Install A Drop Ceiling Around Ducts

Pop rivet gun for drop ceiling project.

Drop ceilings, also known as suspended ceilings, have long been used in basements in order to conceal overhead obstacles such as plumbing, wiring and duct work. Because many homes have the furnace or heating unit in the basement, the duct work will often be lower than even the dropped ceiling in order to be attached to the heating unit, or as a fresh-air return. When this is the case, the suspended drop ceiling will need to be wrapped around the duct work.

Instructions

1. Install all grid work for the ceiling, beginning with the wall "L" brackets. Continue on with the main "T" brackets across the room. If the "T" bracket intersects with the duct work, cut it even with the edge of the duct work. Once all grid work is in place, install the ceiling tile in all openings with the exception of those surrounding the duct.

2. Take very careful measurements of all four sides of the duct work. Do not assume the duct work is square. Cut "L" brackets to fit each of the four measurements. Be certain to make two sides 2 inches longer than the measurement so you will have a uniform corner on the brackets.

3. Mark the duct work, using a level to get the exact location of the closest "T" bracket. Mark all four sides of the duct, using the level on each side. Mark the bracket pieces 1 inch from each end and every 6 inches in between. Use the drill and the appropriate size drill bit for the pop rivets you have selected for your project.

4. Hold the first piece of bracket in place, making certain it is square at both sides of the duct. Drill through the duct at each of the holes in the bracket. Do the end with two first and insert the pop rivets. With the bracket held in place, drill the remaining holes and install the pop rivets. Repeat this for all four pieces of the bracket. Set any of the original "T" brackets that intersected with the duct work atop the new bracket for support.

5. Measure the openings around the duct and cut ceiling tile to fit each of the unique openings. Angle the tiles slightly and slowly insert them above the grid work; then allow them to drop into place. Once all ceiling tiles are in place, the grid work should be square and rigid.

Tags: duct work, grid work, sides duct, around duct, ceiling tile, four sides