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Understanding the Different Types of Ceiling Tiles in Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
Schools are not just spaces for learning—they are environments that shape how students engage, focus, and succeed. One of the often-overlooked yet critical components of a school’s architecture is its ceiling system. The right ceiling tiles can dramatically influence acoustics, safety, durability, and energy efficiency, all of which directly affect the quality of education.
In 2025, ceiling tile innovations are moving beyond aesthetics. Schools worldwide, including those in Central Asia and the Middle East, now demand metal ceiling tile systems that meet strict international standards. These tiles provide Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) ≥0.75, Sound Transmission Class (STC) ≥40, fire resistance of 60–120 minutes, and a service life of 20–30 years.
This comprehensive guide examines the different types of ceiling tiles used in schools, focusing on aluminium and steel systems while contrasting them with gypsum, PVC, and wood alternatives.
Aluminium Ceiling Tiles in Schools
1. Characteristics
Aluminium ceiling tiles are among the most widely used in schools due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility.
2. Technical Performance
- NRC: 0.78–0.82.
- STC: ≥40.
- Fire Resistance: 60–90 minutes.
- Service Life: 25–30 years.
3. Applications in Schools
- Classrooms where speech clarity is critical.
- Laboratories where sterility and corrosion resistance are required.
- Heritage schools needing custom perforated patterns.
4. Case Study
At Ashgabat International School, PRANCE aluminium acoustic tiles reduced reverberation from 1.1 seconds to 0.6 seconds, improving speech intelligibility scores by 20%.
Steel Ceiling Tiles in Schools
1. Characteristics
Steel ceiling tiles are chosen for their strength and fire resistance, particularly in multi-story schools or facilities requiring high load capacity.
2. Technical Performance
- NRC: 0.75–0.80.
- STC: ≥38.
- Fire Resistance: 90–120 minutes.
- Service Life: 20–25 years.
3. Applications in Schools
- Auditoriums and gymnasiums where fire safety and durability are priorities.
- Industrial training schools requiring load-bearing strength.
4. Case Study
At Mary Heritage School in Turkmenistan, Armstrong steel ceiling tiles achieved a fire rating of 120 minutes while maintaining NRC 0.77 in classrooms.
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
1. Description
Acoustic ceiling tiles are engineered to absorb sound and reduce echo, ensuring that students can clearly hear teachers and peers.
2. Technical Features
- Aluminium acoustic tiles: NRC 0.78–0.82.
- Steel acoustic tiles: NRC 0.75–0.80.
- With mineral wool infill, NRC can exceed 0.85.
3. Case Study
Ecophon supplied acoustic aluminium ceiling tiles to a primary school in Manama, reducing noise complaints by 35%.
Fire-Rated Ceiling Tiles
1. Description
Fire-rated ceiling tiles are mandatory in schools for compliance with international building codes.
2. Technical Features
- Aluminium: 60–90 minutes fire resistance.
- Steel: 90–120 minutes fire resistance.
- Tested under ASTM E119 and EN 13501.
3. Case Study
At Sohar School Complex, steel ceiling tiles by SAS International provided 120 minutes of fire safety, ensuring compliance with ministry regulations.
Sustainable Ceiling Tiles
1. Description
Sustainability is a rising priority in school construction. Aluminium and steel ceiling tiles often contain ≥70% recycled material.
2. Technical Features
- Aluminium: Fully recyclable, service life 25–30 years.
- Steel: ≥60% recycled content, service life 20–25 years.
3. Case Study
USG Boral supplied sustainable aluminium tiles to Dashoguz School, reducing embodied carbon by 18% compared to gypsum alternatives.
Smart-Integrated Ceiling Tiles
1. Description
The latest innovation is smart-ready ceiling tiles that integrate IoT, HVAC, and lighting systems.
2. Technical Features
- NRC: 0.75–0.80.
- Fire resistance: 60–90 minutes.
- Integrated slots for sensors, LEDs, and air-flow.
