Areas of application
Metal ceilings have the great advantage of offering a wide range of applications. In other words, they can be used in very different types of projects. This provides great freedom when designing any space, as they fit into numerous options. Some examples could be:
Airports or stations, where there is a large flow of people as well as environmental influences from outside. Some of the factors to consider here are wind pressure and corrosion.
They are also used in conference rooms, offices and cinemas. In most of these cases, the most important aspect is the acoustic performance of the product — a property shared by many metal ceiling families.
Hospitals, laboratories, healthcare facilities, processing plants, etc. are a very important field with strict hygiene requirements where metal ceilings are frequently used. This is due to their antibacterial coatings and how easy the ceilings are to clean.
Finally, among the many other examples, there are sports halls and swimming pools. In these projects, we must make sure the ceilings are properly protected against the corrosive atmosphere and mechanical impacts. Thanks to special coatings for metal ceilings and construction methods, these products can withstand such factors permanently.
For all these reasons, metal ceilings should be considered a product that offers numerous advantages — among them, how easily they can be adapted to meet the requirements of any project.
Quality and Durability
Among all the advantages of this type of product, their strength and robustness stand out — and, above all, how easy their surface is to clean and the access they provide to the ceiling void (plenum).
Their coatings and construction methods allow them to be used in areas exposed to heavy loads, such as swimming pools or airports.
So these ceilings do not only offer a unique design; their high quality and longevity are equally impressive. That is why their life cycle is a major advantage.
(see certifications dossier)
Aesthetics and Design
Metal suspended ceilings allow almost unlimited design possibilities, adapting perfectly to every space.
They conceal the parts of the structure that do not contribute to the desired look, and enhance the areas where they are installed, giving them character and uniqueness. Different colours, perforations and shapes help create pleasant, contemporary environments.
At the same time, metal ceilings are particularly suitable for indoor climate control thanks to the good thermal conductivity of metal. If suitable thermal insulation is added to prevent heat loss through the plenum, the perceived room temperature will be comfortable.
In a room with a traditional HVAC system, losses usually occur through the walls, floor and ceiling, and the role of the air-conditioning units is to supply the cooling or heating needed to offset the heat or cold that enters or escapes through them. The better insulated the room, the less cooling or heating is needed, and therefore the greater the energy savings.
Acoustics
Acoustics play a major role in any space. According to the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, “noise is one of the most frequent pollutants in the workplace, including non-industrial settings such as offices”. Metal ceiling systems are particularly suitable for reducing sound levels and increasing speech intelligibility. There are also many sources of noise in everyday spaces, for example:
- Noise from the building services: lifts, water pipes, lighting — but above all the ventilation and air-conditioning system.
- Noise from office equipment: printers, telephones, computers and photocopiers.
- Noise produced by people: one of the most disturbing factors is conversation, especially intelligible conversations one is not directly involved in. Other sources of noise are people moving around and their activities (stapling, knocking, etc.).
Today it is very important to provide people with a sustainable working life. Good acoustics bring numerous benefits for people:
- Adrenaline is reduced by 33%
- It is essential for increasing concentration by up to 55%
- Motivation is not diminished and can increase by up to 60%
- Performance improves by 20%
- Stress is reduced by 25%
So think carefully about the materials and design of these workplaces, and choose those that bring the greatest benefits for everyone. If you wish, THU can provide acoustic reports for our products.
Accessibility and Access to the Plenum
Accessible (demountable) technical ceilings can be made of different materials, including aluminium, steel, plaster and gypsum, among many others. The tiles are installed at a set distance from the original ceiling, depending on the project, and are supported by a grid made of the specific metal profiles for each product. Their advantages include:
- Cost savings. Installation is very simple, economical and fast, making this type of ceiling cost-effective (compared with traditional systems).
- Aesthetics. These solutions conceal electrical installations, pipes, ventilation, air-conditioning and heating ducts, etc., while still allowing access to them for repairs or replacement. Besides hiding the services, they also cover the original ceiling, so any cracks, damp or old pipes are completely hidden from view.
- Durability. The durability of accessible technical ceilings is excellent: their innovative technology helps a building last longer, preventing deterioration from use and the passing of time.
- Energy savings. By reducing the room height, the temperature is easier to maintain, so less energy is needed to condition the room.
- Extra storage if required. Drawers or small cabinets can be installed in the space between the original ceiling and the suspended ceiling.
- Excellent acoustic and thermal insulation.
Cost-Efficiency and Climate Control
They can be considered cost-effective solutions. First, because their ease of installation means less time and effort, which translates into lower costs.
In addition, metal ceilings are particularly suitable for indoor climate control, thanks to the good thermal conductivity of metal. If suitable thermal insulation is added to prevent heat loss through the plenum, the room temperature will be perceived as comfortable.
In rooms with traditional HVAC systems, losses usually occur through the walls, floors and ceiling, and the air-conditioning units must supply the cooling/heating needed to offset the heat/cold that enters or escapes through them.
That is why high-quality products are needed that can handle all the loads involved while always delivering the best result.
Quality, durability, robustness, accessibility, aesthetics, easy maintenance, cost-efficiency… Using metal ceilings in your projects will give you all these benefits and many more.
Hygiene
In many spaces, metal ceilings must meet the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. In places such as laboratories, hospitals and food-industry buildings, metal ceilings are easy to clean thanks to their surface and robustness. What is more, this material does not absorb moisture or dirt.
For more specific needs, there are special coatings that actively fight the spread of germs and bacteria.
Fire Protection
In preventive fire protection, ceilings are one of the most sought-after means of protecting buildings and rooms. Fire-resistant suspended ceilings play an important role not only in protecting health and life, but also property and the environment, as they reduce the spread of fire and therefore the damage it could cause to both the structure and its occupants.
The main areas considered essential for fire prevention in suspended ceilings are:
- Preventing fires from breaking out
- Limiting the spread of flames and smoke
- Enabling the rescue of people and animals
- Ensuring effective firefighting is possible
Environment
Metal ceilings are not only considered high-quality products; they are also manufactured through sustainable, resource-saving processes.
Metal ceiling components are delivered highly prefabricated to reduce on-site waste. Already during production, attention is paid to the environmentally conscious use of resources, as metal has a high recycling rate and environmentally sound coatings. This allows ceiling panels to be recycled safely. Steel retains its quality properties after recycling and is one of the few materials that can be melted down an unlimited number of times while keeping its positive properties.
Finishes
A ceiling surface can have countless finishes. Perforations, colours, finishes, dimensions… there is a wide range of customisation options that make metal ceilings a star product for any project.