A naturally occurring substance known as volcanic glass quickly heated to above 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit pops like popcorn but much smaller, resulting in its expanded form called perlite. If you have ever purchased potting soil, you might be surprised to know that the little, white, squishy balls in it are perlite. Perlite is primarily used for construction, horticultural and industrial applications with a primary market in acoustical ceiling tiles.
Flat Tiles
Flat, acoustic ceiling tiles containing perlite are manufactured through starch production. This process combines expanded perlite and mineral wool with clays and starch. The slurry is dewatered and pressed to form tiles of predetermined thickness. Acoustic tiles control up to 85 percent of echo and vibration, depending on tile thickness and depth of any air gap behind the tiles.
Molded Tiles
A coffered ceiling is made of molded architectural ceiling tiles produced by combining perlite, mineral wool and fillers with metal silicate. The mixture is hydraulically pressed into a mold, removed then heat- or chemically-cured. Molded acoustic ceiling tiles combine visual appeal with sound-absorbing qualities to produce an ambiance desired by many up-scale restaurants and hotels.
Panels
Acoustic ceiling panels are much like square tiles, only larger and typically rectangle in shape. Panels are used in conjunction with a suspended or drop ceiling system. A suspended ceiling is commonly used in commercial building projects, such as shopping malls, hospitals and schools, to hide duct work, wiring and pipes from view.
Properties
Perlite is an odorless mineral compound known as sodium potassium aluminum silicate that varies in composition. It is a fully oxidized, non-flammable and noncombustible material; it will melt at temperatures above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Acoustic ceiling tiles that contain perlite insulation absorb sound energy and turn it into heat.
Installation
Just as with installing floor tile, installing ceiling tiles requires accurate measuring and planning. If you are using peel-and-stick tiles and the ceiling is textured, you should install a thin backer board first. This will provide you with a smooth, level surface for better adhesion. The most difficult part of installing a drop ceiling grid system is getting it level and plumb in all directions. The trick to this is to use a laser leveler, especially if you are tiling a large area.
Precautions
Avoid eye and respiratory irritation by wearing eye protection and a mask during acoustic ceiling tile installation and cleanup. Perlite dust is not hazardous to your health but may aggravate existing respiratory conditions. A canister vacuum or broom can be used for cleanup; no special treatment is required for disposal of the dust or tile remnants.
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