IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION

Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

CEILING TILE
Ceiling tiles, also known as ceiling panels, are lightweight construction materials, which are
used to cover ceilings. Placed in a steel or aluminium grid, they provide some thermal insulation
but are usually designed to improve the aesthetics and acoustics of a room. Ceiling tiles are
typically made with mineral wool, fiberglass, gypsum, perlite, clay, cellulose or starch.
Ceiling tiles are used to cover unfinished ceilings, which are typically made from exposed wood
beams, concrete or metal. Ceiling tiles and panels are known for their beauty and performance

Ceiling tiles play a crucial role in reducing noise, preventing fire from spreading across rooms
and floors, and completing the look of your facility. Ceiling tiles are often built from a mix of
mineral fibers that possess fireproof and antimicrobial properties. Selecting the right ceiling tile
depends on the specific characteristics you need from your ceilings, the design of your facility,
and the shape and size of your rooms.

CHARACTERISTICS
 Acoustical ceiling tiles are standard in office buildings, restaurants and other crowded
areas. According to the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), acoustical
ceiling tiles are the most widely used tile in commercial settings, and are typically made
from paper and mineral fiber.

 Fire-resistant tiles are designed to meet or exceed fire prevention standards. According

to Armstrong, these tiles are made to limit the spread of fire by either resisting fire or
burning slowly. Many existing types of ceiling tiles have a degree of fire resistance, while
perlite tiles, according to the New York State OGS, are naturally fireproof.

 Decorative tiles combine form and function, with designs that specifically feature
acoustic and fire-resistant properties. According to Interiors + Sources, decorative tiles
are often used in rooms where aesthetics matter and ambient noise needs to be
reduced, requiring a ceiling that can both match existing walls and fixtures and provide
sound absorption. Decorative tiles can cost more than standard options due to their
unique designs and/or colors.

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

 Moisture-resistant tiles are used in rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms and
food production areas, where moisture is a concern for the life and safety of a ceiling.
Ceiling tiles made from metal or PVC, according to Interiors + Sources, offer natural
moisture resistance, while still reducing ambient noise. Unlike standard mineral ceiling
tiles, these materials do not stain or sag when exposed to water from a leak.

 Antimicrobial tiles are used in healthcare environments where they can be easily

cleaned and sanitized frequently. According to the New York State OGS, tiles can be
coated in a PVC layer or paint that can be scrubbed to remove any contaminants.
Antimicrobial tiles contain materials or coatings that prevent mold and mildew growth,
and can kill a majority of bacteria on the surface of a tile within 72 hours.

TYPES OF CEILING TILE

 Basic Fissured
Fissured ceiling tiles offer great value for money, good acoustic properties and are ideal
for many applications such as offices, retail units, and schools.

 Colored Ceiling Tiles

Colored ceiling tiles are a great way to brighten up a workspace and create a modern
look. Traditionally the most popular color of ceiling tile is white, this is because it has
great light-reflecting properties. There are, however, other options out there and
thinking outside of the box could create a more contemporary feel. Colored ceiling tiles
are also great for schools, colleges and universities as well as shops and cinemas. Our
most popular and affordable range of colored ceiling tiles would be the Armstrong
Colortone Dune range. Rockfon also manufactures colored ceiling tiles as part of their
Color-all range which offers 34 different colors!

 Design/Special Ceiling Tiles

Traditionally suspended ceilings have been mainly manufactured in plain finishes to suit
the mass market. White is the most common color of ceiling tile as it has good light
reflectance properties. There are however many options for something a little different
or more colorful when it comes to ceilings. Some manufacturers now have a large range
of design ceiling tiles for that wow factor.

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

 Fine Fissured Ceiling Tiles

Fine Fissured ceiling tiles are still a very popular type of tile within the UK ceiling
industry. The tile is a step up in both performance and cost from the basic fissured type
ceiling tile. The tile is also aesthetically better as the fissures are not as prominent across
the face of the tile, whilst still maintaining good sound absorption levels.

 Metal (Perforated) Ceiling Tiles

Metal perforated ceiling tiles have increased in popularity in recent years, which is
largely thanks to the improved acoustic performance over their plain-faced
counterparts. The perforations within the metal tile allow the product to have a far
greater sound absorption rating, therefore ensuring it can be used in a far wider choice
of environments.

 Metal (Plain) Ceiling Tiles

Metal Suspened Ceilings offer a functional and stylish finish to a premises. The Metal
Ceiling Tiles in conjunction with the steel ceiling grid are a credible and high-end
alternative to traditional mineral fiber ceilings Metal Ceiling Tiles are typically produced
in two different style panels to suit different framework systems; 'Clip in' and 'Lay in'
ceiling tiles.

