| Insulated Ceiling Systems for Sports 
HOW TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS THE CLUB OF THE FUTURE
Allen Rogers, Tennis Industry, March/April 1998
How
important is your ceiling system? If you asked this question to most club owner's ten
years ago you would have gotten a shoulder shrug, and a blank look. Ask today and you may
get a different response. With the proper ceiling system in place an owner can save his
club thousands of dollars annually in heating and cooling costs, lighting costs and
maintenance expenses.
Benefits of New Ceiling System
The installation
of a highly reflective ceiling system, suspended below the structural steel of a metal
building will pay large dividends to the club owner and its members. By suspending the
ceiling below the structural framing, an even smooth surface is provided for in-direct
lighting. Depending on the previous ceiling construction and type of lighting in place,
this ceiling system can improve light levels up to 50%. Because of the higher light
levels, fewer fixtures are needed resulting in less maintenance and upkeep expense. The
installation of both new lighting and a Hot Box tested {ASTM C-236}insulation system can
result in a reduction of annual energy costs by 50%.
By suspending the ceiling below the structural steel in a high moisture environment and
venting the cavity between the ceiling and roof, the vapor barrier will prevent moisture
from accumulating on the steel. Because the steel is covered, and not visible to your
members, it is not necessary to continually paint and dust these areas, providing the club
owner with substantial maintenance savings and a longer-lasting building.
The suspended ceiling allows for higher R-values with less
insulation added. When the building was constructed, typically a 3" layer of
insulation is placed between the purlins and the metal roof decking. After the decking is
screwed down, the insulation between the decking and the purlins is crushed, minimizing
it's insulation value. The installation of a suspended insulated ceiling can increase the
insulating R-value of the building by 30% by adding an additional layer of insulation
materials and creating a dead air space between the roof and suspended ceiling system.
These features will provide additional comfort to your members, and keep your heating and
cooling costs down.
More Customer Satisfaction
The installation of a new ceiling sends a message to the members that you care about your
facility and your members while providing substantial energy savings to the club owner, as
well. |
