Technical Specifications

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ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are Armstrong
®
ceilings made of?
Armstrong mineral board ceilings are made of inert mineral
components, binders and inert fi ller materials, with up to 55%
recycled content. Armstrong also offers high-performance
engineered resin and durable laminate plank ceilings, and
rigid PVC panels and metal ceilings.
What about insulation value between fl oors?
Most ceilings are installed between fl oors that are maintained
at the same temperature—making insulation unnecessary.
Basement recreation rooms are at least partly heated by heat
fl ow through the ceiling from the heated space above. In that
case, attempting to insulate the basement ceiling surface
could actually reduce heat fl ow.
Can I put insulation on the back of Armstrong ceilings?
Only Armstrong suspended ceiling panels (24" x 48") that
are at least 5/8" thick can be backloaded with additional
insulation. Rolled insulation must be used and installed
perpendicular to the cross tees so that the weight of the
insulation rests on the suspended grid system, and there is
an air space between the insulation and the panel.
NOTE: Insulation must never be placed behind fi re-rated ceilings,
unless designated in a UL design assembly. Backloading fi berglass
panels is not recommended.
Can Armstrong ceilings be painted?
All Armstrong ceiling tiles and panels (except fi berglass) can
be painted with latex paints. The front and back of 24" x 24"
and 24" x 48" panels should be painted.
Note: Armstrong cannot guarantee that the published surface-
burning characteristics, fi re-resistance ratings, acoustical
performance, dimensional stability/sag, or light refl ectance will remain
the same after repainting. Field painting will void the warranty.
Will painting acoustical ceilings affect acoustic
effi ciency?
Armstrong acoustical ceilings can be painted with a slight
loss of acoustical effi ciency using nonbridging paint which
does not cover the holes.
Can ceiling tile be used in the bathroom?
Yes, if the bathroom is vented to the outside with a fan.
Armstrong ceilings with extra sag/mold/mildew resistance for
use in areas of high humidity are recommended.
Should ceiling materials adjust to room temperature
before installation?
Yes. Unpack ceiling materials 24 hours before installation
to adjust to normal room conditions. Do not install during
excessively humid conditions. See specifi c product
instructions for best results.
Can the ceiling be installed over embedded radiant-heat
coil ceilings?
No. An appreciable loss of heating effi ciency will result and
the ceiling will not remain stable.
Can a hanging or swag lamp be used with an
Armstrong ceiling?
Yes, if supported independently by an existing structural
member.
Can a new ceiling be cemented directly over old ceiling
tiles?
It’s best to remove old tiles fi rst. In many cases, the old ceiling
may have deteriorated and an adequate hold cannot be
obtained.
What is the minimum overhead distance required for
a new suspended ceiling?
Armstrong suspended ceilings require a minimum of 3"
(6" if installing recessed lighting) of overhead clearance.
Can existing light fi xtures be used with a new ceiling?
Yes. Armstrong ceilings are adaptable to standard lighting
fi xtures.
How many fl uorescent light fi xtures are needed for a new
ceiling?
Standard rule for light fi xtures is two 4' fl uorescent tubes for
every 75 square feet of ceiling area.
What kind of fl uorescent lamps should be used with
Armstrong ceilings?
All lamps must be rapid-start. Warm white and cool white are
most effi cient, but deluxe and natural-colored lamps provide
a more pleasant atmosphere.
Will the mineral ceiling sag over time?
No. Armstrong ceilings are treated with a special back
coating to resist moisture. When properly installed under the
right conditions (no excessive humidity, etc.), they remain level
and fl at. We recommend using sag/mold/mildew resistance
panels or fi berglass panels in areas of high or seasonal
humidity; they are not recommended for spaces exposed to
continuous moisture, such as shower rooms and swimming
pool areas.
Do Armstrong ceilings protect against the spread of fi re?
All Armstrong panels, tiles and planks are fi re-retardant and
meet Class A fl ame-spread ratings, with the exception of
WoodHaven
™
planks, which meet class C fl ame-spread
ratings.
Contact Armstrong.com or
Techline 1-877-Armstrong (276-7876)
7:45 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday (EST)