Choosing the Right Ceiling: Acoustical Versus Drywall

Many homeowners and commercial building operators wonder if acoustical ceilings or drywall ceilings are better. The truth is both materials are fine, but acoustical ceilings and acoustical drywall tend to work better for commercial applications, while drywall is usually the choice for homes. Acoustical ceilings reduce noise and have a comm ercial look, while drywall is easy to work with and meets the needs of most residences.

Let’s get right into it!

Advantages of Acoustical Ceilings:

Soundproofing

Acoustical ceilings provide sound absorption, making spaces quieter and more peaceful. They also prevent noise from bouncing off the walls and floors of the room. Because of this, they are a great ceiling solution for commercial work environments and spaces where acoustical performance matters.

Simplicity and style

Acoustical ceiling panels are simple. Their presence does not jump out at people or creating a complicated ceiling system, but they still have an attractive look, another reason they are great for commercial properties.

Straightforward installation process

A lot of builders and property developers love acoustic ceiling installations because installation is simple. The project can get done without a hitch.

Cost-effectiveness

Acoustic ceilings are also less costly than most ceiling alternatives. When used for commercial spaces, acoustic ceiling tiles are usually bought in bulk, reducing their cost even further. Acoustic ceilings are also less costly to replace, maintain, and remove. Therefore, they also offer great value and ROI.

Highly light reflective

Acoustic ceiling tiles also help to improve lighting through reflection in the wall systems. This allows building owners to use less electrical lighting, to better enjoy the aesthetics in their spaces, and to take advantage of natural light.

Drywall advantages

Though acoustical ceilings offer many advantages, there are benefits to drywall ceilings as well:

• Manufactured much faster, which reduces energy costs and energy use during their construction
• Although somewhat heavy, a professional drywall company with the right lifting machines can still install either walls or ceilings fast
• Although less durable compared to acoustic tiles, drywall plastering reinforces it, resulting in a sufficient strength for most purposes
• Fire resistant
• Cost-effective
• Can be used for the construction of regular walls and ceilings or as a partition
• Installation of recessed lighting or hanging items is easy

Drywall disadvantages

Drywall also has some disadvantages to consider before choosing this option, including:

• Low water resistance.

• When installed in bathrooms, basements, or other high moisture spaces, its condition is often affected, resulting in mold infestations and the need for drywall replacement

• Without plastering over the drywall, the surface will be prone to damage, such as holes, damaged corners, tapes coming off, and joints cracking.

• Although easy to install, it requires experts because drywall finishing must be done correctly or there will be problems with the joints or tapes later

Most of the problems with drywall are manageable. If your contractor takes precautions, measures correctly, and selects the right materials, you shouldn’t have any problems. Minor issues from the expected wear and tear are easily manageable. Clearly, the advantages of drywall are plenty and give you a good reason for investing in this material.

There is nothing wrong with either acoustical ceilings or drywall ceilings. Sometimes, you can even find acoustical drywall ceilings which combine the best of both types, though these are more rare. For most residences, drywall is the material of choice, while acoustical ceilings provide the noise dampening and aesthetics best reserved for commercial properties.

Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia

Carlton Building Services specializes in repairs, maintenance, renovations, remodelings and build-outs for a variety of clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. We have years of experience handling projects in the retail, office, and healthcare space and would love to work with you on your next project!

To learn more about our services, check out past project highlights or contact Carlton Building Services to see how we can help with your next project.