Removing Ceiling Tiles

Investigate how the ceiling tiles are attached.

Removing ceiling tiles.

Surface mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. Removing ceiling tiles is not difficult but you should. Your aim here is to break the bond between the tiles and the glue or adhesive holding them up. Gypsum ceiling tiles tend to crumble around the edges especially as they get older.

Use a utility knife to score the tiles then a putty knife to loosen and pull loose a tile for inspection image 1. Also doing some repair work on the plaster walls in my home. Step 3 remove the tiles. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop ceiling grid and the tiles attach directly to the grid.

If they were attached to furring strips the job will be easier. Set up a sturdy stepladder in one corner of the room. We recommend wearing safety goggles as the tiles will likely be dusty and dirty. Remove old ceiling tiles.

Set these tiles aside in a safe place as you can use them as cutting size templates later for your new tiles. Many tiles will easily break apart if you can t fit them through the frame. Carefully take down your old ceiling tiles. This is another project that can be done by one person and in most cases the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.

A tarp is ideal if you are removing large amounts of ceiling tile. Sealed ceiling tiles are non porous which means if you splatter something on the ceiling it will be easily removed with just the mild dish washing liquid and water solution. This detergent and water combination will help to form an adhesive which will keep the asbestos fibers in place even if the tiles are damaged. Using a spray bottle soak the ceiling tiles.

Tin silver copper or wood finished ceiling tiles. Video 23 removing a dropped ceiling wall panels. You should not have to worry about stains. Begin removing the tiles carefully ensuring that your respirator is never directly underneath the tile you are moving.

Along with the dust the broken debris can be enough mess to warrant a tarp or dropcloth. Ceiling tiles give a finished look to an unattractive ceiling and a drop ceiling with tiles can make the room easier to heat and cool. Removing drop ceiling tiles can sometimes be a messy task depending on the style of tiles and how easily they fit through the frames. Tap it as far under the tile as you can using your hammer.