Armstong tile ceilings can be installed directly to an existing drywall ceiling using adhesive or stapled to wood furring strips. Installation instructions for these methods follow.

Important Information:

• Ceiling tiles are prefinished interior residential building materials. They should be stored and installed in areas with a temperature range of 60° to 85° F and not more than 70% relative humidity.
• Ceiling tiles should be removed from the cartons 24 hours before installation and allowed to adjust to normal interior conditions of the area where installation will take place.
• Ceiling tiles cannot be installed directly to joists.
• Do not apply loose fill or batt insulation so that it rests directly on the back of the tile.
• Never install ceiling tile below an existing ceiling that contains embedded radiant-heat coils.
• Keep hands clean during tile installation to avoid fingerprints and smudges on the finished ceiling.
• Use of an electric or air-driven staple gun is not recommended.
• Always cut ceiling tile face up with a sharp utility knife.
• Ceiling tiles should be handled carefully to protect the face and edges of the tile from damage.

Safety Tips:

• See WARNING statements on in-carton instructions.
• Work Site Environment: Initially there may be a potential adverse impact on indoor air quality within the general work area during the installation process. During installation, adequate ventilation of the work area should be maintained without causing the entry of contaminants to other parts of the building. Persons who are sensitive to odor and / or chemicals should avoid the work area during this process.
• Wear safety glasses to minimize the risk of eye injury.
• Use a sharp utility knife to insure clean cuts. When not in use, store properly.

Planning Your Armstrong Ceiling:

Determine Border Tile Size for a Balanced Appearance:

1. Measure distance between opposite walls
2. Disregarding foot measurement, add 12" to the inch measurement.
3. Divide sum by 2 for border tile size (illus. A) (ex: Room with: 10´8". 8" + 12"=20"; 20" ÷ 2"=10". Side wall border tile size = 10")

Illus. A

Tools Needed To Install Your Ceiling:

1. Chalk Line
2. Measuring Rule
3. Hammer
4. Pencil
5. Utility Knife
6. Safety Glasses
7. Tin Snips
8. Wire Cutting Pliers
9. 2' or 3' Carpenter's Level
10. Straight Edge
11. String

Installation Using Wood Furring Strips or Adhesive:

Step 1: Install Furring Strips

NOTE: Your finished ceiling will only be as level as the furring strips. Use a straightedge, carpenter's level, or string lines to ensure the strips are level. Correct high spots with shims between strips and joists.

If you prefer to use adhesive, follow directions for application on the adhesive packaging. But, before you start, make sure your existing ceiling is clean and level (or flat if inclined).

If your ceiling joists are hidden by an existing plaster or drywall ceiling, tap on the present ceiling until you hear a solid thud. Drive a nail into the spot to pinpoint the joist location. Repeat this procedure to determine which way the joist run. Generally, rafters and joists are spaced 16" on center and run across the short dimension of the room.

1. Install first strip perpendicular to ceiling joists, flush against side wall.
2. Nail furring strip at every joist using two eight-penny nails. (illus. A)
3. Place center of second furring strip at the border distance plus 1/2" from the side wall and fasten. Complete row.
4. Continue to nail furring strips across the ceiling parallel to the first strip, 12" on center. (Insert wood shims between the furring strips and joists to make them level.)
5. Butt furring strip ends under a joist and double nail each end.
6. Stagger butt joints to avoid falling on the same joists.

Illus. A.

Step 2: Install Tile

Square The Room:

1. Starting at side wall (wall perpendicular to ceiling joists), snap a chalk line on second furring strip at the border tile dimension (illus. B).
   NOTE: To square the room, you will need to create a perfect 90 degree angle along the other border tile dimension.
2. Measure other border tile dimension from end wall and mark as point "A" on chalk line (illus. B)
3. Measure 3´ from point "A" along chalk line; mark as point "B".
4. Measure exactly 4´ from point "A" and draw an arch where the border tile line will be. (illus. C)
5. From Point "B", measure exactly 5´ and draw an arc intersecting the arc drawn from point "A".
6. Mark the intersection of both arcs as point "C".
7. Snap a chalk line from wall to wall, lining up with points "A" and "C". (The two chalk lines will be a perfect 90 degree angle.)

Illus. B.

Illus. C.

Install the Border Tiles:

1. Start in the corner of the room where the chalk lines intersect. (illus. C) Measure and cut the first tile, lining up edges of both flanges with chalk lines.
   NOTE: Because walls are often uneven, measure each border tile and cut 1/4" less than actual measurement. Wall molding will cover the small gap. Staple each tile through flange into furring strip as shown using 1/2" staples. (illus. D)

   Refer to Illustration "C" for proper order of installing tiles.

Illus. D.

Install Remaining Tiles:

1. Install full ties on diagonal
2. Fit tiles together snugly, but do not push too tightly together.
3. Measure and cut last row of tiles individually.
4. Staple last row of tiles to furring strips.
   NOTE: If the flange on last row isn't large enough for stapling, face-nail the tile in place near the wall where the molding will cover the nail head.
5. Use 4 staples per tile as shown in Illus. E.

Illus. E.

Step 3: Finish Your Ceiling

Install Wall Molding:

1. Paint or stain standard decorative wood molding before installing.
2. Install molding at the joint between the ceiling and walls.
3. Nail molding into the wall studs at least every 24" (illus. F)

Illus. F.

WARNING
This product contains man-made mineral fibers, crystalline silica and formaldehyde. Possible cancer and respiratory tract hazards; can cause temporary respiratory, skin and eye irritation.

Precautionary Measures Install in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing dust. If high dust levels are anticipated during installation such as with the use of power tools, use the appropriate NIOSH-designated dust respirator. All power cutting tools must be equipped with dust collectors. Avoid contact with skin or eyes. Wear long sleeved, loose fitting clothing, gloves, and eye protection.

First Aid Measures If contact occurs, flush eyes and skin irritation with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. After installing material, wash with warm water and mild soap. Wash work clothes separately from other clothing. Rinse washer thoroughly.

Refer to Armstrong MSDS (which includes information on established occupational exposure limits) which is available from Armstrong or your employer.