Drooping ceiling tiles
#1
03-26-16, 06:40 PM
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Drooping ceiling tiles
Need advice please. My house is 80 years old and the walk up attic was converted at some point into a bedroom with a 1/2 bath. The ceiling tiles (no grid) are drooping in one area. I'm a do-it-yourself kind of chick so I want to attempt this myself. I am aware there is a chance of asbestos and plan to take the necessary precautions. I also know when to say enough is enough and call someone that knows what they're doing. My question is......which tile do I start with since I have no idea what's under them. Should I attempt to crawl overhead in the crawlspace first or just remove the sagging tiles? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
#2
03-27-16, 03:07 AM
Welcome to the forums!
While I've painted more of those types of ceilings than I can count, I've never installed any. It's my understanding that they are stapled to the ceiling. A quick easy fix would be to tack them back into place and then apply a small amount of joint compound or spackling over the nail heads to hide them.
While I've painted more of those types of ceilings than I can count, I've never installed any. It's my understanding that they are stapled to the ceiling. A quick easy fix would be to tack them back into place and then apply a small amount of joint compound or spackling over the nail heads to hide them.
#3
03-27-16, 06:20 AM
Member
If memory serves me correctly these tile are most often attached to furring strips nailed to the ceiling. I suspect the furring strips are coming loose. You might try getting on a ladder and try to push up on the sagging part. If it moves then then the nails or staples have come loose. Since they interlock, replacing will be an "skill" for neatness and careful cutting. Remove loose tiles using a tile knife. Either re-staple or re-glue the furring strip. Then cut the replacement tile and most likely glue it into place.
#5
03-27-16, 08:19 AM
Group Moderator
I hate those ceilings. People love them in basements and they are a treat to open to work behind and run wiring. I believe the generic name is a splined ceiling tile.
Most of the ones I've worked with have a slice the length of the tile and a little metal piece is slid in as a splice between adjoining tiles. Usually one tile needs to be sacrificed to get started in opening the ceiling. They are usually installed on furring strips. They can also be glued to sheetrock. Yours may have been glued to sheetrock to act as insulation from the heat.
Based on my experience with those tiles and your picture.... I wouldn't count on being able to reuse them.
Most of the ones I've worked with have a slice the length of the tile and a little metal piece is slid in as a splice between adjoining tiles. Usually one tile needs to be sacrificed to get started in opening the ceiling. They are usually installed on furring strips. They can also be glued to sheetrock. Yours may have been glued to sheetrock to act as insulation from the heat.
Based on my experience with those tiles and your picture.... I wouldn't count on being able to reuse them.
#6
03-27-16, 08:53 AM
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Ok guys, when I push on the tiles I can push them back up level and meet resistance, which I'm thinking is good. I can almost see my future by sacrificing one tile. I will end up doing the entire ceiling unless these tiles are still made. Headed to Lowe's today.Thanks for your comments. They are truly appreciated. It's gonna be an adventure. 
#8
03-27-16, 11:24 AM
Member
Tiles
The tiles interlock with each other. Find the side where the last row was installed and work back toward the problem area. Looks like the strapping has come loose. The tiles will have to be removed and re-installed. Celotex is a brand name that comes to mind.
#9
03-27-16, 06:35 PM
I don't see why you need to remove any tile, at least to start with. Start on one side and nail them up with small headed but not finish nails probably one nail per tile once you figure out optimum placement. I think your furring is still in place and only the tile are loose. The little staples they were installed with can certainly work loose and once one tile relaxes it takes the adjacent ones with it. Push them in place, nail them up. spot the nails to camouflage them and call it good. You will know after the first eight to a dozen tiles if I am right.
#10
03-28-16, 05:52 PM
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I kind of did what tightcoat recommended only I bought the rosettes that are used in mobile homes. It worked and my ceiling looks stable again. Not the most attractive but until I win the lottery it will have to do. Thanks again for all your help.
