Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between using CeilBlock or regular paint on ceiling tiles?
A: Conventional paints have a bridging effect that can result in the fissures being covered with a film of dried material. On an acoustical tile, closing the fissures in the tile’s surface reduces the tile’s ability to absorb sound, thereby causing an increase in noise level within that space. The same bridging characteristic results in the tile being stuck to the supporting t-bars, making it difficult to gain access above the ceiling for maintenance purposes.
Q: What is the cost savings when comparing ceiling restoration and new tile replacement?
A: While labour and overhead costs vary geographically, the rule of thumb is that ceiling restoration is at least 40% of replacement costs. And since it is accomplished in one-third of the time required for the removal/replacement process, there are considerable savings in indirect costs as well.
Q: Are there any other saving factors when comparing ceiling restoration to replacing with new tiles?
A: There are a number of significant additional savings that are generally recognised.
1. Restoration time, particularly in occupied spaces, is one-third of that required for new tile replacement.
2. There is no need to employ additional contractors such as ceiling installation contractors, electricians, fire alarm engineers, c.c.t.v. engineers etc.
3. Ceiling tile restoration reduces solid waste disposal.
4. A restored tile has a surface finish that will hold its colour longer and provide better light dispersion than any other alternative. This increases the life expectancy of the ceiling.
5. There is a reduction in energy costs due to increased light reflectance.
6. There will be absolutely no downtime for your business GUARANTEED!
Q: Can ceilings be restored in occupied spaces that contain furnishings, equipment or in the case of retail stores, merchandise on racks or shelves?
A: Yes this type of situation represents the greatest market for ceiling restoration. Under these conditions, work is typically carried out during off-peak hours. The limited available time often makes tile replacement impractical but ideal for restoration.
Q: Is ceiling restoration appropriate when there is a need to change the ceiling colour?
A: It is done all the time. The standard white coating can be tinted to match a pastel colour. Any other colour is available on a special order basis.
Q: Is CeilBlock the only product used in the acoustic ceiling tile restoration process?
A: No. The CeilBlock restoration process is intended to return the acoustic ceiling tile systems appearance and performance to as close to “new” as possible. This can be accomplished with one application of CeilBlock.
There are other situations, where in order to achieve the desired results, it is necessary to use a combination of cleaner and degreaser to pre-treat surface contamination prior to the application of CeilBlock. An excellent example is vinyl-covered tiles that are non-porous and where contamination needs to be removed prior to coating.
Q: Will CeilBlock adhere to the t-bars and other non-porous surfaces such as air diffusers, sprinkler bases and audio speakers?
A: Yes, there should be no problem. The old adage that a paint job is as good as the surface preparation still holds. If the non-porous surfaces are covered with grease, nicotine or other contaminants that could prevent proper bonding, then they will be cleaned first.
Q: Is there a manufacturer’s warranty on the acoustical coating product?
A: Yes, there is. Since there is no way of knowing what the ceiling material will be subjected to, in the way of contamination, it is difficult to assign a guaranteed life expectancy. Therefore, the warranty is stated in the following manner: "The new surface finish will last as long or longer than a new tile would, subjected to the same environmental conditions."
Q: Is CeilBlock only used on acoustical ceilings?
A: No. CeilBlock can be applied to surfaces other than acoustic tile i.e., vinyl, metal pan, metal perforated tiles, plasterboard, etc.
Q: From a main contractor’s perspective, what advantages or benefits does the use of RK Coatings trained operatives as sub-contractors provide?
A: There are many advantages and benefits. RK Coatings use state-of-the-art products and equipment that are specifically designed for a particular application as well as tradespeople who are highly trained in working specifically on all types of ceilings.
Using the better product doesn’t always mean that it costs more money. To the contrary, CeilBlock has better hide capability and as a result, yields much better coverage than less expensive paints. Further, where a discoloured ceiling requires a primer and a topcoat, the job can more frequently be accomplished with one application of CeilBlock.
CeilBlock leaves a finish that looks natural and not “painted.” The better the appearance, the more pleased the customer is in the contractor’s performance. That means a better reputation that invariably leads to more work.
The contractor that is aware of the damage conventional paints have on acoustics and fire retardancy, generally impresses the prospective customer more than others who have not addressed this issue.
The contractor that cautions the customer against leaving the tiles stuck to the supporting t-bar system will come across as “knowing his business” and having far more credibility.
