Yes, BPB Celotex acoustical panels and tiles are made within tolerances that allow them to be installed in all standard grid systems. This includes both the "standard" 15/16^" wide grid systems and the "narrow" 9/16" wide grid systems. Note, however, that the local building inspector must approve any changes or substitutions to a time-rated fire resistance assembly.

The actual recycle content varies depending on the specific family of tiles. Our highest range is for the Softone Cashmere High CAC panels with 90-96% total recycled content. Others are as follows: Softone Cashmere (nodulated) 55-70%; Celotone (cast) 60-75%; Hytone (wet-felted) 54-65%.

No, BPB Celotex does not recommend mineral fiber acoustical panels for indoor pool areas, saunas, shower rooms, or exteriors.

Yes. Acoustical tiles may be cleaned by rubbing the surface lightly with a damped sponge using a mild detergent solution.

Yes, we manufacture 12" x 12" tiles (CM-412, MF-416, MF-412, and MC-412) for glue-up applications. Our Federal Series Wood Fiber tiles (Cayman, St. John, and Trinidad) are made with a tongue and groove edge detail for stapling applications.

No. Ceiling panels may however have a distinct smell (not harmful) which will typically dissipate within the first day or two after installation.

No, all ceiling panels presently manufactured do not contain asbestos.

A "1hr ceiling tile" would likely be referring to a tile that was tested in a specific roof/ceiling or floor/ceiling assembly which provided fire resistance for up to 1hr when subjected to a severe fire. The tiles themselves do NOT have a 1 hour rating since fire resistance time ratings are not applicable to individual components of an assembly.

There are two types or fire ratings:

Flame Spread:

The flame spread of a given product is a calculated number based on the duration and amount of flame propagated across it. The flame spread is relative to cement board resulting in a 0 and red oak resulting in a 100. The lower the value the better. All BPB Celotex Mineral Fiber Acoustical ceilings are Class A and are classified by Underwriters Laboratory as having a flame spread of 25 or less.

Fire Resistance:

The fire resistance is a rating of fire endurance over a period of time (expressed in hours) and is specific to certain types of floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling construction assemblies. Testing is performed in compliance with UL 263 (ASTM E 119). Fire resistance ratings are NOT assigned to single components. Ceiling panels alone can NOT provide a one-hour rating. Only BPB Celotex "Protectone" ceilings may be used in the qualified designs.

Yes, most acoustical tiles may be repainted. Care must be taken to select a paint that has high hiding power, low combustibility and is not likely to bridge openings in the tile. Even a thin application may affect the acoustical performance by a reduction of .10 NRC. Also, depending on the burning characteristics of the paint the flame spread rating may exceed a Class A rating and can not be guaranteed.

A clean room is any room or area where an attempt is made to limit, control, and eliminate the amount of airborne contamination. Clean rooms are classified according to the maximum number of 0.5 micron and larger particles per cubic foot. Class 100 indicates less than 100 particles per cubic foot. The lower the class the less particles and "cleaner" environment.

BPB Celotex BioShield mold and mildew resistant coating has been evaluated for resistance to the growth of mold that might occur on its surface in a severe mold environment. Testing was conducted by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with ASTM D 3273, "Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber". The ASTM D 3273 test method exposes test samples to a continuous inoculation of the surface with mold spores at conditions of 90 F (32 C) and 95 - 98% relative humidity for a 4-week (28-day) period. The test samples are then visually examined and evaluated for the growth of mold and mildew. The evaluation was performed in accordance with ASTM D 3274, "Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation". The BioShield treated acoustical ceiling products received an ASTM D 3274 rating of 10, indicating no visible mold growth. Standard "control" acoustical ceiling products without BioShield received a rating of 1, indicating heavy mold growth with ratings of 5 or less defined as a failure. The test sample results were also evaluated in accordance with ASTM G 21, "Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi". The BioShield treated acoustical ceiling products received an ASTM G 21 rating of 0, indicating no visible mold growth. Standard "control" acoustical ceiling products without BioShield received a rating of 4, indicating heavy growth (60% to complete coverage) of mold. Based on the results of this testing, BPB Celotex acoustical ceiling products with BioShield provide excellent resistance to the growth of mold and mildew. BioShield is available on select BPB Celotex Acoustical Ceiling Products covered under the Acoustical Ceilings 10 Year 104/90 Limited Warranty. back to top