Contractors who install acoustical ceiling systems in commercial applications are discovering what the ceilings industry has observed for quite some time: The growing use and popularity of metal ceiling systems.
Providing eye-catching aesthetics plus effective acoustical control
One of the main reasons for their popularity is the sleek, upscale, high-tech look metal brings to a space. This sophisticated look makes them ideal for use in high visibility areas such as lobbies, conference rooms, corridors, theaters and transportation terminals, along with a wide variety of corporate, retail and hospitality environments. Long popular in European commercial design, today’s metal ceiling systems are offered in a wider variety of sizes, forms and shapes than ever before.
Durability is another reason for their growth. Metal ceiling panels are often chosen over other options because of their service life, especially in areas where access to the plenum is frequent or where the ceiling is exposed to occupant interaction, frequent cleaning or other potentially damaging situations.
Most metal ceiling systems are manufactured from electrogalvanized steel or aluminum. Many also feature a factory-applied, powder-coated finish for added durability. Humidity resistance and low maintenance are other important considerations in the selection of metal.
Aesthetics Plus Acoustics
Metal ceilings can also provide very effective acoustical control in addition to their eye-catching aesthetics. In order to obtain the acoustic benefits; however, the panels must be perforated and backed with a sound absorbent liner, usually in the form of a thin black acoustical fleece, mineral fiber panels and/or an encapsulated fiberglass infill. In typical backloading applications, the material is laid on top of the perforated metal panels with an air gap between the material and the deck.
Variety of Finishes, Shapes
Metal ceilings are offered in a variety of finishes that coordinate with other interior metal finishes to impart a very high-tech look to a space. It is this sophisticated look that helps make metal ceilings ideal for use in high-visibility areas. The most popular colors are white, silver gray, and gun metal gray with custom colors available as well.
Today, there are even metal ceiling panels that offer the rich, warm look of wood but at a much more affordable cost than real wood. These ceilings are made possible by a technology that actually embeds a realistic image of maple, cherry, walnut and other wood species onto the surface of the metal ceiling panel. The powder-coated finish produces a consistent color tone and grain, greatly reducing the variations that occur in real wood panels. In terms of shapes, the most common choice is a 2-foot by 2-foot panel, although metal ceilings are also available in geometric, linear and plank versions as well as radial and curved systems in an assortment of sizes.
Other choices include undulating 3-D metal ceilings that are available in “hills” and “valleys” to create a distinctive serpentine effect. A variety of “free-floating” ceiling clouds and canopies are also available, many of which are curved to create a wave profile. Some are available in kits to minimize or eliminate on-site cutting and measuring.
Ease of Installation
Some contractors may think metal ceilings are difficult to work with. However, metal ceilings install easily in standard suspension systems and integrate well with standard light fixtures, including high hats, and linear and geometric lighting.
Many metal ceilings are designed for installation in 15/16-inch exposed tee suspension systems, which makes them ideal for renovation applications as well as new construction. Because there is no need to replace an existing suspension system, renovation projects can be completed quickly. Other metal ceilings can be installed in 9/16-inch suspension systems.
In the case of free-floating clouds and canopies, installation is made easier through the availability of kits containing all the components required for the job. All components are pre-engineered for fit and finish to help ensure consistent visual quality. This allows faster and easier installation since the system requires no field modification, only assembly.
Assistance Available
The increasing popularity of metal ceiling systems has resulted in the need for much more collaboration between contractor and ceiling manufacturer, especially in the case of custom installations.
To meet this need, some ceiling manufacturers offer a consultative design service that provides project management for the ceiling system, from concept to completion. It is comprised of specialists with expertise in both design and installation whose sole mission is to partner with architects and contractors in the implementation of signature ceilings.
Glenn Warwood is marketing manager of architectural specialties for Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Solutions, Lancaster, Pa.
