Architects…it’s time to look UP!

​​What to do with aged Acoustic Ceilings, when renovating?

Generally, finished areas have walls, a floor and a ceiling. Often, while renovating, only the walls and floors are treated while the ceilings are ignored. This is a common oversight because it is often thought that the only options available are to either completely replace the ceiling tiles and gridwork or else remove the tiles clean the gridwork and vents then replace the ceiling tiles with new.
However acoustic ceiling restoration is a cost-effective alternative to new tile replacement which ensures a uniform new look appearance. It is provided by RK Coatings who are specialist spray coating contractors by the application of a pigmented (any colour) acoustical coating, specifically engineered for this purpose. 
The ceiling is the largest light reflecting surface in most areas. The darker the ceiling … the less the light is disbursed. Therefore, maintaining a warm and well-lighted environment can be directly related to the condition of the ceiling.

Before coating...

Results after coating...

​So, why are ceilings so often ignored?

​In planning a renovation project in occupied commercial space, architects must cope with unique requirements while considering the options available. These include:

• Work must be completed during off-hours, so as not to impact on normal business activity.
• The procedure must be cost-effective … reasonably priced and the results long lasting.
• Furnishings must be protected and cannot be removed from the area.
• The finished appearance must be that of a new ceiling, including grids, air diffusers, etc.
• There cannot be lingering offensive odours, prohibiting early occupancy.

Satisfying all of these requirements has been difficult in the past. 

Alternatives which have been available.

​The following is a quick summary of the alternatives that have been available to architects and specifiers:

New Tile Replacement and Disposal of Old Materials…
…is expensive, numerous contractors being required i.e. ceiling contractors, electricians, fire alarm engineers, c.c.t.v engineers etc.
…is very time-consuming, the removal, disposal of the old ceiling and the replacement with the new all takes time. The area will need to be shut down or else the work will have to be undertaken overnights. Either way there will be major costs and disruption for the client’s business.
…will create a lot of dirt and disruption.
…adds to landfills, which is not an environmentally friendly option.
…does not address the old stained grids, air-diffusers, or speaker plates.

Conventional Painting
Roller application results in a “painted” look – the grids and tiles merge into one.
It leaves all the tiles stuck to the gridwork therefore access to services above the ceiling is no longer available without breaking the tiles away from the grids.
It creates a hard surface which results in a major loss of acoustical value.
It may also compromise the ceiling’s fire rating.

Chemical Cleaning
Cannot overcome colour inconsistencies. 
While cleaning will lighten the ceiling, more discoloured areas (around air diffusers) may still remain darker. The ceiling is simply lightened proportionately.
May create a “draughtboard” effect.
Will generally only last one to three years and then the ceiling problem will need to be addressed again.
Given the above, what are architects and specifiers to do? 
Those who are familiar with state-of-the-art technology are adopting acoustical ceiling restoration an integral part of the restoration program.

What is Acoustical Ceiling Restoration?

​Acoustical ceiling restoration is a cost-effective alternative to new tile replacement that ensures a uniform new appearance. It includes the application of a pigmented (any colour) acoustical coating, specifically engineered for this type of application. Architects have come to realise that a restored acoustical ceiling can be much more cost effective than installing a new one. 
With the right product and specialist trained tradespeople, it can:

• Be provided for less than 35% of the cost of new tile replacement and be completed in one third of the time.
• Be carried out without removing merchandise or furnishings from the area being treated
• Look as good as new, in any colour.
• Improve the acoustical value and maintain the fire rating of the ceiling.
• Hold its white colour every bit as long as newly fitted tiles would under the same environmental conditions. 
• Be coated while the area is closed, during off-peak hours.
• Allow tiles to remain free of the supporting grid system, permitting easy access for above-ceiling maintenance in the future.

​How to Identify a Product to Specify?

​With an acoustical coating, the application procedure is similar to that of conventional paint. However, if the selection of the product is left to the contractor the least expensive, ceiling latex paint will most likely be chosen.
Typically, the contractor is not concerned with the fact that by applying a traditional paint on an acoustical tile:

• The noise level will go up.
• The tiles are left stuck to the supporting grid system.
• The tiles may buckle or warp as soon as there are changes in the temperature or humidity levels.
• The tiles quickly yellow as the dirt that was painted over, begins to bleed through.

If the following are significant to the project, a product must be specified that addresses these needs and takes the product selection out of the hands of the contractor:

• The negative results of traditional painting are a concern.
• It is important to maximize light reflectance and minimize dependency on artificial lighting.
• Long-term value and the environment is important.

Then look to RK Coatings who are specialist spray coating contractors. You can benefit more from their experience since they have most likely dealt every type of situation. 

CBC 110 Product Description

CBC 110 Sample Specification

​CBC 110 CeilBlock acoustic ceiling coating - the ultimate mineral fibre acoustic suspended ceiling restoration coating. Designed to be spray applied with the ceiling tiles and grid in situ. 
CBC110-CeilBlock is water based and non-bridging it will not stick the tiles together or to the grid system. Acoustic properties are maintained and the non-yellowing formula will last as long as a brand new suspended ceiling. 
CBC110-CeilBlock will replicate the existing textures or pattern of the acoustic ceiling tiles and gives a uniform even appearance across the whole suspended ceiling. Air vents, loudspeakers and sprinkler bases can also be coated.
CBC110-CeilBlock is water based, low odour and available in any RAL or BS4800 colour.
CBC110-CeilBlock is applied by our highly trained operatives using an airless spray process.

​Next, insist on independent laboratory test results that verify advertised product performance claims. Appropriate tests must have been conducted in such areas as acoustical effects, fire retardancy, light reflectance, toxicity, and aging.
Finally, legitimate product manufacturers can provide standard project specifications. This will ensure that when competitive bids are solicited and that all contractors are responding to the same criteria. 
Apart from product quality, poor application techniques can result in an unpleasant experience. Particularly in occupied areas, spraying a pigmented coating must be done while protecting furnishings, fixtures, floors, and walls from dust. Therefore, it is essential that the spray coating contractor has a solid track record of using the specified products in fully occupied space. They should be able to provide satisfied client references.

CeilBlock CBC110 acoustic ceiling coating product to be supplied and applied by RK Coatings (info@rkcoatings.com) who are to allow for cleaning down, preparing and spray painting the existing acoustic ceiling including all in situ tiles, gridwork, speakers and sprinkler bases with 2 coats of CeilBlock CBC110 acoustic ceiling coating, colour to be...

Cost saving...

​The average cost for new acoustic ceiling tile installation is €25 per square metre. In contrast the average application cost for acoustic ceiling restoration is approximately 35% of these costs, including treatment to the tiles, sprinkler bases, speakers and gridwork. Air diffuser vents can either be sprayed the same colour as the ceiling or masked and left as existing.
It should also be pointed out that the average cost sited above is related to standard 1200 x 600 or 600 x 600 flat fissured tiles. Consider the financial benefits of restoring more expensive tiles? It is not uncommon to pay €20.00 or more per square metre just for the tiles alone! The savings therefore can truly be significant.
Another benefit is related to the time required to complete the project. Ceiling restoration typically takes one-third of the time as compared to replacement with new tiles.