MCDM AG.COM | M A RCH /A PR IL 2017 | Medical Construction & Design
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While not necessarily always required
by code, there are a number of other
considerations to keep in mind regarding
acoustical ceilings in smoke partitions:
> Edge Detail – Most acoustical ceiling
panels are available as either square lay-in
or tegular panels. Tegular panels have a
reveal edge and are preferred because
they fi t tighter into the grid system, re-
ducing the possibility of leaks.
> Panel Size – Ceiling panels are usually
off ered in 2-foot by 2-foot or 2-foot by
four-foot sizes. The larger-size panels are
preferred because they require fewer grid
components, once again resulting in less
possibility for leaks.
> Seals – To minimize air leakage that
may allow smoke transfer between spaces,
it is important to seal the ceiling mold-
ing with a fi restop sealant. Penetrations
through the ceiling such as light fi xtures
and air diff users also require treatment.
Fire performance a
key consideration
The fi re performance requirements of
a suspended ceiling will vary depend-
ing on the space in which it is installed.
However, two general requirements are
always critical: The ceiling should make
only a negligible contribution to the
development of a fi re and production of
smoke, and it should not collapse during
the early stages of a fi re when evacuation
can still be carried out.
Consequently, to ensure the safety of
a facility's occupants, fi re performance
needs to be a key consideration when
selecting a ceiling.
Paul A. Hough is manager of product fi re & seismic
performance for Armstrong Ceiling Solutions. He
can be reached at pahough@armstrongceilings.com.
"PDi TVs are bulletproof. They stand up to a lot of
abuse from patients and keep working really well. I
plan to keep using them."
– Skeets Zinkhan, Healthsouth Chesapeake
Rehabilitation Hospital, Salisbury, MD
www.pdiarm.com
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