How to Replace Drop Ceiling Tiles
Written by Milan Jara on 16th Aug 2022
Do your ceiling tiles look old or damaged or need replacing? We teach you in six steps how to replace drop ceiling tiles.
You can find drop ceilings in homes, offices and schools. They frequently cover electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems but can become damaged or stained in time. People who have them in their homes need to know how to replace drop ceiling tiles. We provide in-depth steps to replace damaged tiles easily or cover your entire ceiling.
If you want to replace your drop ceiling , follow these basic steps:
- Locate each ceiling tile that requires replacement.
- Gently push up on the old ceiling tile.
- Remove the damaged tile.
- Fix the issues that created the damage, if any.
- Insert the new replacement tile into the grid.
Now that you have the simplified version of replacing dropped ceilings, we will go through an expanded set of instructions to cover the little nuances that homeowners need to know.
The most notable of these is ensuring that your suspended ceiling tiles do not contain asbestos, how to angle the removal, how to prepare the room for ceiling tile removal, and how to dispose of old tiles.
How to Replace Drop Ceiling Tiles - Expanded Version
Tiles frequently need replacing as, over time, they can become discolored, get damaged, or disintegrate. While some people may not like the appearance of drop ceilings, they are perfect for concealing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems along the ceiling and providing easy access to these things should you ever need them.
The challenge with drop ceiling tiles is that the things we want hidden can be the same things that damage the tiles in the first place. They are susceptible to water damage or discoloration from heat sources and second-hand smoke, and if you have decided to renovate the room, it can look old or outdated.
If your tiles are still in good shape, you may want to replace them with ones that better suit your style. With the variety of materials available, ranging from tin ceiling tiles to Styrofoam , it is easy to update an old look with something more suitable.
Whether you want to replace individual tiles or the entire ceiling, the same process applies to each tile. Thankfully, it is straightforward.
1.Locate All Tiles That Require Replacing
You will need to buy new tiles, whether you decide to either replace the existing tiles or redo the entire ceiling. Some people may have bought extra when they initially installed the ceiling, so you may be able to find extras lying around the house. If you purchased your home from someone else, search under the stairs or in any storage space, attic, garage, or shed.
Next, identify which tiles need replacing, then put a protective sheet below the area. While placing a protective sheet below the tiles is optional, it is highly recommended. Removing damaged tiles can be messy, and putting a cloth below protects the floor or carpet from debris, and if any tiles fall apart, it saves you a big clean-up.
Use a Step Ladder to Reach Your Tile
Depending on your height and the ceiling height, you may require a ladder to reach the tiles. Put the ladder beneath the tile you are removing.
2.Push Up on Your Tile Gently and Carefully
Drop ceilings use a grid system or frame to support them. Your tiles loosely sit above the grid system and rest on the frame. To remove the tiles, first, push the tile above the grid.
3.Remove the Old Tile
Once you push it up, rotate it so it will quickly go past your frame. Damaged or old tiles can potentially crumble, so avoid snagging your tile on the edge of the frame whenever possible.
Before removing any tiles, if you are in an older home built before the mid-1980s, ensure that your ceiling tiles do not contain asbestos. If they do, you will need to use a different method of removal.
4.Fix the Underlying Issue That Initially Caused Damage
While the step is technically optional, it is well-advised. When you’re replacing a damaged tile, try to determine what caused the damage. If the situation is fixable, like water leaking, you may want to take time to address it before just replacing the tile.
5.Replace Your Tile
The method for inserting a new tile is the reverse of the above mentioned steps. Tilt your new tile at an angle, so it clears the grid without snagging. Rotate the replacement tile until it aligns with the grid. Then, gently lower the tile onto your frame.
Put away any equipment used in the process, remove debris, and enjoy your new ceiling.
How Do I Dispose of Old Tiles?
Put away any equipment used in the process, remove debris, and enjoy your new ceiling.
Asbestos in ceiling tiles was common until the mid-1980s. If your tile contains asbestos, you must call a professional for safe removal. Disposing of this type of tile in household garbage can trigger safety and health concerns.
If the tiles do not have asbestos, then, depending on the material, you might be able to recycle them. You can also call the manufacturer as some recycle the old tiles into new ones. If you can’t recycle them, they can go into the trash.
The process of replacing drop ceiling tiles is straightforward and broken down into five simple steps. While there are a few things to consider for safety, the process is quick and straightforward. In no time, homeowners can enjoy their new ceiling.
