The Advantages of a Dropped Ceiling in a Basement

Easy to Install

• One of the most significant advantages of a drop ceiling for your basement is that it is easy to install. If you like do-it-yourself projects, you can put the ceiling up yourself using tools that you probably already have around the house, such as a hammer, pliers, drill and pop-rivet gun. The system includes a metal grid connected to the ceiling joists. The grid features channels, so you can easily slip the ceiling tiles into place. In most cases, installation takes only one or two weekends to complete.

Accessibility

• Another significant advantage of a dropped ceiling is that it allows you to hide unsightly pipes, cables and ductwork in your basement ceiling without having to move any of the items. However, when you need to access the pipes or cables, you simply have to remove a ceiling tile to reach them. If you experience a plumbing leak or electrical problem, repairs are easy to make, and you can avoid more serious damage because you can fix the problem more quickly.

Sound Proofing

• A dropped ceiling is extremely effective if you want to soundproof your basement for use as a home theater, music room or even a bedroom. The tiles used in a drop ceiling absorb sound because they are made from a fibrous material. The structure of the ceiling itself also helps keep sound from entering and exiting the basement because it is separated from your home's framing. As a result, a dropped ceiling provides better soundproofing capabilities than a traditional drywall ceiling.

Easy to Repair

• If there is a plumbing issue in your home and a leak occurs in your basement ceiling, a drop ceiling is easy to repair. You can remove the damaged or stained tiles and replace them with new panels without breaking a sweat. You can also use a drop ceiling in your basement to cover up an existing ceiling that is discolored or cracked without doing more costly, serious repair work.

Design Variety

• Drop ceilings sometimes get a bad rap for having an unattractive, institutional look. However, drop ceiling tiles are actually available in a wide range of attractive designs, so you don't have to sacrifice on your ceiling's appearance. You can even find tiles that resemble other ceiling materials, such wood panels or pressed tin, to give your ceiling an even more decorative look.