How to Install Drop Ceiling Tiles

Suspended ceilings are secondary ceilings, hung below a room's primary, structural ceiling. They are also commonly referred to as drop ceilings.

A standard drop ceiling consists of metal grid, called T-bar, that is hung (suspended) from the primary ceiling.

Ceiling tiles are placed between grid members to create a "faux" ceiling, and come in both 2' x 2' and 2' x 4' sizes.

Suspended ceilings are easier to install than drywall, provide access to ducts, pipes, and cables, and offer a better sound barrier than a standard ceiling.

Installation Instructions

Download the Drop Ceiling Tile Installation Instructions (PDF).

Easy As 1-2-3

Remove existing ceiling tiles (if applicable) and pop any Ceilume Ceiling Tile into place in the drop ceiling.

In perimeter and border situations where the T-bar sections are irregular or not a full 2' x 2' or 2' x 4' in size, border ceiling tile styles can be easily trimmed to fit using common, household scissors.

Drop-Out Ceiling Tiles under Fire Sprinklers

PLEASE NOTE: FEATHER-LIGHT SERIES ONLY

When used under standard release sprinkler systems rated with an activation temperature of 165°F or above, Ceilume's Feather-Light Ceiling Tiles and AcoustoTherm Backpanels must not be fastened directly to metal T-bar members. They are to be set in place ONLY. No clips, fasteners or impediments of any kind can be used to limit the ceiling tile's ability to drop from the suspension system without restraint in the event of a fire.

In areas where there is exposure to drafts and air currents, hold-down clips can be used to limit the ceiling tile's upward movement only - clips must not prevent ceiling tiles and panels from dropping out in the event of a fire.

Decorative Strips

Decorative strips are 24" long with an adhesive backing, and are designed to cover the face of the T-bar. Each strip has a decorative pattern that begins with a dot and ends with a dash.

Before applying decorative strips:

• Room temperature should be between 60°F and 80°F with low humidity.
• The drop ceiling grid should be cleaned thoroughly with a soft cloth and alcohol or basic cleaning solution. This will remove any dust or grease, as well as dissipate static electricity, which attracts dust to the grid.
• Make sure that your T-bar grid is installed correctly, and is even and level at all points. Decorative strips will not adhere properly to bent or damaged grid.

Please note:

• Do not remove the peel surface on the adhesive backing until you are ready to install the decorative strip. If the adhesive comes in contact with dust, oil, or grease of any kind it will not adhere to the grid.
• Be sure not to overlap strips, one on top of another, as this can create gaps that may encourage the adhesive to release.
• If the decorative strips do not adhere for any reason, a small amount of construction adhesive can be applied.

Before removing the peel surface on the adhesive backing, it is recommended that the strips be dry fit. Start with the main runners (the longer pieces of a grid that typically run the length of the ceiling and support the shorter cross pieces). Place the dot end of the decorative strip directly over a four-way grid intersection and the length of the strip along the face of the grid between two ceiling tiles. If the strip needs to be trimmed simply cut it to size appropriately.

Remove the peel surface on the adhesive backing and press the strip firmly into place making sure to once again line the dot end of the strip with the four-way grid intersection and its length along the face of the grid between two tiles. Butt the next decorative strip directly against the first, creating a repeating pattern - the first dot on the second strip placed over the next four-way intersection and so on.

After all of the decorative grid strips have been installed along the main runners, begin installing the strips perpendicular to the first set (the cross pieces). Dry fit and trim as necessary before removing the peel surface and installing.

Translucent Lighting Panels

For best lighting results and lengthened life, translucent ceiling tiles used in lighting applications should be positioned at least 6" below lighting fixtures.

It is also recommended that lighting panels be used in conjunction with AcoustoTherm Backpanels, which nest above the translucent ceiling tiles.

These clear backpanels provide better diffusion of light, hide dust and insect accumulation, and increase sound absorption and heat insulation properties.

Painting

All Ceilume products can be painted before or after installation. Be sure ceiling tiles and decorative strips are clean and dry and experiment on a sample ceiling tile with your paint of choice before painting the ceiling in its entirety. Do not use solvent type thinner or cleaners.

Painting voids the Class A Fire Rating.

Cleaning

Ceilume Ceiling Tiles require no special cleaning agents – just wipe with a soft, damp rag. There is no risk of water damage during cleaning and there is no need for scheduled professional cleaning and resurfacing to prevent environmental and aesthetic problems. Small, stubborn spots can be handled with cleaners such as Fantastik® or Windex®.

Cleaners containing organic solvents or other aggressive ingredients should not be used because they may affect the surface appearance of the tile. Examples of such cleaners are chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, strong soaps and detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish remover and furniture polish/cleaners.

Storing

Do not store ceiling tiles in contact with direct sunlight or in contact with any heat that may reach temperatures of over 110°F. When temperatures reach these levels, the vinyl is likely distort.

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