Replacement - PanelsTip 23: Replacing ceiling panels at sprinkler head locations For fitting ceiling panels around sprinkler head, the ideal approach would be to remove the sprinkler head, recut a new panel and replace the sprinkler head. Since this is both economically or logistically impossible, we usually end up cutting the replacement panel in half and using an exposed cross tee to conceal the cut and fit the two pieces around the sprinkler. There's another, more attractive option if you are using 942 or 915 fissured ceiling panels. 1. Cut on the back side of the panel, being careful to cut in the same direction as the facial fissures. Make the cut approximately 1/2" deep.  2. Carefully break the panel in half by aligning the cut along the side of a table edge so the break will be straight and sharp. (For fissured panels, the break will usually follow the line of fissuring. When joined, the original cut will literally disappear.)  3. Join the two pieces around the sprinkler head. 4. To assure the joint will not part, apply glue to the raw edges of the break before the panel is installed or you can glue scrap pieces across the back of the cut. You can also place a wall spring between one end of the panel and the web of the grid system. The spring will apply constant pressure, keeping the joint nice and tight.  |