Suspended ceiling questions and answers

A two-person team typically fits somewhere around 60–120 m² a day in an open room once the setting out is done. Corridors, bulkheads and lots of light fittings slow that down. We give a programme with the quote.

No. Mineral fibre is made largely from stone wool or similar fibres bound into a board and is non-combustible or limited-combustibility. Old stuck-on polystyrene tiles are a different, much poorer product.

Only if they are chosen for attenuation as well as absorption. Many high-absorption tiles are light and let sound through. If privacy between rooms is the issue we look at denser tiles or a void barrier above the partition line.

Neither is better; they do different jobs. Grid ceilings are cheaper and keep the void accessible. MF looks cleaner and can be fire-rated, but you need access panels to reach anything above it.

Plain metal tiles reflect sound. Perforated tiles with an acoustic fleece absorb it well, so specify perforated where speech or noise matters.

No. Most tiles have a good reaction-to-fire class, but fire resistance only applies to a complete system tested and installed as specified. Ask for the tested system reference.

Not in food preparation areas. Ordinary tiles absorb grease and moisture and cannot be cleaned properly. Hygiene tiles are the right choice.

Usually sustained humidity from poor extraction, sometimes a leak. We check both before replacing tiles.

Their cost depends mostly on length and girth rather than area, so a linear rate is fairer.

Yes, if the grid is straight, clean and a standard size. It is often half the cost of a new ceiling.

Usually, if you can tell us the brand or send a photo of the back of a tile. Discontinued patterns can be blended or the room re-tiled.

For reducing echo, rafts covering a good share of the ceiling area can get close. They do not help with noise passing between rooms.

It depends on the product and location. We specify timber ceilings with the fire class the area requires and keep the certificates.

Usually yes. With a dark-painted void the cells read as a solid ceiling from below.

We fit the ceiling, cut-outs and supports and position the fittings. Electrical connections are made by a qualified electrician, which we can arrange through the S&K Group.

For privacy, yes, or use a void barrier above the partition. Walls that stop at the ceiling let speech pass over the top.

Yes, commercial ceiling work is standard-rated. Our guide prices exclude VAT.

Yes. UK grids are metric (600 and 1200mm). Some imported US systems are imperial and are not interchangeable.

A two-person team often fits 60–120 m² a day in a simple open room. Services and bulkheads slow it down.

No. NRC is an American average. UK and European datasheets use αw and the A–E class. Compare tiles using the same measure.

No. A tile alone has a reaction-to-fire class. Fire resistance belongs to the whole tested system.

New tiles will be whiter than aged ones. Re-tile whole rooms rather than mixing old and new.

No. Asbestos removal is carried out by appropriately licensed or trained specialists. We install the new ceiling afterwards.

It can, but it looks poor. A bulkhead at the window line is the usual fix.

It looks the same once finished, but it is a lightweight suspended frame rather than plaster on the structure.