A suspended ceiling, or dropped ceiling, usually takes the form of a matrix of metallic supports with rectangular or square tiles installed in between, which is hung below the roof or next storey to give a space for air supply, wires and cables and pipes, and to establish an attractive look and feel without obvious mess.

The suspended ceiling was invented in 1958 by an American called Donald Brown and it has altered little since. Suspended ceilings are seldom found in domestic situations, but are frequently found in office and commercial facilities where building construction approaches differ and a lot of services for example air-con, public address systems and fire detection are made use of.

Suspended ceiling panels aren’t with no negative aspects, however, and can easily become aesthetically displeasing after several years of being installed. Frequently, the panels can get discoloured due to tobacco smoke or rain water leaks. Panels can bulge downwards, or repetitive removal and replacement for repair may result in the edges and corners of the tiles becoming harmed. Once the layout of the space demands customization, suspended ceilings can be revised to go well with the new design but this really is frequently performed inexpertly by basic companies and can result in a poor overall look. In damp conditions for example swimming pools, mold could become a concern if allowed to remain without treatment.
Stretch ceilings can be a new development which is often a superior option to suspended ceilings more often than not.

A stretch ceiling is a PVC sheet which is attached at all edges to the wall surfaces and put under stress such that it becomes smooth. A stretch ceiling has many of the positive aspects of a suspended ceiling, in terms of masking ugly roof beams or aged plaster, but provides a more eye-catching finish and tidier installation all around columns and other unusual features. The ceiling could also be curved or arched to take advantage of the space available, and can be offered in a wide variety of shades and even lit from above by coloured lighting. They’re also resistant to mildew and mold because water merely runs off them, causing them to be ideal for use in wet conditions.
Stretch ceilings are an interesting modern day alternative to traditional suspended ceilings and therefore are growing in popularity.