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.
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