{"id":203897,"date":"2023-03-16T13:21:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T17:21:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=203897"},"modified":"2023-03-16T16:24:54","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T20:24:54","slug":"meeting-ceiling-requirements-in-restaurant-settings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/meeting-ceiling-requirements-in-restaurant-settings\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting ceiling requirements in restaurant settings"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo courtesy Ceilume and Little Jumbo. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Ben Carr; Michael Chusid, RA, FCSI, CDT; and Steven H. Miller, CDT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Restaurants, cafeterias, banquet halls, commissaries, and other food-service venues typically have at least two different types of ceilings. In the front of house, which includes public-facing areas such as the dining room, bar, and reception area, visual aesthetics are of primary importance, including the ceiling. Acoustic design must consider the desired noise level, as well as speech privacy. Finishes are selected with consideration for illumination strategy and light levels.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>In the back of house, comprising the kitchen and other food preparation areas and stations, hygiene and cleanability are key requirements. Acoustic control may be desirable to dampen noise in busy kitchens, while high light reflectance values may also be needed to disperse illumination evenly. Heat from cooking equipment may exclude some products, and ceiling materials used in kitchens must withstand moisture and high humidity. Further, ceilings in both back and front of house must meet building and fire codes, as well as health regulations.<\/p>\n

Some ceiling materials may have the appropriate properties for one area but not the other, resulting in the use of two different types of ceilings in the facility. Currently, the growing trend of open or exposed kitchens has created the need for restaurant ceilings that satisfy both sets of requirements. This article will explore options for meeting these diverse demands.<\/p>\n

Front-of-house needs<\/strong><\/p>\n

In public-facing areas of a restaurant, ceilings affect the customer experience in several important ways. The ceiling must complement the visual design of the room, of course, but it also plays a role in the acoustics and illumination of the space. Further, it contributes to customer perception of the establishment\u2019s hygiene and the safety of eating there. The ceiling must also comply with health and public safety codes.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Visual appeal<\/em><\/p>\n

Interior design has a significant impact on the dining experience and an establishment\u2019s branding. It sets the tone and character of the restaurant, whether it be contemporary, traditional fine dining, rustic cuisine, or fast food. In the front of house, the ceiling\u2019s visual effect can be its primary selection criterion. It is generally the most visible surface in the room, so its impact on design cannot be ignored.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Acoustics<\/em><\/p>\n

Acoustics are also of utmost concern in restaurants. Utensils hitting plates and glasses clinking produce particularly penetrating sounds, and an acoustically live room can intensify them. Even more significant is the sound of customers talking, which can carry from one table to the next. Conversations from other tables compete with speakers close at hand, diminishing speech intelligibility. This is often compounded by the Lombard effect, where background noise, including other patrons\u2019 speech, forces people to speak louder, thereby raising the overall noise level even further.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, background noise helps protect speech privacy. It masks adjacent sound, preventing speech from being distinguishable at a certain distance. In an open room, speech privacy requires background noise; if occupant-generated noise is not sufficient, electronically produced masking noise may be helpful. Therefore, front-of-house noise levels need to strike a balance between speech intelligibility and speech privacy appropriate to the style of the restaurant.<\/p>\n

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An acoustic ceiling offers the best opportunity for introducing noise mitigation, especially if it covers a large percentage of a room.2<\/sup> A study revealed restaurants with acoustic panels in a suspended grid ceiling scored better on both speech privacy and speech intelligibility, and lower on noise annoyance, compared to restaurants with exposed ceilings and no acoustic control.3<\/sup><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Cleanliness<\/em><\/p>\n

The customer\u2019s perception of cleanliness is also of great importance to a restaurant\u2019s atmosphere. Appearance is psychologically linked to food purity and freshness; thus, a clean-looking restaurant makes guests feel safer. The types of soiling common in the front of house are different than the back of house, and include dust, dirt from the street, spilled food and drink, smoke, and airborne pollution. Ceilings are also subject to soiling in areas near HVAC diffusers. Black or gray discoloration is created by particulates from ventilation streams which attach to ceilings due to the Coanda effect\u2014the tendency of a fluid jet to stay attached to adjacent surfaces. Ceilings should be selected with regard to their ability to be vacuumed, swept, wiped, and washed. Painting can also refresh the appearance of dirty ceilings. However, if not done carefully, it can impact the appearance and noise reduction properties of perforated panels and absorbent materials such as mineral fiber.<\/p>\n

