CEILING SYSTEMS B e t w e e n u s , i d e a s b e c o m e r e a l i t y™ I nstalling Suspended Ceilings North America Version 1
Installing Armstrong Suspended Ceilings An Armstrong suspended mineral fiber ceiling is functional, attractive and provides easy access to the plenum. This ceiling system installation brochure is intended as a general application overview, covering essential steps of a basic suspended ceiling installation. The ceiling system is made up of Armstrong panels (either 2′ x 4′ or 2′ x 2′) which are supported by a suspension system (main beams, cross tees and hangers), and perimeter molding.
Determine Panel Direction • Ceiling panels can run in the direction that yields the most pleasing finished appearance. • In spaces with bar or wood joists, main beams must be oriented perpendicular to the joists. (You must locate and mark all joists if they have been covered with a drywall ceiling.) Main beams must be oriented perpendicular to bar or wood joists Determine Border Panel Sizes (2′ X 2′ panels) • To determine the border panel sizes, divide one dimension of the space by 2′.
Determine Border Panel Sizes (2′ X 4′ panels) 74" ÷ 2 = 37" Two full panels plus two 37" border panels Determine width of border panels (2′ x 4′ panels) • For 2′ x 4′ panels, divide one room dimension by 2′ as stated above. • Divide the other room dimension by 4′ and add 48″ to remaining dimensions to avoid unsightly small border panels. Install Perimeter Trim • Allow at least three inches below the old ceiling, ducts, pipes or wiring as clearance to maneuver a lay-in panel into the opening of the grid.
Install Hangers and Fasteners • Hangers need to be installed above the main beams typically every four feet. • Snap a chalk line for each of the main beams. Attach hangers and wires to the deck above the first row of main beams at four-foot intervals. • Stretch a guide string from one end of the room to the other, below the molding where the first main beam will hang. • Stretch a leveling string from one side to the other 7/8″ above the bottom of the wall molding.
Install Border Cross Tees • Find the location of the first border cross tee. Install border cross tees • Place the end of the white face of the cross tee against the edge of the wall molding at the side, and cut the cross tee where it crosses the guide string. • Insert the uncut end of the cross tee into the main beam, and rest the cut end of the cross tee on the molding. (The far edge of the main beam should be directly above the string.) • Repeat the process for the next cross tee.
Install Remaining Main Beams and Cross Tees • Complete the installation of rows of main beams. • Note: If you have additional rows of main beams to install, stretch a second string from one side of the room to the other, aligning it with the first four-foot cross tee as shown. Align second guide string with first four-foot cross tee • This second string will be your guide for cutting the remaining rows of main beams.
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