Acoustical Ceiling Tile

Acoustical ceiling tile is installed in areas where controlling echoes
or decreasing sound levels are important to the functions taking place in
that space. Typical areas include group office areas, classrooms, lecture
halls, auditoriums, and corridors. Tiles can be adhered directly to a supporting
structure, or they can be suspended from framing. The life expectancy
of most acoustical ceiling tile is 20 years.
The most common defects found in acoustical ceiling tile include
the following:
1. Damaged tile. Physical damage to acoustical ceiling tile can be
caused by a wide range of factors, including normal wear and tear,
maintenance personnel accessing equipment and wiring located
above the ceiling, and vandalism. In most cases, minor damage can
be ignored as long as the tile remains intact. More extensive damage
will require replacement of the tile.
2. Dirt/stains. Acoustical ceiling tile, particularly tile that is porous,
readily accumulates dirt that stains the surface of the tile. Porous
and soft materials also are readily damaged by water and other
liquids, resulting in stains. In some cases, dirt and stains can be
removed by cleaning the tile with a special cleaning solution that
contains bleach. It is not recommended that acoustical ceiling tile be
painted. Paint will alter the acoustical properties of the tile. The
best solution for dirty or stained acoustical tile ceilings is replacement
of the tile.
3. Discolored tracks. The mounting tracks used with many types of
acoustical ceiling tiles often become discolored as the result of dirt
buildup. If cleaning cannot restore the tracks to their original color,
they will have to be covered or replaced.
4. Disintegration. The types of materials used to make acoustical
ceiling tile break and crumble easily. Tiles are easily damaged, and
once damaged require replacement in order to maintain the acoustical
properties of the space. The most common area of the tile
where disintegration is found is at the corners.
5. Loose tile. Some types of acoustical ceiling tile are attached to a subsurface or furring strips by staples, nails, or an adhesive. When
the method of attachment begins to fail, individual tiles can become
loose and eventually fall. If the number of loose tiles is relatively
small, the ceiling can be repaired.
6. Missing tile. Individual tiles can be missing from attached acoustical
tile ceilings as the result of failure of the method of attachment,
damage to the ceiling, or maintenance activities. When individual
tiles are replaced, it is difficult to find ones that match the existing
tiles in both texture and color. In addition, exposure and aging result
in minor but noticeable changes in the appearance of the tile
that is difficult to match. When the number of tiles missing reaches
a certain level, it will be necessary to replace the entire ceiling.
7. Sagging. Sagging in suspended acoustical ceilings is caused by
failure of the suspension system, or long-term exposure of the tile
to moisture. Correcting both will require replacement of the impacted
area of tile. Sagging in attached acoustical ceilings is the
result of failure of the substrate. Correction will require replacement
of the ceiling and the substrate.
8. Track damage. Suspended acoustical ceiling tile uses either a visible
or hidden track to support the individual tiles. These tracks can
be damaged by normal wear and tear, maintenance personnel,
water, and vandalism. Damaged sections of track generally require
replacement.