Maintenance of Acoustical Ceilings

Temperature Humidity Acoustical ceiling products are designed to be interior finish materials suitable for installation within a normal occupancy temperature range of 60F to 85F (16 - 29C) with relative humidity no higher than 70% (certain products can withstand higher temperature of 104F (40C) and humidity conditions of 90, 95 or 100% relative humidity.) Prior to installation, all plastering, concrete, or other wet work must be completed and dry. All windows and doors must be properly installed. Furthermore, heating, ventillating and air conditioning systems should be installed and in operation as necessary to assure proper temperature and humidity conditions before, during, and after installation of the acoustic material. Ceiling materials exposed to direct contact with moisture or water, as a result of such conditions as building leaks, condensation, and HVAC system performance failure, must be replaced within 72 hours of occurrence.

Cleaning-Spots, Dirt Marks, Dust Use soft art gum eraser to remove small spots, dirt marks and streaks. For larger areas, use a sponge rubber pad, or wallpaper cleaner. Make sure the sponge rubber pad or wallpaper cleaner is in fresh condition. Touch up nicks and scratches with chalk. Remove dust by brushing lightly with a soft brush or clean cloth, or by vacuuming with soft brush attachment.

Washing Do not moisten tile excessively. Never soak tile with water. Wash by light application of sponge dampened by mild liquid detergent solution: about one half capful in one gallon water. After saturating the sponge, squeeze nearly dry, then lightly rub the surface to be cleaned. Vinyl faced products are more resistant to surface moisture and can withstand repeated washings with mild detergent and anti-bacterial cleaning solutions.

Repainting Painting Method and Type of Paint. When painting, avoid clogging or bridging surface openings. Use a paint of high hiding power since it is desirable to keep the number of coats of paint to a minimum on acoustical tile. Hiding character of paint is a particularly important consideration when a single coat is expected to cover stains or change the color of the tile. Some paint manufacturers provide specific formulations which have high hiding power, low combustibility and are not likely to bridge openings in the tile. Where ever possible, apply paint of this type. In all cases, apply paint as thinly as possible.

Painting First remove all dust and dirt from surface to be repainted. Use interior acrylic or vinyl latex or alkyd paints manufactured by reputable companies; and follow manufacturers instructions for thinning and application. Avoid heavy brush pressure in applying paint. In spraying paint, keep spray gun pressure low and apply minimum coverage for adequate hiding.

Spot Painting Spot paint badly stained areas first; then apply paint to entire ceiling area. Severe stains should be treated with a stainblocker primer/sealer before repainting to prevent bleed through. For details of treatment, consult BPB.

Fire Performance If repainting is required, in a public building, for example, choose paint with extra care. Paint may increase the Flame Spread Classification of acoustical materials already installed. Several paint manufacturers offer formulations that are classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in their Building Materials Directory. The type of paint selected or misapplication can affect the fire performance and acoustical properties of the ceiling product. BPB disclaims liability for the performance of the product if modified.

Hold-Down Clips In Time-Rated Assemblies (Protectone Panels) For many years, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has required the use of hold-down clips in all fire resistance rated lay-in panel assemblies. Based on evaluations of data regarding gas pressures developed in fires, UL has revised their requirements as follows:

Hold-down clips are not required for assemblies incorporating ceiling panels weighing not less than one pound per square foot.

All BPB Celotex Brand Protectone and Capul Brand VinylShield A, Vinylrock X and Envirogard lay-in panels are manufactured at densities providing a weight per square foot of 1 pound or more. As such, hold-down clips are not required to comply with the UL Designs. Local authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted for requirements of local codes.