Ceiling Tile FAQ's

With so many different types of suspended ceiling tiles currently, it is no wonder that there are many questions being asked about them. In this guide, we are hoping to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about ceiling tiles.

The Most Asked Question

The most common question about ceiling tiles, is do they contain asbestos. We get frequent questions such as the below.

- Do ceiling tiles contain asbestos?
- What ceiling tiles contain asbestos?
- Can ceiling tiles contain asbestos?

The simplest answer is yes, some ceiling tiles that were manufactured in the 1950’s and up till the late 1980’s would have contained or been manufactured using asbestos. Common places to find asbestos ceiling tiles were in churches, performance and lecture halls, schools, and other large spaces.

Although these tiles contained asbestos, the fibers were tightly woven, which meant a lower exposure risk.

From the 1900’s onwards, ceiling tiles were no longer being manufactured using asbestos, so the likely hood of a ceiling being contaminated past this point would be slim. If in doubt, it is always best to consult an expert and have them cast eyes over your tiles before handling them.

Find more information on Asbestos and its risks.

Another Common Ask

Are ceiling tiles fire rated? This is a very common question as many new builds and refurb projects require fire ratings from the materials used.

Ceiling tiles on their own do not hold any official fire rating, as the manufacturers perform fire testing on a complete suspended ceiling system. So, to ensure that your ceiling is fire rated, you must consider the below.

- What brand is your ceiling tile and has the manufacturer performed a fire test with it
- What type of surface are you suspending the ceiling under i.e., concrete, timber or steel
- Does the manufacturers test certificate require you to clip your ceiling tiles, bring main runner centers closer etc.

Fire rated ceilings can be a minefield due to the amount of tick boxes and red tape. To ensure that you get it right and at the best cost, give one of our expert ceiling advisors a call today on 01253 864902.

Can I Paint My Ceiling Tiles?

The old patch up question, can you paint your ceiling tiles. Well, this is one is very straight forward. You are more than welcome to paint your ceiling tiles, whether it be to cover up old marks, or to create a new look, but please bear in mind that tampering with your ceiling tiles will affect their performance and any warranties that they may have.

Performance changes such as reduced sound absorption may occur, as the surface of the ceiling tiles are made in such a way that they absorb sound and stop it reverberating around your room.

We would always advise you to replace ceiling tiles, rather than paint them for the above reasons and for fire safety purposes. To speak with one of our team today about your options, give us a call on 01253 864902.