Ceiling FAQs

See where to buy ceilings near you. 

View or download an Armstrong ceiling brochure.                   

View ceiling warranty information.

No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser. More ceiling warranty information.                   

Mineral fiber ceilings contain at least 24% recycled materials, and some as much as 95%. They also contain renewable and natural materials: starch, perlite (a form of natural glass), and clay.

Durable plank ceilings are made from wood fiber byproducts. Coffered ceilings are made from high performance engineered resin, rigid PVC.

Metallaire™ ceilings are made of real metal. The Brass, Chrome, and Copper finishes are plated aluminum. The White finish is factory-applied powder coated steel, and the Lacquered Steel finish is factory-applied lacquered steel.

Note: Insulation must never be placed behind fire-rated ceilings, without prior approval from your building code official. Also, putting insulation on the back of fiberglass panels is not recommended, and insulation should not be allowed to touch the backs of Woodhaven^TM planks.

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Costs vary according to ceiling product design and performance features.  The type of installation method or system and its associated costs can also affect the total cost of a new ceiling.  Find a local retailer under “where to buy” and contact them for specific pricing. 

No. When standard sag resistant ceilings are properly installed under the right conditions (no excessive humidity, etc.), they remain level and flat. We recommend using superior sag/mold/mildew resistant panels or fiberglass panels in areas of high or seasonal humidity; they are not recommended for spaces exposed to continuous moisture, such as shower rooms and swimming pool areas.

All Armstrong panels, tiles and planks are fire-retardant and meet Class A flame-spread ratings, with the exception of WoodHaven™ planks, which meet class C flame-spread ratings. All products meet residential building codes.

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Kanopi is the direct-to-customer branch of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative ceiling, wall, and suspension systems.

Use the Identify My Ceiling tool to identify the damaged tile and find a replacement.  

Armstrong mineral fiber ceiling systems require no more maintenance than painted drywall ceilings. However, when maintenance is necessary, certain procedures should be followed to ensure continued high performance and attractive appearance.

Dust and loose dirt may easily be removed by light brushing or with a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaner attachments such as those designed for cleaning upholstery or walls do the best job. Be certain to clean in one direction only. This will prevent rubbing dust into the surface of the ceiling.

After loose dust has been removed, pencil marks, smudges, or clinging dirt may easily be erased with an ordinary art gum eraser. However, a good grade wall cleaner may be preferred. Be certain to use fresh cleaner.

Armstrong mineral fiber ceilings may be cleaned with a moist cloth or a sponge dampened in water containing mild soap. The sponge should contain as little water as possible. After washing, the soapy film should be wiped off with a cloth or sponge slightly dampened in clean water.

Vinyl-faced fiberglass ceilings are less affected by moisture and will withstand repeated washings with mild detergents or germicidal cleaners.

WOODHAVEN ceiling planks are virtually maintenance- free. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.

EASY ELEGANCE coffers are virtually maintenance-free. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. 

Routine cleaning should be performed with a mild soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge – never use anything abrasive.

Yes, most of our ceilings can be easily installed. Click here for installation instructions.

Most ceilings are installed between floors that are maintained at the same temperature – making insulation unnecessary. Most basements are at least partly heated by heat flow through the ceiling from the heated space above. In that case, attempting to insulate the basement ceiling surface could actually reduce heat flow. 

Yes, if the bathroom is vented to the outside with a fan. Armstrong ceilings with superior sag/mold/mildew resistance for use in areas of high humidity are recommended.

Only on Armstrong suspended ceiling panels that are at least 5/8" thick. You must use rolled insulation and install it perpendicular to the cross tees so that the weight of the insulation rests on the suspended grid system, and there is air space between the insulation and the panel. Ask your dealer for specific details.

NOTE: Insulation must never be placed behind fire-rated ceilings, unless designated in a UL design assembly. Backloading fiberglass panels is not recommended. For WoodHaven™ installation, do not allow insulation to touch the back of the planks.   

Most Armstrong tile ceilings (including Tin Look paintable ceilings) and plank ceilings (including WoodHaven ceiling planks) can be installed over an existing ceiling that is in good shape. This includes open joists, drywall, plaster, and popcorn ceilings.

For older ceilings, it’s best to remove old tiles first. In many cases, the old ceiling may have deteriorated and an adequate hold cannot be obtained.

