If you are planning any renovations on the false ceilings of your basement, you might get confused about different ceiling types. If you’re finding it difficult to decide on the type of false ceiling to use, don’t hesitate to consult a false ceiling contractor.
There are two types of false ceilings mostly used for basements – Drywall ceiling and suspended ceiling. Drywall ceilings mostly require intense physical work, while suspended ceilings are quick and mess free.
There are various differences between these two types of ceilings that you need to consider before carrying out the false ceiling installation:
Ceiling height
Ceiling height is usually an important issue for basement renovations. As for drywall ceilings, you can directly attach them to the main ceiling, which leads to only about 1 inch of the ceiling height.
Having any open electrical wires, suspended pipelines, and ducts might also make it impossible to install drywall ceilings. Not only will it incur extra cost, but it may also be not worth the money.
On the other hand, suspended ceilings or drop-down ceilings usually create a cavity of about 2 to 4 inches. Newly built homes hardly need any suspended ceilings because of its finishing and wall height. However, ceilings in older homes tend to be narrower, which does not make suspended ceilings an option.
Allowing access
Technically, it is illegal to cover electrical components completely, but drywall ceilings are able to do so to point of leaving such components inaccessible. Suspended ceilings, on the other hand, allow complete access to the suspended wiring. Construction of a drop-down ceiling is usually not against any building policies because they can be easily removed during emergencies.
Potential Damage from above
Basements always have a high risk of flooding due to water coming from the floors above them. Flooding may occur due to overflowing sinks, toilet bowl chokes, or a malfunctioning refrigerator. These may permanently stain ceilings and even cause waterlogging.
When waterlogging occurs, you may need to remove large parts of the ceiling or redo the entire ceiling completely. This is especially necessary for houses with false ceilings in Singapore basements as they are more prone to water stains. These issues may only happen when a drywall ceiling is constructed. To avoid such problems, a suspended ceiling might be the best option because you can easily remove and replace one tile without incurring much cost.
Acoustic properties
If you are planning to use your basement as a game area for children, then it might not be best to use a drywall ceiling. While you can mount the drywall onto a sturdier channel or use special soundproof drywalls, such constructions may incur some extra costs. This might eventually minimize the height of your ceiling, which defeats the purpose of having a drywall.
For such cases, suspended ceilings are more preferable as they do a better job in reducing sound transfer from the main floor.
Pros of Suspended ceiling
- Easy to access
- Numerous panes to choose from
- Easy to change the location
- Helps to reduce noise
Cons of Suspended ceiling
- Ceiling tiles may discolor over a period of time
- It is expensive to paint suspended ceilings
Pros of Drywall ceiling
- More headroom resulting to a higher ceiling
- Gives a smoother look
- Easy to paint at a lower cost
- Cheaper to install than a suspended ceiling
- Better resale value
Cons of Drywall ceiling
- Electrical components become inaccessible once installed
- May need relocation of electrical components and pipelines
Different ceiling types come with tiles of different sizes. Suspended ceilings usually have more design options than drywall ceilings. If you do not have electrical wirings and pipelines, then a drywall ceiling may be more suitable for you. However, opt for suspended ceilings if you still want to access such utilities. Moreover, if you are worried about the fire emergencies, you may select suspended ceiling as they have cavities to install fire extinguishers and water sprays.
Ceilings remain an important part of the house as it gives the entire area a more defined look, hence you need to consider certain advantages and disadvantages before proceeding with the installation. Remember to contract trusted false ceiling contractors before you decide on any installations.
At VM False Ceiling Singapore, we provide a range of premium quality false ceiling and partition wall services. Our experienced and dedicated team ensures that all out installation services are carried out with outstanding workmanship – bringing out the best in your space! See it for yourself and browse our successful projects here. While you’re at it, read through our range of false ceiling and partition wall articles. For any enquiries, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff. Call us now at+65 6653 2620 or email us at enquiry@vmceiling.com.