3. Case Study
In Ashgabat, PRANCE smart-integrated ceiling tiles were piloted in a new school, cutting HVAC energy use by 20%.
Comparisons with Alternative Materials
1. Gypsum Ceiling Tiles
- NRC ≤0.55.
- Fire resistance: 30–60 minutes.
- Service life: 10–12 years.
- Low durability, prone to sagging.
2. PVC Ceiling Tiles
- NRC ≤0.50.
- Poor fire performance.
- Service life: 7–10 years.
- Not suitable for institutional use.
3. Wood Ceiling Tiles
- NRC ≤0.50.
- Combustible, requiring fire treatment.
- Service life: 7–12 years.
- Used only for decorative purposes.
Comparative Table: Types of Ceiling Tiles in Schools
|
Type |
NRC |
Fire Resistance |
STC |
Service Life |
|
Aluminium |
0.78–0.82 |
60–90 min |
≥40 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Steel |
0.75–0.80 |
90–120 min |
≥38 |
20–25 yrs |
|
Acoustic (Al/Steel) |
≥0.78 |
60–120 min |
≥40 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Fire-Rated |
≥0.75 |
60–120 min |
≥38 |
20–30 yrs |
|
Sustainable |
≥0.78 |
60–90 min |
≥40 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Smart-Integrated |
0.75–0.80 |
60–90 min |
≥38 |
20–25 yrs |
|
Gypsum |
≤0.55 |
30–60 min |
≤30 |
10–12 yrs |
|
PVC |
≤0.50 |
Poor |
≤20 |
7–10 yrs |
|
Wood |
≤0.50 |
Combustible |
≤25 |
7–12 yrs |
Long-Term Performance
|
Material |
NRC After Install |
NRC After 10 Years |
Service Life |
|
Aluminium |
0.82 |
0.79 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Steel |
0.80 |
0.77 |
20–25 yrs |
|
Acoustic |
0.83 |
0.80 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Fire-Rated |
0.81 |
0.78 |
20–30 yrs |
|
Sustainable |
0.81 |
0.78 |
25–30 yrs |
|
Smart-Integrated |
0.79 |
0.75 |
20–25 yrs |
|
Gypsum |
0.52 |
0.45 |
10–12 yrs |
|
PVC |
0.48 |
0.40 |
7–10 yrs |
|
Wood |
0.50 |
0.40 |
7–12 yrs |
Standards and Compliance
- ASTM C423: NRC testing.
- ASTM E336: STC measurement.
- ASTM E119 / EN 13501: Fire resistance testing.
- ASTM E580: Seismic compliance.
- ISO 3382: Room acoustics.
- ISO 12944: Corrosion resistance.
- ISO 14001: Environmental management.
PRANCE in School Ceiling Solutions
PRANCE provides aluminium and steel ceiling tile systems for schools worldwide. Their systems achieve NRC ≥0.75, STC ≥40, fire resistance of 60–90 minutes, and service life of 25–30 years. With custom finishes and perforations, PRANCE tiles balance heritage aesthetics with modern performance. Connect with PRANCE today to find the right ceiling solution for your project. Our team offers expert guidance, technical support, and customized designs to meet your acoustic, fire-rated, and sustainability requirements.
FAQs
1. What ceiling tile type is most common in schools?
Aluminium ceiling tiles are most common, offering corrosion resistance, NRC ≥0.78, and a service life of 25–30 years.
2. Are steel ceiling tiles better for safety?
Yes, they provide fire resistance up to 120 minutes, ideal for multi-story school buildings.
3. Do acoustic ceiling tiles improve learning?
Yes, by reducing reverberation, they enhance speech clarity and student focus.
4. Are gypsum or PVC tiles suitable for schools?
No. They lack durability, fire safety, and acoustic performance.
5. Can ceiling tiles be customized for heritage schools?
Yes. Aluminium and steel tiles can replicate traditional designs while meeting modern performance standards.