Man installing suspended ceiling.
Ceiling tiles can add a new layer of decoration to interior spaces. From familiar suspended ceilings to ceiling-mounted tiles inlaid with elegant geometric patterns, these decorative elements are available in a variety of materials and finishes. Fiberglass ceiling panels are typically made from polymer-coated fiberglass and offer numerous benefits in a variety of rooms. These compositions are often environmentally friendly building materials; The lighter tiles can also be mounted directly to the ceiling without being damaged by aging or sagging. Also, these materials are generally non-combustible and have effective sound-absorbing characteristics.
Modern ceiling tiles.
Understanding the different types of fiberglass can help you make better decisions for the unique needs of a space. A common variety is fiberglass polyester resin, a liquid resin polymerized into a solid and resistant to most solvents. Fiberglass can be laminated from epoxy resin, made from glass-reinforced plastic frames, glass wool, or mats from randomly arranged short-fiber chopped strands.
This material is inexpensive to produce and easily molds to irregular surfaces. The unique characteristics of such compositions provide reliable stiffness and strength in tensile and compressive forces. These properties can be enhanced when multiple layers are placed on top of each other with grains oriented in different directions.
To get the best fiberglass ceiling tiles for a given situation, properties such as acoustics, indoor air quality, and light reflectance must be considered. Fiberglass can be worked into panels with varying degrees of rigidity, from fabric to semi-rigid panels painted with woven textures, such as in recessed ceiling panels, to decorative mosaic mounted hard ceilings that are built to last. Fiberglass ceilings, along with other ceilings made from materials such as polystyrene (PS) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), typically provide long-lasting service that requires virtually no maintenance. These accessible fixtures are lightweight and can be attached to the ceiling without reducing room space. Most often, they are attached to common roofing materials with adhesive.
While fiberglass ceiling tiles have few downsides, it’s important to understand the ones that do. Most fiberglass is produced with a formaldehyde binder. This can pose a health hazard in installations and removals when the microfibers fall into the dust. These microfibers can penetrate dust masks and require the use of specially rated vacuum cleaners for removal. In the short term, these microfibers can irritate the respiratory system; with prolonged exposure, they can cause long-term health damage.
Considered a low-cost alternative to modern materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass shingles generally offer relatively easy installation and low maintenance. They are typically made from recycled or reclaimed glass with excellent noise reduction coefficients and light reflectance values. The variety of production techniques and designs deserves some research before installation in a room. Following manufacturers’ installation recommendations can help preserve warranties and produce the desired look. With proper selection and use, fiberglass ceiling panels can provide elegant and efficient décor in a wide variety of commercial and residential properties.
