Why are metal ceilings a good choice for your next commercial project?

When we design ceilings for commercial spaces, the process looks a little different than when we design them for residential spaces.

The rooms serve different purposes, so we construct and treat them differently. Drop ceilings are popular in commercial buildings because they hide unsightly ductwork, wires, and pipes from view, but still, allow for easy access by popping a tile or two out. This flexibility makes maintenance and repairs much simpler and more cost-effective.

If you want to get the most out of your drop ceiling, metal ceiling tiles may be the solution you have been looking for.

Why choose metal?

A great way to invigorate your old, faded tiles is to replace them with metal ceiling tiles. Metal tiles look cleaner and sharper than composite tiles, plus they last longer and are a whole lot easier to clean. These properties make switching to metal an increasingly popular option in commercial construction. When we suggest metal tiles, many people immediately rush toward antique metal ceiling tiles. Everyone is looking to achieve the vintage look that people fawn over these days.

But, switching to perforated metal ceiling tiles delivers the bonus of sound control. Since these tiles are generally used in high visibility areas like foyers and conference rooms, that sound control will go a long way toward creating a more pleasant, peaceful atmosphere.

Modern metal ceiling systems

Modern metal ceiling systems are designed to provide the beauty and resilience of metal but still allow sound waves to pass through and get absorbed. The way they achieve this is through small perforations in the metal. They are large enough to allow sound waves to pass through but are small enough that they don’t distract from the aesthetic.

Traditional commercial metal ceiling tiles utilize a sound-absorbing backer to absorb sounds. Larger perforations allow more sound to pass through to the backer, but the perforations are more noticeable. You get the opposite with small perforations. They allow fewer sound waves to reach the backer, but the perforations are much less noticeable as well.

Microperf metal ceilings

Our Microperf metal ceilings turn standard ideas on perforation size on their heads. The state of the art technology in our panels allow us to achieve substantial sound reduction without the need for acoustical backing.

The reason is that the micro-perforations trap the sound waves rather than absorbing them. The result is a sleek, silk-like design that reduces bulk. The micro-perforations in the metal ceiling tiles do the heavy lifting when it comes to sound control, making the entire construction lighter and more attractive. 

Why is sound control so important?

As we all know, unwanted noise can be one of life’s more prevalent sources of stress. When one considers their typical day, most of us can probably find instances where sound control would have changed the evolution of our attitude for the day. 

A noisy restaurant can make it hard to enjoy a good meal and conversation with friends. A noisy conference room can distract from presentations by amplifying every pen click and chair turn. A noisy coworker can drain your focus and negatively impact your productivity. Nearly every situation in a standard day can be made better by implementing sound control measures. 

Reducing unwanted noise makes us more comfortable, making us more productive in turn. Allowing customers and clients to feel good when they enter the space, and it ensures you can truly hear all of their comments, concerns, and needs. A client that feels heard is a happy client. When you choose attractive materials with sound handling properties, it benefits everyone from the client to the CEO.

Getting creative with metal ceiling tiles

If you are designing a room from scratch, it’s still easy to install a metal ceiling grid. One of the great benefits about designing a new ceiling is that you aren’t bound by the existing structure. You can utilize the space in any way you like. Your metal ceiling design can be as simple or as intricate as you’d like it to be. Whether you want to add contrast to the room with a black ceiling, brighten the space with white tiles, or you want to add another earth element to your decor with clear anodized metal, the flexibility of Microperf metal ceilings lets you take your ceiling to whichever level you like.

Linear alumiline ceilings

If you prefer something entirely different, you aren’t limited to drop ceilings when you make the switch to metal. Our Linear Alumiline ceilings are a fantastic alternative to tiles. This system utilizes metal ceiling planks to create a modern look. The parallel lines visually elongate your room and help move your focus across space. You can also add an acoustical backing to give the planks superior sound absorption. While you can use the planks to great effect anywhere, they are particularly well suited to external and high humidity environments. Places like soffits, carports, and public terminals endure lots of changing and extreme weather, so sturdy construction materials are a must. When you go with linear metal ceiling planks, your attention to detail will not go unnoticed.

Making the switch

If you are ready to get serious with your ceiling design, it is time to learn about what the world of metal ceiling tiles and planks has to offer. If you do not know how to install metal ceiling tiles, there’s no need to worry. If your current tiles are cut to standard sizes, it may be as simple as taking the old panels out and dropping the new ones in.

Even if you need to remove the existing structure entirely, the process of installing a new drop ceiling isn’t terribly tough or time-consuming. The benefits far outweigh the minimal effort required for installation.

ASI Architectural has decades of experience under our belts and would love to help with the planning and construction of your dream space. Let us know what you are looking for, and we’ll happily help you get there.