Suspended Acoustical Ceiling- A ceiling designed to be sound absorbent and to be hung from the structural slab or beams in an area.

One type of suspended ceiling is made up of Acoustic Ceiling Tiles (ACT) and a stick-built grid system. Sometimes called a lay-in ceiling, this type of system is versatile, durable, and cost effective. In addition, the ceiling tiles can be removed without damage to the system so that above ceiling items can be maintained. Seen throughout many commercial and institutional buildings, ACT is a popular ceiling material that now has a wide variety of aesthetic options.

Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Components

The diagram below identifies the major components of a suspended lay-in ceiling. The continuous main beam T shapes are suspended from the structure above by hanger wires. Shorter cross T segments connect to the main beam T shapes to make a rigid frame. Edge molding shapes are attached to the walls around the perimeter of the room. Finally, ceiling tiles are dropped into the grid to finish the ceiling.

Ceiling Grid T Shapes

The most commonly used T shapes are 15/16" wide; however, 9/16" wide T shapes are becoming more common. Suspended ceiling manufacturers also make a variety of shapes that offer aesthetic options to the designer. A stepped T shape is often used with tegular tiles to provide a ceiling with more depth. A reveal T shape provides a notch along the length of the grid that makes the T shapes recede more than a typical T shape.

There are two common edge moldings used to terminate a ceiling grid at a wall. The standard shape is the Angle Molding. Also available is a Shadow Molding, which creates a shadow line along the edge of the room. Manufacturers also provide their own series of edge molding shapes.