Fire safety<\/em><\/p>\n

The International Building Code<\/em> (IBC<\/em>) classifies restaurants under Group A (Assembly) occupancies, but the occupancy classification (and therefore, requirements) of a particular restaurant may depend on its size, the occupancy classification of the overall building in which it is housed, and the code for the region in which it is located. Group A occupancies generally require ceiling finish materials with a flame spread of no more than 150, or no more than 75 if the location is not sprinklered, tested according to ASTM E84.<\/p>\n

Again, designers should consult all applicable codes to determine what ceiling materials are acceptable in a particular project.<\/p>\n

Lighting levels<\/em><\/p>\n

Depending on their location, lighting fixtures may or may not involve the ceiling. An intimate setting might only be illuminated by indirect lighting, but a large, cafeteria-style establishment will likely have troffers, downlights, or a luminous ceiling. Light reflectance of all surfaces, including the ceiling, will affect both illumination efficacy and the room\u2019s ambience. A highly reflective ceiling may help meet the adequate lighting requirement.<\/p>\n

Front-of-house options<\/strong><\/p>\n

For new construction projects, almost anything\u2014within the safety constraints of building codes\u2014is possible, such as a restaurant ceiling festooned with empty Chianti bottles. However, the following examples constitute some of the more readily available commercial ceiling options for front-of-house areas.<\/p>\n

Hard-lid ceilings<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard-lid ceilings made from gypsum board, plaster, or beadboard are appropriate in many places, and depending on their painted finishes, they are durable and washable. However, they require access hatches to reach overhead services and offer little noise attenuation.<\/p>\n

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Suspended ceilings<\/em><\/p>\n

In many restaurants, the overhead structure is left exposed to add visual height to the space and an industrial aesthetic. While this can be economical, savings are reduced by the extra efforts required to make structural members, ducts, and other equipment visually presentable. The added volume can also require additional lighting and air-conditioning capacity.<\/p>\n

Most commercial buildings use suspended ceilings to conceal, yet allow access to, above-ceiling cavities which host services such as plumbing, ductwork, electrical, and fire-suppression systems. The most versatile suspension system is the T-bar suspension system conforming to ASTM C635\/C635M, Standard Specification for Manufacture, Performance, and Testing of Metal Suspension Systems for Acoustical Tile and Lay-in Panel Ceilings<\/em>, with either a 610 x 610 mm (24 x 24 in.) or 610 x 1220 mm (24 x 48 in.) module.<\/p>\n

While the grid imposes a visual order, the overall character of the ceiling depends on the style of tiles or panels in the grid. Although the flat, white expanse of drop-in mineral fiber panels is common, other options have greater decorative properties, such as three-dimensional panels that create textured, patterned ceilings in a range of styles and colors. If an existing ceiling grid is discolored or damaged, T-bars can be repainted or, to reduce time and labor required, covered with adhesive-backed decorative strips or snap-on grid-cover strips in colors which match or complement ceiling panels.<\/p>\n

The standard for mineral fiber and other similar panels, ASTM E1264, Standard Classification for Acoustical Ceiling Product<\/em>s, details certain performance properties. No such similar standard has been written for metal, wood, or thermoformed ceiling panels.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Metal ceilings<\/em><\/p>\n

Metal ceiling panel systems are made in a great variety of styles, shapes, and finishes. Perforations in panels can improve sound attenuation, and batt insulation or non-woven acoustic fabric backing can improve performance.<\/p>\n

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Figure 1<\/b> Bavria Downs banquet hall features a luminous ceiling which can be color-programmed to complement the mood at different times of the day. <\/span>Photo courtesy Bella Gala and Bavaria Downs.<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wood ceilings<\/em><\/p>\n

Wood ceilings can have a biophilic appeal. To achieve acoustic performance, perforated, slat, or open-cell products can be used. Light reflectance depends on the color of the wood. Wood ceilings may be heavy, and the load must be calculated to ensure it can be supported above.<\/p>\n

Thermoformed ceiling panels<\/em><\/p>\n

Thermoformed panels are relatively lightweight, made from thin sheets of rigid plastic. They are easy to install, and available in a wide palette of colors and three-dimensional decorative patterns. When made from transparent or translucent materials, they can be installed as luminous ceilings beneath economical, color-controlled light-emitting diode (LED) strips. The color of the light can be programmed with a digital multiplex (DMX) controller. This allows the ceiling to change color and lighting intensity throughout the day to create different lighting schemes for the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night crowds, an advancement of the concept known as dayparting in the hospitality industry (Figure 1).<\/p>\n