 Sand Textured
Along with the basic fissured tile, the sand texture or ‘Dune’ type ceiling tile is one of the
most popular styles of ceiling tile produced for the UK market. This type of tile combines
an excellent clean finish and good all round performance at a reasonable price. The sand
textured finish is often accompanied by needle perforations which increase the sound
absorbency of the ceiling tile.

 Smooth (Insulated)
Ceiling tiles in this category are classified by being made primarily of an insulation type
material.

 Smooth (Mineral Fibre)

Ceiling panels in this category have been associated due to a smooth looking finish, with
a composition of mineral fibre. Mineral fibre is essentially a mix of many different parts.
Once formed, they will typically form a grey crumbly type material. This is the most
popular type of ceiling tile in the UK.

 Smooth (Wipeable)

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Vinyl ceiling tiles, often referred to as ‘wipeable’ or ‘plastic/pvc faced’ are designed for
areas that require a certain level of hygiene to be maintained.

INSTALLATION
1. Surface Mount (Direct Apply) Ceiling Installation

 Want to hide stains or an ugly popcorn ceiling?

 Want to maximize your ceiling height?
 Don't like the look of grid (drop ceilings)?

Surface mount (direct apply) ceiling products install directly to joists or existing drywall, plaster,
or popcorn ceilings. Two installation methods can be used to install these products: Armstrong
Easy Up Installation System or adhesive.

2. Suspended (Drop) Ceilings

 Need access to pipes, duct work or wiring above your ceiling?

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA
2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

 Want the ability to easily replace damaged or stained ceiling panels?

 Have some headroom to spare?

MAINTENANCE
Ceiling tiles in commercial buildings are low maintenance and long lasting, which can also mean
that they're rarely noticed and mostly forgotten. Use the following tips for inspecting,
maintaining, and replacing the tiles.

 Assessments

When performing routine ceiling inspections, check for tile discoloration or warping. "Ceiling
tile will become stained due to water leaking from above, or it will discolor due to
environmental factors, like ultraviolet lighting," says Curt Stemmerich, owner of Trafford, PA-

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

based Preserve A Ceiling. Discoloration is part of the aging process for ceiling tiles, and acoustic
value and fire rating are also affected.

Aside from aging, Jeremy Verstraete, product manager, ceilings division, at Chicago-based USG
Corp., cites a few other reasons to change your tiles, including damage, aesthetic improvement,
compliance with regulations, and performance improvement. Bill Reed, owner of Interior Floor
to Ceiling Services LLC, Palmyra, NJ, adds that rusted, warped, or damaged grids also warrant
repair and replacement.

 Upkeep

As part of their preventive maintenance programs, facility managers should check ceiling tiles.
Even if the tiles don't look dirty, they probably need to be cleaned. "Take a wet, damp cloth;
apply a tiny bit of cleaner to it; and wipe the ceiling grid 6 inches. See how much dirt is on the
non-absorbing grid. The porous tiles are much worse," says Reed. "They hold a lot more dirt
than the grid, and they're a breeding ground for mold, germs, bacteria, and dust mites." Keep
air quality good by using a soft sweep broom or a non-solvent-based commercial cleaner on the
tiles.

"Keep the ductwork clean," adds Stemmerich, "and clean outside air diffusers." Verstraete
recommends immediately removing any corrosive substances (like wallpaper adhesive) that
could attack painted finishes, and looking at the tile for visible damage. "Touch up all minor
scratches and spots," says Verstraete, "or replace damaged sections when touch-up isn't
possible."

 Replacement

If it's time to replace a few (or all) of your ceiling tiles, make sure the pattern you've been using
is still available. Reed recommends ordering as many replacement tiles as you need, plus an
additional 2 percent of the total amount. "They come in handy when tiles get ruined for
whatever reason - water leaks, workers, etc. The older the tiles get, the harder it will be to
match them, although some manufacturers guarantee to produce certain tiles for 10 years,"
says Reed.

You should also step back and look at the work you've done. "When you replace individual tiles,
and they're noticeably whiter, you may want to replace or restore the surrounding tiles, unless
you don't mind the checkerboard look," says Stemmerich.

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Verstraete says that improper installation can also cause a checkerboard look: "Some tiles are
required to be installed in a certain direction to avoid the checkerboard effect," he says. "Look
for directional arrows on existing tile, and install the news ones in a similar fashion."