A: Conventional paints have a bridging effect that can result in the fissures being covered with a film of dried material. On an acoustical tile, closing the fissures in the tile’s surface reduces the tile’s ability to absorb sound, thereby causing an increase in noise level within that space. The same bridging characteristic results in the tile being stuck to the supporting t-bars, making it difficult to gain access above the ceiling for maintenance purposes.
Q: What is the cost savings when comparing ceiling restoration and new tile replacement?
A: While labour and overhead costs vary geographically, the rule of thumb is that ceiling restoration is at least 40% of replacement costs. And since it is accomplished in one-third of the time required for the removal/replacement process, there are considerable savings in indirect costs as well.
Q: Are there any other saving factors when comparing ceiling restoration to replacing with new tiles?
A: There are a number of significant additional savings that are generally recognised.
1. Restoration time, particularly in occupied spaces, is one-third of that required for new tile replacement.
2. There is no need to employ additional contractors such as ceiling installation contractors, electricians, fire alarm engineers, c.c.t.v. engineers etc.
3. Ceiling tile restoration reduces solid waste disposal.
4. A restored tile has a surface finish that will hold its colour longer and provide better light dispersion than any other alternative. This increases the life expectancy of the ceiling.
5. There is a reduction in energy costs due to increased light reflectance.
6. There will be absolutely no downtime for your business GUARANTEED!
Q: Can ceilings be restored in occupied spaces that contain furnishings, equipment or in the case of retail stores, merchandise on racks or shelves?
A: Yes this type of situation represents the greatest market for ceiling restoration. Under these conditions, work is typically carried out during off-peak hours. The limited available time often makes tile replacement impractical but ideal for restoration.
Q: Is ceiling restoration appropriate when there is a need to change the ceiling colour?
A: It is done all the time. The standard white coating can be tinted to match a pastel colour. Any other colour is available on a special order basis.
Q: Is CeilBlock the only product used in the acoustic ceiling tile restoration process?
A: No. The CeilBlock restoration process is intended to return the acoustic ceiling tile systems appearance and performance to as close to “new” as possible. This can be accomplished with one application of CeilBlock.
There are other situations, where in order to achieve the desired results, it is necessary to use a combination of cleaner and degreaser to pre-treat surface contamination prior to the application of CeilBlock. An excellent example is vinyl-covered tiles that are non-porous and where contamination needs to be removed prior to coating.
Q: Will CeilBlock adhere to the t-bars and other non-porous surfaces such as air diffusers, sprinkler bases and audio speakers?
A: Yes, there should be no problem. The old adage that a paint job is as good as the surface preparation still holds. If the non-porous surfaces are covered with grease, nicotine or other contaminants that could prevent proper bonding, then they will be cleaned first.
Q: Is there a manufacturer’s warranty on the acoustical coating product?
A: Yes, there is. Since there is no way of knowing what the ceiling material will be subjected to, in the way of contamination, it is difficult to assign a guaranteed life expectancy. Therefore, the warranty is stated in the following manner: "The new surface finish will last as long or longer than a new tile would, subjected to the same environmental conditions."
Q: Is CeilBlock only used on acoustical ceilings?
A: No. CeilBlock can be applied to surfaces other than acoustic tile i.e., vinyl, metal pan, metal perforated tiles, plasterboard, etc.
Q: From a main contractor’s perspective, what advantages or benefits does the use of RK Coatings trained operatives as sub-contractors provide?
A: There are many advantages and benefits. RK Coatings use state-of-the-art products and equipment that are specifically designed for a particular application as well as tradespeople who are highly trained in working specifically on all types of ceilings.
Using the better product doesn’t always mean that it costs more money. To the contrary, CeilBlock has better hide capability and as a result, yields much better coverage than less expensive paints. Further, where a discoloured ceiling requires a primer and a topcoat, the job can more frequently be accomplished with one application of CeilBlock.
CeilBlock leaves a finish that looks natural and not “painted.” The better the appearance, the more pleased the customer is in the contractor’s performance. That means a better reputation that invariably leads to more work.
The contractor that is aware of the damage conventional paints have on acoustics and fire retardancy, generally impresses the prospective customer more than others who have not addressed this issue.
The contractor that cautions the customer against leaving the tiles stuck to the supporting t-bar system will come across as “knowing his business” and having far more credibility.