Acoustical ceiling tiles resemble the popcorn ceiling texture that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The tiling is common in commercial buildings and office space because it absorbs sound and is inexpensive to install. You can easily remove the tiles and replace them with a more updated look, or with new tiles if the old ones were stained or worn. Once you pull down the tiles, you will need to remove the metal or wood grid.
Instructions
1. Moisten a 1-by-1-inch square of one tile with water. Scrape the tile material in the dampened area into a plastic bag with a utility knife.
2. Send the sample to an asbestos specialist for testing. If the asbestos is present, hire a professional to continue the job. If not, you may proceed with the removal.
3. Push up on a tile to get it off the grid, then turn it at an angle and lower the tile out of the grid. Repeat with each tile. If there is insulation underneath the tiles, bag it and dispose of it as you remove each tile.
4. Use the claw-end of a hammer to remove the nails from the furring strips. If they are screwed into place, or if the grid is metal, use an electric drill set to reverse and remove the screws.
5. Continue removing the furring strips or metal grid until you expose the lath and plaster ceiling underneath. You can then drywall or replace the acoustical tiles with decorative tiling.
Tags: each tile, furring strips, tile grid