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Sixty Years And More Of Drop Ceiling Panels
It is said by some authorities that drop ceiling panels were invented in 1958, first used in commercial buildings and later for residences. The first ceilings were made of a common material called gypsum, a chalky compound now mostly used to manufacture drywall.
Once electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating began to be installed in both existing buildings and new construction, the ceiling was determined to be the easiest place to utilize. At first, all wires, pipes, and ducts were exposed. You have probably seen old farmhouses with pipes running across the top of the kitchen and up the sides of staircases, painted to match the wall so they would not be too obvious.
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Now, builders and do it yourself craftsmen are not the only ones paying attention to dropped ceilings. Decorators have found that they can use one of the many available styles to recreate the look of antique sculptured plaster or hammered tin, or to give a unique look to a modern home. The use of decorative panels is an affordable way to renovate or decorate any professional or residential space.
Affordable, easy to install, and decorative, drop ceiling panels are a product anyone can be proud to use.
Once electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating began to be installed in both existing buildings and new construction, the ceiling was determined to be the easiest place to utilize. At first, all wires, pipes, and ducts were exposed. You have probably seen old farmhouses with pipes running across the top of the kitchen and up the sides of staircases, painted to match the wall so they would not be too obvious.
Especially in commercial buildings, the profusion of these utilitarian components could be very untidy. Once the concept of a lightweight, suspended second ceiling was conceived, it became instantly popular. Consisting of a hanging grid suspended by wires, with spaces to hold tiles made of gypsum and later of tin or mineral fibers, the ceilings hid the wires and pipes but did not block access for maintenance and repair.
The tiles were hung in regular rows, were usually two by four feet in size, interspersed with fluorescent lights placed in the grid. The tiles lifted up easily for inspection or maintenance, and although they often became stained and cracked, they were easy to replace. They also tended to absorb noise, and this feature has been improved in today's acoustic tiles. A great deal of recycled material is now used in the manufacture of suspended ceilings.
Now, builders and do it yourself craftsmen are not the only ones paying attention to dropped ceilings. Decorators have found that they can use one of the many available styles to recreate the look of antique sculptured plaster or hammered tin, or to give a unique look to a modern home. The use of decorative panels is an affordable way to renovate or decorate any professional or residential space.
Affordable, easy to install, and decorative, drop ceiling panels are a product anyone can be proud to use.