Reinforce the ceiling to hold up batt insulation.
Suspended ceilings need extra reinforcement to accommodate the additional weight of batt insulation. You must install more suspension wires on your ceiling's support grid before you can lay the insulation on top. Consult your suspended ceiling's manufacturer about the strength of the ceiling tiles since tiles made of fiberglass or mineral-fiber panels less than 5/8 inch thick cannot support the insulation's weight. By not securing the insulation to the ceiling tiles or the grid, you can later move the insulation to the side if you need to access anything above the ceiling.
Instructions
1. Insert new wires through the holes in the ceiling's frame, between the existing suspension wires, and twist the wire ends. Drill pilot holes into the ceiling above, and thread eyelets into the pilot holes. Thread the wire through the holes until the wire is tight, and then twist the wire ends.
2. Put on clothing that covers your arms and head, as well as goggles, work gloves and a face mask. Exposure to the fiberglass in the insulation leads to lung and skin irritation.
3. Roll the insulation onto the top of the ceiling, moving the ceiling tiles by pushing up on them as you slide them to the side so you can unroll the insulation. Replace the tiles after you have rolled out the insulation, and then roll out another strip of insulation so it touches the first strip.
4. Cut the insulation where it intersects with the walls by using a utility knife. Cut the insulation to fit around light fixtures, leaving a 3-inch gap between the insulation and the light fixture.
Tags: ceiling tiles, batt insulation, , strip insulation, suspension wires,