The 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ panels must be installed with a suspended grid system. This suspended ceiling system can be installed over any ceiling surface or open joists where hanger wires can be attached.  

For most rooms, you can choose from our entire line of ceilings. For bathrooms or rooms that reach over 70% humidity, you should select a ceiling with superior humidity/ sag resistance. Learn more about Basement Remodeling.

Armstrong suspended ceilings require a minimum of 3-in of overhead clearance. Additional height might be required if installing recessed lighting.

Yes. Unpack ceiling materials at least 24 hours before installation to allow the product to adjust to normal room conditions. WoodHaven Planks may take longer to acclimatize due to their natural MDF material. Do not install during excessively humid conditions. See specific product instructions for best results.

No. An appreciable loss of heating efficiency will result and the ceiling will not remain stable.  

Only if the old ceiling tiles are in very good shape. Often, old ceiling tiles have deteriorated, and you can’t get an adequate hold for the new ceiling. 

Yes. But you may have to remove the fixture to install the ceiling and then reinstall it over the new ceiling. 

The standard recommendation for 4’ fluorescent tube light fixtures is two for every 75 square feet of suspended ceiling. 

Yes, if supported independently by an existing structural member.

All Armstrong ceiling tiles and panels (except fiberglass) can be painted with latex paints. The front and back of 24-in x 24-in and 24-in x 48-in panels should be painted.

NOTE: Armstrong Ceilings cannot guarantee that the published surface-burning characteristics, fire-resistance ratings, acoustical performance, dimensional stability/sag, or light reflectance will remain the same after repainting. Field painting will void the warranty.

Grid can be painted any color or to mimic any metal – bronze, tin, gold, or copper. Latex or water-based paints are recommended.

1. Install the ceiling material. Tiles and planks may be installed before or after painting.
2. Using a paint roller with a 1/4" nap, apply two coats of paint, waiting 24 hours between coats.
3. To achieve the look of green patina that develops on copper with age, use a small natural sponge to apply a stippling of dark green paint followed 24 hours later by a stippling of light green paint. Vary the placement of the paint and texture of the sponge to create an authentic look.

Note: For best results on 2' x 2' or 2' x 4' panels: If using a water-based paint, paint the back side of the panels with one coat of paint and let dry before installing to prevent cupping.

Painting Precaution: Armstrong cannot guarantee that the published surface burning characteristics, fire resistance ratings, acoustical performance, dimensional stability/sag, or light reflectance will remain the same after repainting. Field painting will void the ceiling's warranty.

Armstrong acoustical ceilings can be painted with a slight loss of acoustical efficiency using nonbridging paint which does not cover the holes.

EASY ELEGANCE coffers ceiling products work best with modern lighting choices such as Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) and Advanced LED lighting, which operate much cooler than other lighting options.

You must maintain a 1/8" gap or larger around all recessed lighting fixtures. Follow the lighting manufacturer's recommendations for all lighting, making sure that any fixtures are supported by your t-bar, drop ceiling grid, or the framing structure above it. Caution: these panels should not be used with any lamp that will generate surface temperatures exceeding 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

All EASY ELEGANCE products can be painted with latex paint before installation. Make sure your ceiling panels are clean and dry, and experiment on a sample with your paint color before painting the ceiling in its entirety. 

All EASY ELEGANCE products meet residential building codes for safety. They are Class A. They are approved for residential use only. 

Our rigid PVC ceiling tiles are extremely moisture resistant. In fact, they are unaffected by humidity, and will not absorb water at all. They are moisture, mold, and mildew resistant on the treated surface. 

We do not recommend cutting EASY ELEGANCE Coffers to fit the perimeter of a room.  Instead, we recommend using a tegular edge acoustic panel, such as Sahara (model #271.)

You can also choose to install a drywall perimeter as a border in your room – eliminating the need to cut ceiling panels. Refer to the installation instructions for more information.  

No, our lightweight designs are made exclusively for grid mount/drop ceiling applications.  

For normal installations most designs do not require hold-down clips. Hold-down clips are only required in extreme conditions. If there is a rapid change in the air pressure above and below the tiles, they may move. You can purchase hold-down clips (Item #UHDCA) if you feel that you will need them for your ceiling tile installation. 

Where to buy
Find our products in a store near you

Black grid kits are available through retail locations that offer our EASY ELEGANCE black coffers. Ask for Item #6357BL. 

Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.