What are the Thermoform Ceiling Tiles made from?
All of our thermoform ceiling tiles are made from a specially formulated vinyl
plastic. The tiles designed for grids are 0.013" thick and the direct mount
tiles are 0.030" thick.
Why is a thin ceiling tile better?
When you look up at your ceiling, what you see is the face of your ceiling tiles
and not it's thickness. Thermoform Ceiling Tiles are much lighter, cleaner
and easier to install than conventional tin and mineral fiber ceiling tiles.
Their 100% recyclable vinyl construction and nesting design uses 75% less raw
material, and they are much more efficient to ship.
Can I paint the Thermoform Ceiling Tiles?
All of our ceiling tiles can be painted before or after installation. Make sure
that your ceiling tiles and decorative strips are clean and dry, and experiment
on a sample with your paint of choice before painting the ceiling in its
entirety. Do not use solvent type thinner or cleaners. Painting voids the Class
1 Fire Rating.
Are your ceiling tiles moisture resistant?
Our vinyl ceiling tiles are extremely moisture resistant. They are unaffected by
humidity, and will not absorb water at all. This is one of the primary
advantages of using the thermoform ceiling tiles instead of the traditional
ceiling tiles which can be ruined by humidity. These are also the first and only drop ceiling tile ever to meet the stringent GREENGUARD Environmental Institute's (GEI) indoor air quality standards for low emitting materials! Even in the most humid conditions, the thermoform ceiling tiles will not stain or grow mold, viruses and bacteria that are often one of the main causes of poor indoor air quality.
Can I use recessed (can) lighting with the grid mount
ceiling tiles?
Absolutely! Simply install your lights per the manufacturer’s instructions,
making sure that the fixtures are supported by your t-bar grid or the framing
structure above it. Also be sure to select a ceiling tile style that has a
sufficient flat area in the middle to accommodate the light fixture opening and
trim ring.
Are the Thermoform Ceiling Tiles fire rated?
Yes! All of the Thermoform Ceiling Tiles are Class A Fire Rated. In
addition to their fire rating, our thermoform grid ceiling tiles are
specifically designed and approved for installation under sprinkler systems
rated 165°F. In the event of a fire, the ceiling tiles crinkle up and drop out
of the t-bar grid, thus clearing the way for the sprinklers to do their jobs.
You can, of course, just cut holes in them if you are replacing panels with existing flush-mount sprinkler heads.
Will your ceiling tiles help improve my acoustics?
The Thermoform Ceiling Tiles have not been designed to function as acoustical
tiles, but they will improve a room's acoustics. A normal sheet rock ceiling has
an NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) rating of around 5%, meaning that 5% of the
sound coming in contact with it is absorbed and about 95% is reflected. Our
ceiling tiles by themselves have an NRC of 25% to 30%, so they absorb 5 to 6
times as much sound as sheet rock.
How do I clean your ceiling tiles?
The 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.
What is "edge trim"?
Edge trim refers to those ceiling tiles that run along the border of a ceiling
that are less than full sized. In grid mount installations, edge trim results
when the border grids are less than 24" x 24". In direct mount
installations, edge trim results when the space between the walls and center
ceiling tiles is less than 24" x 24". In situations where
installed ceiling tiles need to be less than full size (either grid squares are
less than full size, or the space between installed direct mount tiles and walls
are less than full size), choose an edge trim design that matches and
trim to fit with scissors.
Can I mount these Ceiling Tiles directly to my
ceiling?
Only the ceiling tiles designated "Direct Mount Ceiling Tiles" can be
installed on the ceiling. They may be nailed, stapled, screwed or glued
directly to your ceiling. All of the other ceiling tiles in the thermoform
tile section are designed for placement in a ceiling grid.
Will the Thermoform Ceiling Tiles lose their shape or
discolor over time?
No, you should not see any sagging, warping or discoloration. These ceiling
tiles have been on the market and doing well since the 1950's, so you can count
on them holding up well for years and years. With any ceiling tiles, the
24" x 24" is more stable than the 24" x 48", so about 90% of
all ceiling tile sales sold these days are in the 24" x 24"
configuration. In addition, the vinyl material that is used for these
tiles has a special ultraviolet inhibitor to prevent discoloration (just like
vinyl siding on a house). And because of their smooth vinyl surface they can
easily be cleaned if necessary.
Do I need hold down clips for the grid mount tiles?
Hold down clips are only required in extreme conditions. Any suspended ceiling
tile may move if there is a rapid change in the air pressure above and below it.
In fact, grid mount ceiling tiles must move to some degree in order for the
pressure in a room to equalize. All of the grid mount tiles are subjected to
room air pressure testing, and for normal installations most designs do not
require hold down clips.
Can your ceiling tiles be used in food preparation
and service areas?
Yes. The thermoform ceiling tiles are FDA compliant for use in food preparation
and service areas.
Link to all Thermoform
Ceiling Tiles
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