Suspended Ceiling for Terrace

Requirements for Suspended Terrace Ceiling
Types of Suspended Ceiling Solutions
Metal Suspended Ceiling for Terrace
Types of Suspended Ceilings for Terrace
Advantages of Metal Suspended Ceilings for Terrace
Solution from “Mehbud” Factory
Conclusion

An open or partially enclosed (partially or fully glazed) terrace is an excellent place to relax during the warm season. Such terraces are arranged by both private homeowners and commercial property owners, primarily cafes and restaurants. A small canopy can be placed above the terrace, partially covering it, or a ceiling can fully cover the terrace – but in any case, such a structure needs finishing from the interior.

In almost 100% of cases, a suspended ceiling is chosen as the main solution. Such ceilings are easy to install, create minimal load on the supporting structure, and allow for the concealment of utilities. The latter is crucial for terraces: since there are no walls in such constructions, utilities (air ducts of heating and ventilation systems, wires, etc.) need to be hidden under the ceiling.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUSPENDED TERRACE CEILING

When choosing the material and structural solution for a suspended ceiling, two main regulatory documents should be followed:

SNiP 3.04.01-87 “Insulation and Finishing Coatings”
SNiP 21-01-97 “Fire Safety of Buildings and Structures”

In addition to these, there are several other documents, but most of the requirements in these standards are duplicated or less stringent compared to the mentioned SNiPs.

If we briefly systematize the list of regulatory requirements and the practice of installing such ceilings, the list of requirements for them will be approximately as follows:

High mechanical strength.
Resistance to external influences (especially relevant for terraces without glazing).
Maintaining geometry under load (minimal tendency to sag under its own weight).
Possibility of installation at different distances from the supporting structure (utilities will be placed in the gap).
Fire resistance (terraces in public buildings and commercial properties need to be finished with materials that do not ignite or support combustion).
Aesthetic appearance.

Some of the requirements from this list are met by almost all finishing materials. But the challenge lies precisely in finding a material that satisfies all the points.

TYPES OF SUSPENDED CEILING SOLUTIONS

Before choosing the material from which the ceiling of an open terrace of a country house should be made, it is necessary to understand what types of suspended ceiling solutions the modern market offers.

The following varieties of materials are most commonly used for finishing terrace ceilings:

PVC panels.
Wood-based materials – natural wood, MDF, and composite.
Metal panels.
Let’s briefly characterize each of the mentioned varieties.

PLASTIC

One of the most affordable options is plastic lining. It has its advantages, which make it popular among consumers:

good decorative properties,
ease of installation,
relative durability,
resistance to rodents,
easy maintenance.

But when choosing plastic for a terrace ceiling, it is important to remember the disadvantages of such a ceiling:

it is sensitive to temperature fluctuations,
deforms under the influence of heating devices;
fragile, easily cracks during dismantling;
fades in sunlight and is highly flammable.

So, it will be time to address the next “ceiling issue” very soon.

WOOD-BASED MATERIALS

For those who appreciate naturalness, wood is undoubtedly the go-to choice. Wooden lining:

is durable,
eco-friendly,
allows for good air circulation,
provides ample room for design solutions – from choosing the type of wood to various visual effects achieved by different arrangements of slats on the ceiling.

However, this option of suspended ceiling for a terrace has its significant drawbacks:

Wood, being a natural material, reacts to temperature changes.
It can dry out or, conversely, absorb moisture.
Cracks may appear.
To keep such a ceiling in good condition for a long time, it requires constant care, time, and, undoubtedly, money.

Apart from natural wood, other materials can also be used for terrace finishing:

MDF panels – lining made of cellulose fiber with paper cladding. Despite visually resembling natural wood, MDF panels are significantly inferior in strength to solid boards. Additionally, even when treated with special compounds, MDF is susceptible to water, swelling in a humid environment, and lacks high fire resistance.

WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) – a material that combines cellulose fiber and polymer components. WPC panels resemble boards or blockhouse siding. This material is commonly used for producing terrace flooring, but thin and lightweight panels can also be used for ceiling cladding on a terrace. The main drawback is the high cost.