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Figure 2<\/b> When this commercial bakery built a new kitchen inside an existing building, they installed a drop-out ceiling beneath the existing sprinklers\u2014eliminating the costly plumbing job of extending the sprinkler heads below ceiling level. <\/span>Photo by Ryan Bent\/courtesy Ceilume. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In restaurants with fire suppression sprinkler systems, some thermoformed panels have an unusual advantage. They comply with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems<\/em>, 3.3.61: \u201cDrop-Out Ceiling. A suspended ceiling system, which is installed below the sprinklers, with listed translucent or opaque panels that are heat sensitive and fall from their setting when exposed to heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sprinklers can be installed above the ceiling plane and out of sight when the grid is populated with drop-out panels. In case of fire, heat causes thermoformed panels to soften, deform, and drop out of the grid and allows sprinklers to function. Drop-out panels enable the designer to avoid the visual intrusion of sprinkler heads on the ceiling; in luminous ceilings, they also avoid the shadows sprinklers might cast on a luminous panel. Drop-out panels reduce the cost of sprinkler installation by allowing the sprinkler layout to be optimized and by simplifying trade coordination. Similarly, perforated metal panels with at least 70 percent open area can also be installed beneath sprinklers (Figure 2).<\/p>\n

Back-of-house needs<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the back-of-house\u2014areas not generally accessible by dining patrons\u2014aesthetics are not usually the driving force in design. The required performance of the ceiling has more to do with supporting the functions of the staff: food preparation and service in an environment that is clean, hygienic, and safe to work in.<\/p>\n

Cleanliness<\/em><\/p>\n

Behind the scenes of a restaurant, hygiene is top priority in food preparation areas. Health Codes require a ceiling that is cleanable and non-absorbent in food preparation areas. Cooking has been identified as a significant source of indoor air pollution, and grease, smoke particulate, and stains from foods such as red wine, mustard, and cooking oil are tough to remove. Finishes must withstand water, cleansers, and degreasing agents, as well as the scrutiny of public health officials.<\/p>\n

Commercial kitchens generally have overhead fire suppression systems, exhaust fans, pipes, and ductwork upon which grime can accumulate and then fall into food. Such a situation would fall afoul of the general requirement for sanitary conditions. A drop-in suspended ceiling (if it does not interfere with a sprinkler system) can block such contaminants from coming into contact with, or falling from, the overhead services, while still leaving services accessible for maintenance.<\/p>\n

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Figure 3<\/b> Absorbent ceiling materials can be damaged by high humidity or leaks and can harbor colonies of mold and bacteria. They can also discolor over time. <\/span>Photos courtesy Ceilume. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Moisture management<\/em><\/p>\n

Food preparation areas can be humid and wet environments. They are prone to condensation and leaks through the numerous roof penetrations for plumbing and venting. Finishes should be non-absorbent and resistant to sagging and the growth of mold and bacteria.<\/p>\n

Conventional mineral fiber panels are absorbent, and once wetted, can sag (Figure 3). The exposed surface of vinyl-faced mineral fiber and gypsum board panels are washable, but they can still absorb moisture from above and through their edges.<\/p>\n

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Figure 4<\/b> Thermoformed panels are washable and stain resistant, and light enough to easily be taken down for cleaning. <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Acoustics<\/em><\/p>\n

Kitchens are often noisy working environments, and acoustic control may be needed to allow clear communication among the staff and to limit noise escaping to quieter customer areas. It is not practical to perforate kitchen ceiling panels, as doing so allows contaminants to accumulate above the ceiling. Thermoformed panels avoid this problem because they act as diaphragms which allow noise to pass through the ceiling and dissipate in the cavity above. However, it should be noted thermoformed panels should not be used above ovens, ranges, and exhaust hoods, or where ceiling temperatures exceed limits stated by the manufacturer (e.g.<\/em> one popular brand of thermoformed panels has a ceiling temperature limit of 49 C [120 F]).<\/p>\n

Light reflectance<\/em><\/p>\n

Ceilings with high light reflectance provide more economical illumination, enhance safety, and improve productivity. Ceilings with high light reflectance help distribute illumination more evenly and less unidirectionally, reducing shadowing and providing a safer working environment.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Back-of-house options<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some key terms used in code, such as \u201ccleanable,\u201d are not defined. Several manufacturers now offer unfaced, premium-grade mineral fiber panels for use in commercial kitchens; and they are offered as cleanable materials, capable of being disinfected. One manufacturer recommends cleaning either by vacuuming or light wiping with a mild detergent, and disinfecting by fogging with a special disinfectant\/cleaner, spraying with highly diluted bleach, or wiping with diluted hydrogen peroxide. The manufacturer\u2019s data sheets and warranties indicate the ceiling panels are not to be cleaned any more aggressively than lightly wiping them with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n