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Ceiling tiles are one of the most ideal ways to create a suspended ceiling in the home. They come
with a number of pros and cons all of which should be keenly considered before installation.

Advantages

 Ceiling tiles are one of the best ways to increase the value of the home. Homes
with ceiling tiles are more valuable due to their aesthetic appeal. A home will easily
appreciate in value if the same is increased. Expanding the basement and converting it
into a room will also provide extra income if you are looking to rent out some space for
cash.
 Ceiling tiles are perfectly suited for sound proofing. Homes as are often a noisy place
especially if you have little ones running about, bedrooms will need the much needed
silence which is ideal with the ceiling tiles. They are designed to keep away noise
allowing every member of the family to have serenity and comfort in the home. The
sound dampening ability also improves the acoustics of the house.
 Suspended ceiling panels are also easy to work with which means that a DIY is possible.
Home owners that are looking to cut the budget can take the time and follow instructions
for their own set up. It is however recommended that professional help be used for
installation.
 Ceiling tiles unlike many other types of ceilings are easy to replace. It is common to have
pipes leak and stain the tiles. The tiles can also bulge in the worst case scenario needing
replacement. You can easily pick the tiles with the problem and replace them specifically.
Most of the other ceiling options will need a complete restoration which costs a lot.
 Ceiling panels also improve the insulation of the home saving energy. A lot of heat is lost
through the ceiling and roof. Finding a way to limit this means that you will not need to
use a lot of energy to keep the rooms warm.


 Ceiling tiles are a cheap option when it comes to setting up ceilings. The fact that they are
fast and easy to install makes them even cheaper to have.

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Ceiling tiles are one of the most ideal ways to hide wires and conduits running along the walls
near the ceiling. They also allow one to add more cabling where needed to improve the home
without the same being exposed. The basement is more ideal when it comes to this.
 Easy Installation
Suspended ceilings are easily installed in a home or office. Many homeowners with the required
knowledge can purchase the materials to install the ceiling themselves. However, to maintain the
safety of your home or office, it is wise to consult a licensed contractor for advice before
installing suspended ceilings.
 Conceals Ductwork, Pipes, and Wires
A suspended ceiling can easily conceal imperfections and flaws on the actual ceiling. Instead of
performing costly repairs and painting, you can install a suspended ceiling to cover pipes,
ductwork, stains and peeled paint. Beware of this before you purchase a home with suspended
ceilings. Make sure you have some panels removed and inspect the space above to make sure
there are no structural deficiencies.
 Easy to Remove in Case of Repairs
With traditional plaster ceilings, repair work can be time-consuming and expensive because you
have to demolish the ceiling to reach the hidden components. In the case of suspended ceilings,
this is not a problem because the required number of panels can be easily removed and
reassembled after the repairs have been carried out.
 More Economical Than Renovation
Suspended ceilings are much cheaper than carrying out extensive demolition and repair work,
making them popular in many homes and offices. These ceilings are so easy to remove;
therefore, renovation and redesign are much quicker.
 Provides Sound Proofing
By installing a suspended ceiling with fiberglass, you can block all of the sounds from outside.
This makes a room much cozier.
 Allows for Easy Installation of Lights
You can install lights, fans and other overhead appliances easily between panels of a suspended
ceiling. Some lights that are the same size of the panels can also be installed at regular intervals
instead of panels.
 Available in Many Materials and Colors
Suspended ceilings are available in wood, plastic, fiber, and other materials. Some panels also
have an added degree of fire protection.

Disadvantages

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

 They are an extra cost if you are building for the first time. Suspended ceilings will
always come below another ceiling making them an extra cost when it comes to
building.
 Con: Reduces Room Space
The biggest disadvantage of suspended ceilings is that they reduce the height of a room
by several inches or feet. Sometimes, a room may end up looking cramped or stuffy.
 Con: May Deteriorate Faster
Suspended ceilings do not last very long. They tend to sag and show discoloration and
stains after a few years of use. Frequent maintenance is required to maximize their
lifespan.
 Con: Not as Sturdy as Traditional Ceilings
In the event of an earthquake or a fire, suspended ceilings may be very unstable. There
is also the added danger of the installed fixtures falling.

PICTURES

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

REFERENCES

www.buildings.com
www.armstrongceilings.com
www.ceilingtilesuk.co.uk
www.rokfun.com
www.proceilingtiles.com
www.quora.com
www.familyhandyman.com
www.therenopros.ca
www.doityourself.com

KHUSHI AGRAWAL, PRANJAL SHRESTHA, SADIKSHYA ADHIKARI, SMRITI KARNA

2022 batch (1ST sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS 141