Removing Old Ceiling Tiles

Set up a sturdy stepladder in one corner of the room.

Removing old ceiling tiles.

Until the 1970s most ceiling tiles in suspended ceilings contained asbestos. Tap it as far under the tile as you can using your hammer. Surface mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. Slide your wide scraper between the ceiling and the tiles.

How to remove glued up ceiling tiles. For a quick update pop old tiles out of the ceiling grid and replace with fresh ones. This detergent and water combination will help to form an adhesive which will keep the asbestos fibers in place even if the tiles are damaged. Many remodelers working on older homes may come across plaster ceilings with glued on ceiling tiles that no longer fit the home s decor.

Step 3 remove the tiles. Begin removing the tiles. Make sure the strips are left smooth. If you plan to replace the old tiles with new you don t need a new grid.

If you still have concerns however contact an asbestos removal contractor to remove your entire ceiling. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop ceiling grid and the tiles attach directly to the grid. If your grid holds 24 x 48 tiles try a scored product that s designed to look like 24 x 24 panels. Your aim here is to break the bond between the tiles and the glue or adhesive holding them up.

Dropping ties with an old drop ceiling is easy. This goes faster with two people or more working on ladders from various points of the room. Use a pair of pliers to pull the old staples from the furring strips. Suspended tile grid system.

Upgrading a drop ceiling. Using a spray bottle soak the ceiling tiles. First remove the old crown molding then use a pry bar or claw hammer to pull the old tiles loose image 2. Begin removing the tiles carefully ensuring that your respirator is never directly underneath the tile you are moving.

This is another project that can be done by one person and in most cases the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.