Section of Drop Ceiling
Drop ceilings, also known as dropped ceilings or suspended ceilings are installed using a lightweight framework of crosspieces suspended below the joists by wire hangers. The framework supports rectangular ceiling tiles. Perhaps you have installed a drop ceiling or have moved into a home that has a drop ceiling, but something about the ceiling isn't right. The tiles are falling out, or the brackets are not in place. Most such problems can be corrected easily with a few simple steps and minimal tools or experience.
Instructions
Troubleshooting Your Drop Ceiling
1. Check all wall brackets to be certain they are securely anchored to the wall. Slightly push up on the ceiling tile and check all screws in the bracket to be certain they are tightly screwed into the wall. It is possible the screws were installed into drywall only and are not really supporting the ceiling. To correct this, be certain the L wall brackets are anchored into wall studs with at least 1 1/2-inch screws.
2. Inspect each odd-sized ceiling tile. Unless the room size is divisible by four, there will be one row of odd-sized panels that had to be custom cut to fit. If any of those tiles was mis-measured or the cuts were not square, the tiles may not fit correctly. Check each tile to be certain it is firmly in place and there are no gaps along any side. In the tiles are not fitting properly, take careful measurements of the opening and cut a new tile to fit.
3. Spot-check all T brackets to be certain they are level. If the brackets are not level, the ceiling will have a wavy look or the tiles will not fit properly. When you find a section that is out of level, remove the ceiling tiles in the area to get access to the hanger wires above. Adjust the lengths of these wires up or down as needed to level the bracket.
4. Remove a ceiling tile near the center of the room. Use your flashlight to inspect the area above the ceiling. Look for any broken hanger wires or wires that have come loose. Make certain any electrical wiring above the ceiling is not supported by the ceiling hanger wires. Most area electrical codes require electrical wiring to be supported by means other than the ceiling hanger wires. The electrical wiring also should not be lying loosely atop the ceiling tiles.
5. Closely inspect light fixtures and other items, such as ceiling fans, installed in the room. Make certain these are firmly in place and are not causing the ceiling to sag. Each of these items must be secured by its own hanger wires. If there is sag, you may need to adjust the hanger wires or add more wires for strength.
Tips Warnings
Use a light-weight level rather than a large carpenter's level, so the weight will not work against you when you check the brackets.
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