Metal ceilings can broaden your customer base and expand your business
The need for a special metal ceiling can originate from a client’s desire for enhanced aesthetics, upgraded security or it may be necessitated by the business’ operations. Being knowledgeable about the types of systems that are available and the impact these systems could have on the client’s business will make you a more valuable partner in the design process.
Aesthetic appeal
Clients looking for drama in their office space may want curved ceilings with vaults and valleys, a plank style layout or upgraded, paint finishes. Office space design can be extremely impressive with the use of metallic paints, vinyl decorations and dye sublimation processes to produce realistic wood grain effects or photo reproductions. Imagine clouds, forest scenes, corporate logos or even a stone appearance. Anything that can be reproduced by a computer-generated picture can be applied. The cost of these finishes is much less expensive with metal ceilings.
Changing technology
Clients involved in high-technology manufacturing or assembly may require frequent access to the plenum area above the ceiling so they can reconfigure power, signal and process piping to accommodate product innovations and changing technology. In addition, complete renovations and reconfiguration of operations spaces may be required. In these cases, the use of metal ceilings helps save associated time and expenses of on-site labor, reduces the down time necessary to complete changes and adds long-term value to the client.
Security concerns
Clients involved with secret or sensitive information may require a high degree of security in certain areas of their building. These areas are sometimes referred to a “hardened areas.” Certain metal ceilings can be installed where penetration of the ceiling is much more difficult. These systems also make it very difficult to disguise the fact that the ceiling was penetrated. In addition to resisting a penetration of the ceiling, the ceilings make it very difficult to hide anything above the ceiling.
Green considerations
Today’s building owners are increasingly conscious of their corporate image in their respective marketplaces. Green programs, such as LEED rating systems, include criteria for using renewable and recyclable materials.
When manufactured from steel, metal ceilings are, at a minimum, composed of at least 25 percent recycled material. Currently, with present conditions in the steel market, the percentage of recycled content in a ceiling with steel panels can approach 70 percent. When the metal ceiling panels are manufactured from aluminum, the recycled content will approach 100 percent. Usually, the suspension for both types of ceiling systems will be steel. Steel and aluminum are both completely recyclable at the end of their usefulness as a ceiling system.
Along with environmental benefits, economic value is essential. The durability of metal ceiling panels and their coatings minimizes the need to repair and replace ceiling panels. This improvement in life-cycle cost will positively affect your clients’ bottom line, as well as demonstrating sustainability.
Your advantage
While any one of the above issues can be solved with conventional ceiling materials, the metal ceiling approach will be cost-competitive and most often will reduce installation time. When two or more of the above requirements are coupled together in the same project, a metal ceiling can drastically reduce costs, installation time and provide a more productive space for your client.
Work closely with the manufacturer to familiarize yourself with the systems that are available and the appropriate use of these systems. Together, you can provide owners and designers of specialized buildings with helpful insights and best practices. By anticipating your clients’ needs, you will be called upon to assist in a wider array of projects thereby expanding your market, your business and your resulting profits.
Edward Williams is construction services manager at Chicago Metallic Corp., Chicago. To learn more, visit www.chicagometallic.com.
