Metal ceilings are architectural ceiling elements made from finished metal plates with designs pressed into them. Metal ceilings can be made from aluminum, steel, or galvanized iron.
Image Credits: SAS International
Metal ceilings add strength to the structure and are highly durable compared to other ceiling materials. Hence, they are widely used for non-residential buildings like offices, hospitals, shopping malls, and airports.
This article discusses the features and types of metal ceilings in building construction.
Contents:
Features of Metal Ceilings
The main features of metal ceilings are:
- Metal ceilings are the strongest ceiling solution under the suspended ceiling category.Â
- Compared to other ceiling materials, metal ceilings are less affected by moisture exposure and related issues like rotting and cracking.Â
- They are available in different finishes like copper, brass, steel, and aluminum.
- The finish application methods for metal ceilings are:
- Powder coating
- Pre-coating (paint application)
- Baked polyester coating
- Suspended metal ceiling helps to elevate the building aesthetics by hiding less attractive attributes of the space, especially in commercial spaces with concrete surfaces and cables.
- Metal acoustic ceilings help improve airflow and temperature control and facilitate a healthier environment.Â
- Metal ceilings have good fire resistance, creating safer commercial spaces.
- Various attributes that need consideration before choosing metal ceilings are:
- The base material of the metal ceiling
- Its color and finishes
- The size and shape of the metal ceiling panel
- Patterns and images
- Interior or exterior use
- Requirement of perforation
- Security requirements
Types of Metal Ceilings
The major types of metal ceilings and their features are explained in Table-1 below:
| Type of Metal Ceiling | Features |
| Open Cell Ceilings | > Comprises of a series of open cell modules. >They are designed to lay on a suspension grid. >Used to hide cables, A/C systems, etc. >Best option for buildings with small plenum depths >Used to give room for lower ceiling without affecting roof height >Enable improved acoustic performance in an industrial space  Figure-2: Open Cell Ceiling Image Credits: SAS International |
| Linear Baffle Metal Ceiling | >These are suspended ceilings comprising parallel baffle blades supported by a T-bar type suspension system. >It is an open-type ceiling system that does not completely seal the plenum. >These metal ceiling panels are available in standard and custom lengths for different heights and styles. >These ceilings help improve speech intelligibility which has been an issue in classroom environments.  Figure-3: Lineal Baffle Metal Ceiling Image Credits: SAS International |
| Concealed Metal Ceiling | >It is the most widely used metal ceiling system. >Â It conceals the entire roof space and has no visible grid. >It can be integrated with ventilation, lighting, and smoke detectors. >These ceilings provide minimum void space, simple downward, easy maintenance, and excellent fire resistance.  Figure-4: Concealed Metal Ceiling |
These metal ceiling panels or tiles can be arranged in various ways. They can be installed as:
1. Lay in / Lay on System
Image Credits: Brooer
2. Clip-In Tile System
Image Credits: Brooer
 3. Hook-On Tile System
Image Credits: Gemini Technical Industries
FAQs
Metal ceilings add strength to the structure and are highly durable compared to other ceiling materials. Hence, they are widely used for non-residential buildings like offices, hospitals, shopping malls, and airports.
Open cell metal ceilings comprise of a series of open cell modules that are designed to lay on a suspension grid. They are commonly used to hide cables, A/C systems, etc.
Concealed metal ceilings are metal ceilings that conceal the entire roof space and have no visible grid.
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Types of Ceiling used in Building Construction and their Applications