Do tongue and groove metal ceilings perform better than slatted ceilings in seismic zones?

Seismic activity in Central Asia—common in regions of Kazakhstan and northern Uzbekistan—poses challenges for ceiling systems. Slatted ceilings, composed of discrete battens, can shift, detach, or rattle during tremors, risking debris and safety hazards. Tongue and groove aluminum ceilings form continuous interlocked surfaces that distribute lateral forces evenly across the ceiling plane. The metal’s ductility allows panels to bend slightly without fracturing, while the carrier rails anchor into structural supports with vibration-absorbing clips. In Tashkent earthquake drills, tongue and groove systems remain intact, preventing panel loosening that plagues slatted installations. Additionally, the solid ceiling surface acts as a diaphragm, providing secondary bracing to non-structural finishes. Post-quake inspections in Almaty commercial buildings show minimal repair needs for aluminum ceilings, whereas slat systems often require complete re-alignment and re-fastening. For designers prioritizing occupant safety and minimal downtime after seismic events, aluminum tongue and groove ceilings outperform traditional slatted ceilings in both resilience and service continuity.