The only part of a suspended ceiling system that you can see is the tiles. As such, it is desirable that they are attractive in their appearance. As well as aesthetic qualities, there are other considerations you must bear in mind before selecting a suspended ceiling tile; hygiene, acoustic properties, fire resistance among others.
Obviously in a bacteria sensitive environment such as a hospital or medical laboratory, you are going to want a tile which is likely to harbour and produce the least possible number of germs and bacteria.
There are ceiling tiles which can actually break down harmful airborne substances into non-critical parts. These tiles reduce uncomfortable and health threatening emissions from construction materials, cleaning agents, cosmetics, foods and cigarettes.
As part of the manufacturing process of ceiling tiles there will inevitably be some residue or dust present on some of the tiles. Tiles designed for healthcare environments have been specifically designed not to release any of these micro-particles.
Tiles have also been developed, by an anti-microbial treatment to resist against bacteria and fungi.
Certain applications require suspended ceiling tiles to have some sort of acoustic property. Whether that be sound absorption, sound attenuation or sound reflection. Again, ranges of ceiling tiles have been created to fill this need so whether you just want to prevent your noise disturbing your neighbours or you are trying to make presentations in a large auditorium more easily heard by those at the back, there is a tile for your needs.
Fire can devastate a building and there are strict regulations which you must conform to in commercial, business and residential premises so it is important, if you have a suspended ceiling, that it conforms to these standards to avoid fines and more importantly avoid any fire risks .
Again, fire resistant ceiling tiles have been developed to adhere to these standards and minimise the fire risk with tiles having been tested and certified for up to 60 minutes fire resistance under steel beams and timber joists.