Other ceiling candidates include stainless steel, anodized or painted aluminum, thermoformed plastic panels, and glass fiber composite panels. These products perform well in humid and dirty environments. They can be washed in place or, if necessary, removed from the ceiling grid to be soaked or hosed (Figure 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0BAVARIA DOWNS BANQUET HALL<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Bavaria Downs banquet hall features a thermoformed luminous ceiling which can be color-programmed to complement the mood of events and at different times of the day. <\/span>Photo courtesy Bella Gala and Bavaria Downs. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ballroom at Bavaria Downs was designed for weddings, and its luminous ceiling is part of the festivities. Using color-controlled light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and translucent thermoformed ceiling panels, the popular Chaska, Minnesota event and wedding venue changes its look to suit the occasion. The broad, pitched ceiling can mimic a vast skylight on a beautiful blue afternoon or match the bridesmaid\u2019s gowns. It can even be synced to the sound system.
\nDuring the design process, the owner was thinking about a large field of skylights, but even one narrow row of skylights proved to be prohibitively expensive and did not give the look and function he desired. Designer Ed Hawksford suggested a luminous ceiling. He wanted to create the impression of a Lalique glass ceiling from the 1920s, backlit with color-changing LEDs\u2014merging traditional style and contemporary technology, saving money, and adding versatility.
\nThe sloped ceiling is a conventional 0.6 x 0.6 m (2 x 2 ft) T-bar suspension grid. The central portion has panels in a geometric design, featuring numerous angled, light-catching facets. The luminous sections are 4.2 m (14 ft) wide, meeting at the peak; and they are separated by 0.6-m (2-ft)-wide strips of flat opaque white panels. The lower parts of ceiling are opaque sand colored panels in an ornate, deeply-detailed floral design, reminiscent of 19th century decorative plaster.
\nColor-changing LED fixtures are mounted above the translucent panels, pointing downwards toward the room. They are positioned
\n508 mm (20 in.) above the panels but achieve even diffusion of light. The backlit translucent panels create a lush field of color above the room that can be changed to match the afternoon blue sky, or the orange-reds of sunset, or an other color.
\nThe ceiling panels were selected specifically because they are approved as drop-out panels, which allowed Bavaria Downs to keep fire-suppression sprinklers concealed above the ceiling, without having to penetrate the luminous panels and spoil the “skylight” effect.
\nThe color ceiling been a popular success, as well as a sales tool for booking events into the venue. \u201cIt is a bonus: look, you get this beautiful upgrade,\u201d says Georgia Meyer, former director of venue operations. \u201cClients look at it as a decor they do not have to invest in. It brings a value plus. The reaction from clients and guests is just fantastic.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Figure 7<\/b> ASTM C367\/C367M is the ceiling industry\u2019s recognized consensus standard for measuring hardness, friability, sag resistance, and transverse strength of ceiling products. <\/span>Images courtesy Ceilume. <\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u00a0Strength and cleanability<\/em><\/p>\n

Standardized tests can be used to evaluate the relative merits of various ceiling products to withstand the high demands placed on restaurant kitchens regarding hygiene, as well as the ability to withstand cleaning and the wear caused by handling tiles during cleaning procedures.<\/p>\n

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Reports on products that have been tested according to ASTM D1308, Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems<\/em>, may provide some guidance on stain resistance and cleanability relative to food substances. Reagents are applied to specimen, allowed to sit, cleaned using prescribed techniques, and then visually examined (Figure 8).<\/p>\n

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Some ceiling manufacturers, unfortunately, make vague representations about the performance of their products without explaining the basis for their claims. While ASTM cautions that lab testing does not necessarily replicate field conditions, test results can be used for comparison and should be requested when considering products for which the specifier does not have firsthand experience.<\/p>\n

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Figure 8<\/b> ASTM D1308 can be used to compare stain resistance to various food products.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ASTM C367\/C367M, Standard Test Methods for Strength Properties of Prefabricated Architectural Acoustical Tile or Lay-in Ceiling Panels<\/em>, is the ceiling industry\u2019s recognized consensus standard for measuring four characteristics of ceiling products:<\/p>\n