wallboard, and of the mineral wool ceiling tile. USG manufactures a wide range of drop ceilings. Its website has an online selector for drop ceilings, offering eight types of option: Performance Selector, Texture Selector, Perimeter Options Selector, Grids & Edges Selector, Standard Color Program, Advantage Color Program, Metal Finishes, and Metal Perforations. There is a section of the website covering Mold and Moisture Solutions.

CertainTeed: Drop Ceilings. CertainTeed, a subsidiary of Saint Gobain, is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. It has around 9,000 employees, and 70 manufacturing plants throughout the USA. It is a leading US manufacturer of building products, including drop ceilings. Its wider product range includes residential and commercial roofing, vinyl and fiber cement siding, vinyl and composite decking, railing and fencing, vinyl windows, insulation, pipe, and foundations. Its drop ceiling panels are available in a wide range of patterns, suitable for residential and commercial applications.

Acoustical Ceiling Designs: Drop Ceilings. Acoustical Ceiling Designs, based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, is a specialist installer of suspended acoustical ceilings, acoustical wall panels, and specialty ceilings. It supplies Armstrong and USG drop ceilings. The Armstrong Drop Ceilings are available in various product ranges: Fine Texture, Special Function (including Clean Room), High-End Specialty, and Economy & Mid-Line. In addition to these manufacturers standard products, Acoustical Ceiling Designs can supply: Concealed Metal Pan, Open-Cell Ceilings, Sanitary Ceilings, and Eggcrate Ceilings.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO DROP CEILINGS

Association of Walls and Ceilings Industries

Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association

National Insulation Association

Acoustical Society of America

European Insulation Manufacturers Association

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

The following recommended websites contain information on construction products, including standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4specs, Arcat, Arcom, First Source, Sweets.

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Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes Lives Retold. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.