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Design
and Installation Recommendations

Acoustical
ceilings that are unsatisfactory in appearance are often the result
of poor application or disregard of the manufacturer's instructions.
Here are a few recommendations to consider when designing with and
specifying an Armstrong ceiling system.
Jobsite Conditions
Before Armstrong ceiling materials are installed, the units
(ceiling panels or tile) should be permitted to reach room temperature
and are stabilized moisture content. They should not,
however be installed in spaces where the humidity conditions are
vary greatly from the temperatures and conditions that will be normal
in the occupied space (exception: ceilings with HumiGuard Plus or
HumiGuard Max performance). Some Armstrong ceiling materials
are more abuse resistant than others. It is not good practice
to locate acoustical ceiling or panels on low wall or ceiling surfaces
where they might be damaged. Dirty air can soil any ceiling,
although Ultima and Optima have superior resistance to soiling.
Proper supply for both supply air and return air, and the
maintenance of HVAC filters and building interior space are essential
to minimize soiling. Before starting HVAC system, make sure
supply air is properly filtered and the building interior is free
of construction dust.
Temperatures
and Humidities During Installation
Acoustical materials are interior finish products and are designed for
installation to be carried out in temperature conditions up to 860F
(300C) in spaces where the building in enclosed and HVAC
systems are functioning and will be in continuous operation. (The
sole exception shall be if the suspension system is Armstrong Prelude
Plus, in which case the temperature and humidity conditions shall
be waived.) There shall be proper ventilation of the plenum in
high moisture areas. All plastering, concrete, terrazo,
or any other wet should be complete and dry. All windows and doors
should be in place. The heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning systems should be installed and operable where
necessary to maintain proper temperatures before, during and after
installation of the acoustical material. Note: The preceding
restrictions do not apply to ceilings with HumiGuard Plus or HumiGuard
performance.
Concealed Tile
For Glue-Up (Adhesive) Installation
The temperature of the tile adhesive and the surface to which the
ceiling tile is adhered may cause failure. Do not install acoustic
tile when the room temperatures exceeds 1000F (380C)
or when the room is adhesive temperature is below 500F (100C).
Application to damp plaster, or in a damp room, may cause
dimensional changes in the tile and failure in the adhesive. Tile
adhered to a painted surface will fail if the paint is loose or
peeling. Do not apply adhesive to wood or metal. Recommended
adhesive - W. W. Henry Company #237 Acoustical Tile Adhesive.
Thermal
Insulation
Mineral Ceilings
The use of
overlaid insulation placed on, and supported by mineral ceiling
panel is not recommended. The additional weight supported by the
panel could result in panel sag in high humidity conditions. If
job requirements are such that insulation is necessary at recommended
occupancy conditions, limit such insulation to a maximum of .26 lb/ft2
(R-19 Fiberglass). Only roll insulation is recommended and
must be applied perpendicularly to the cross tees with the grid
supporting the weight of the insulation. If the use of batt
insulation is required, limit its use to 24" x 24"
panels.
Thermal insulation should not be installed on the back of Fire Guard
panels in a fire resistive ceiling membrane unless so designated in the
specific UL roof/ceiling or floor/ceiling design assembly assigned to
the structure.
Selecting Lighting
When selecting any type of lighting, it is important to
evaluate the fixtures (lighting system) and ceiling panels or tile
as components that work together in an integrated system.
Important considerations include both initial and long-term costs,
energy consumption and perhaps even the lighting system's potential
impact on worker effectiveness within the space. It is also
always advisable to consider the effect it will have on the appearance
of an acoustical ceiling. Typically, grazing light and
indirect lighting should be avoided with 12" x 12" concealed
grid tile installations. back
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