Acoustic drop ceilings are a great way to give your home or office a new look, but they can also be confusing to install so contacting a contractor may be necessary. If you’ve ever wondered how an acoustic drop ceiling is installed and why it’s so popular, read on! Acoustical Drop Ceiling Contractor in Inver Grove Heights MN
What is a Drop Ceiling?
A drop ceiling, also known as a suspended ceiling, is a type of ceiling that is installed lower than the original ceiling and hangs from the joists that are exposed at the point where the drop ceiling tiles are installed. The installation can be a DIY project but it is typically considered to be a commercial or industrial type of ceiling installation that requires special tools and knowledge to complete, so it might be best to contact a local contractor.
Drop ceilings are often used in commercial settings because they allow for easier access to plumbing pipes and electrical wiring in these areas. In addition, they protect from falling objects such as light fixtures or vents on top of them while still allowing light into the room.
Materials Used
The materials used in an acoustic drop ceiling are the same as those used in a standard suspended ceiling. A grid system is installed over the existing structure that is to be covered, with joists spaced to allow for drywall panels or other materials. The drywall or other material is then installed and finished off with lights, wiring, and any other finishing touches you may have planned for your room.
Prepping for Installation
To install an acoustic drop ceiling, you will need to measure the height of your existing ceiling. When planning your drop ceiling installation, you’ll need to measure the height of the ceiling and calculate how many tiles you will need.
Once the grid is in place and you’ve determined how wide each section of your acoustic drop ceiling will be, you need to mark out where the grid lines are going to be. Once you are sure that all of your measurements look perfect, take a nail gun and use it to hammer small nails into each joist at evenly spaced intervals. This will create an outline for your line markings so they won’t fall over when put into place later on.
Mounting the Main Beams and Lighting Fixtures
Next, you will mount the main beams of your acoustic drop ceiling grid system on top of the joists. There are two types of main beams: one that is mounted straight and another that is angled slightly downward. The main beam with a slight downward angle is used for ceilings that are above windows or doors, while the straight type can be used for any other area in your home. Both types must be evenly spaced on each joist to ensure proper support for the rest of your acoustic drop ceiling.
Before your drop ceiling installation can begin, wiring and lighting fixtures need to be installed. Installation of these items will take place in the grid system. Wires are run through the grid system using conduit or wire chases and then connected to the lights at each fixture location by electricians on-site.
Mounting Cross Tees to Main Beams
Once the main beams are in place, the grid system is mounted to them. The grid system is essentially a backbone for your drop ceiling installation and it will be used to hang your tiles. A good way to think of this process is like building a house: you first build the foundation (the cross tees), then add onto that foundation as you go along by adding supports for any additional parts (the main beams).
The grid system uses cross tees and main beams. The main beams run horizontally across the ceiling joists and support their weight load, while cross tees run vertically between two different rows of joists at right angles to each other—in other words, they create intersecting points in space where you can mount your acoustic tiles into place without having them fall out or sag over time because they don’t have enough support behind them!
Installing Tiles for Suspended Ceilings onto the Grid System
When installing tiles for a suspended ceiling, you should make sure that the tiles are not overlapping and do not cover electrical outlets or fixtures. You should also make sure that each tile is even with the grid system. Finally, it’s important to note that all tiles should be level with each other.
Hire a Professional
Acoustic drop ceilings can be installed by an expert crew of professional painters and drywall contractors. While the installation process is not a DIY project, it does require the commercial or industrial type of ceiling installation. It is not as simple as hanging drywall on the existing ceiling. The acoustic drop ceiling will have to be cut from plywood or metal sheets, welded together, and then attached to the original structure with hangers that are bolted down. In addition, the original structure will need additional framing work where beams meet walls to support those areas where acoustic panels are installed.
Acoustical Drop Ceiling Contractor in Inver Grove Heights MN
The installation of acoustic ceiling tiles is a professional job that requires special tools and knowledge. If you are looking to install a drop ceiling in your home, contact us at Home Drywall and Painting in Inver Grove Heights MN today! Our team of contractors would be happy to assist you with your project and answer any questions you might have.