Ceiling Cleaning Mistakes
Remember that your ceiling system is a capital investment. Precautions should be taken to achieve maximum return. Acoustic ceiling surfaces are very delicate. They are paper based with a thin coat of specialized paint coating the surface. Even a fingerprint can mar an otherwise attractive appearance. Your acoustic tile surface should never be touched, tampered with, or cleaned by anyone other than a ceiling cleaning or installation professional.
This type of surface should NEVER be painted
The results can have the following negative effects necessitating expensive solutions;
- Compromises sound absorption, loss of acoustic value
- Compromises flame spread rating
- Loss of brightness, light reflective qualities, aesthetics
- Adhesion to grid system. This means broken tiles when tile needs to be removed for access or other purposes
- Soiling, staining on surface gets locked under paint, yet often bleeds through later
- Tile cannot be properly cleaned after painting
- Paint over spray can compromise wall surfaces, furnishings, and other areas
Do not attempt to clean an acoustic ceiling surface yourself
The resultant damage is often permanent.
These surfaces are delicate and must be serviced by a ceiling cleaning professional. What started out as a simple cleaning solution for a professional, can turn into permanent damage requiring expensive replacement.
Do not attempt to repaint metal ceiling components such as grids, diffusers, speaker grills, etc.
I have witnessed many attempts to do this and have never found acceptable results. These are specialized surfaces, coated with expensive manufacturer’s paint that is baked on. Any other type of finish without proper preparation and application, will not adhere, and will detract from the attractiveness of the surrounding ceiling system. This is a service that we have perfected over the years. We can make diffusers look like new again, using the manufacturer’s specified coating.
Do not replace tiles without properly matching the tile type, and shifting several tiles to avoid the ‘checkerboard’ effect
It is almost impossible to put new tiles next to older tiles and maintain a consistent, aesthetically pleasing look. Tiles dull quickly with age and it’s almost impossible to set them alongside a tile of a different age or type and get a decent match. Attention will be drawn to this inconsistency. This is what we call the ‘checkerboard effect’ mentioned above.
Do not apply any type of tape to the ceiling surface in an acoustical system
The tape will lift the delicate paint from the tile surface when removed. The resultant appearance requires replacement to correct.
Do not attempt to clean metal components such as diffusers or speaker grills with a spray bottle and rag
As simple as this task may seem, I have seen the mess left by overspray, and over wiping by untrained staff. Adjacent tiles get soiled, and discolored. Delicate manufacturer painted surfaces get eroded. The resulting mess is permanent. Household cleaning solutions have a ‘wicking’ effect, whereby in time, the adjacent tile surface will yellow.
Do not attempt to replace a fallen metal grill, diffuser, or partial grid system unless you are certain you can secure this component safely back in place
These components fall or slip out of position due to ceiling shifting or improper alignment during installation. When these components fall you risk serious injury to employees or visitors to your place of business.
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These are just a few of the mistakes I have come across over the years. When I get the call to fix these ‘do it yourself’ mistakes, the simple solutions I offer usually don’t apply.
Your ceiling system investment, and maintenance needs are best left to a ceiling professional. Cost effective solutions will keep your work space the attractive and bright environment it was intended to be.
Before you consider ceiling or any other type of overhead replacement, please contact us for a no obligation quotation for our services.
We can always offer cost effective alternatives that save you time and money, and disruption to your business.
PH: 905-662-5659