Drop ceiling removal or suspended ceiling removal, isn’t the most difficult home improvement project. But, it’s one that does require some solid DIY chops.
And, there’s usually electrical work involved. Drop ceilings can be found in residential homes, professional offices, and commercial retail spaces.
The purpose of a drop ceiling is to provide a small space between the actual ceiling and the suspended one. Trouble is, these often make a room look and feel smaller. So, it’s necessary to do drop ceiling removal to open it up again.
What to Know about Drop Ceiling Removal
Before you do remove the drop ceiling, you’ve got to learn what type of ceiling it is concealing. Usually, this is concrete, which can be covered with plaster or popcorn texture. You need to know because this is what you’ll be left with once the suspended ceiling is removed.
Dropped ceilings consist of suspended grids and many removable panels and getting rid of one is a straightforward process. Most dropped ceilings cover unsightly or damaged ceilings or they lower the ceiling height to reduce heating and cooling costs. The panels might also conceal plumbing or wiring. The best way to get rid of a dropped ceiling system is to take it off in the reverse order from which it was installed. --San Francisco Gate
Generally, drop ceilings are suspended by wires which support a frame. It’s the frame the ceiling tiles rest on, and, removing the entire system can open up a space, making it feel larger. Usually, there are lights hung through suspended ceilings as these are typically found in residential kitchens, particularly in two-story homes.
Brandon Drop Ceiling Removal Guide
To take down a suspended ceiling, you'll need to do it in a few different phases. Here's a simple drop ceiling removal guide to follow:
- Turn off the power. Before you proceed, go the main electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker supplying power to the lighting. Then, you can see how the lights and wires are connected.
- Clear and protect the floor. Clear the space below and cover whatever you can’t move. In addition, wear eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask. Also, be sure to cover up the floor to prevent damage and limit the messiness.
- Remove the panels and uninstall the electrical system. Next, it's time to take down all the panels and put them out of the way elsewhere. Thereafter, you can uninstall the electrical system.
- Take down the entire grid to open it up for final refinishing. Now the empty space is exposed, you’ll see how the main grid which supports the ceiling tiles is fastened to the ceiling. To remove it, you’ll have to use a heavy drill-driver and/or a reciprocating saw.
For help with remodeling debris removal, go ahead and phone 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services.