The use of polystyrene ceiling tiles in the home or office environment provides several distinct advantages in comparison to traditional ceilings. Some of these advantages include the ability to add an extra layer of insulation between the false ceiling and the roof of the structure, decorative effects, enhanced safety and lowered maintenance costs. Polystyrene ceiling tiles also offer flexibility in the method of installation because the tiles can be installed in a drop ceiling framework or directly attached to existing ceiling surfaces. By incorporating polystyrene ceiling tiles into a remodeling project, building owners can often drastically reduce the expenditures in both time and money spent on the project while producing an aesthetically pleasing look for the room.
Polystyrene ceiling tiles have intrinsic value as insulation tiles due to the materials used in the tile's construction. In addition to this insulating factor, the tiles are often installed in a drop-ceiling framework, creating an air buffer between the ceiling tile framework and the true ceiling or roof of the structure. This air space is sometimes filled with fiberglass insulation to provide additional insulative properties. The insulation assists in regulating the transmission of air or sound through the ceiling, thus lowering heating and cooling costs and reducing the noise levels in multilevel structures.
The use of polystyrene ceiling tiles as decorative ceiling tiles is also common in many areas. In new construction, the use of polystyrene ceiling tiles to create a false ceiling can reduce building costs and allow room for the installation of vent-work or above ceiling plumbing that is completely hidden from view by the decorative ceiling tiles. The ceiling tiles are available in a variety of patterns, raised designs or textures making it possible for interior designers to create a completely new look for remodeling projects, as well, giving the owner of an older building the opportunity to hide unsightly water damaged ceilings or other eyesores with a decorative, new ceiling that is available in patterns to match antique tin tiles or other designer looks.
While standard fiber ceiling tiles are not recommended for drop ceiling installations covering fire containment systems, polystyrene ceiling tiles can be used safely. In locations where fire sprinkler systems are required, such as office buildings and apartment houses, drop ceiling frameworks are sometimes used to hide the plumbing of the sprinkler system from view. When the fire sprinkler is activated, the polystyrene ceiling tiles melt away, allowing the fire suppression system to do its job effectively while traditional standard fiber ceiling tiles absorb water and can impede the fire suppression system's effectiveness.
Maintaining polystyrene ceiling tile installations is usually a simple task. The ceiling tiles are washable and will not mildew, stain, flake or crumble under normal conditions. As an advantage over traditional drywall ceilings, in the unlikely event that a polystyrene ceiling tile installation is damaged, only the affected tiles need to be replaced which can be done in a matter of minutes by even untrained individuals.