Suspended Ceiling Access

Trick

Greetings. I am replacing zone valves in a college dorm and I need to get past the ceiling tiles. Most of them were of the 2x4 variety that pop out nicely and make sense. Then there are these concealed grid tiles that vex me. Others before me have cut them and replaced them using finish nails to hold them in place. I have examined them from above and cannot figure out how they were even installed let alone how to remove a few of them without damaging them.

They are 12"x12" and the grid is totally concealed as the tiles overlap and there are recessed grooves that slide onto the grid. Has anyone dealt with these puzzles? Am I doomed to frustration and finish nails? Or is there a magical secret? I'm looking for the magical secret!

mdshunk

There's no way to get them out without taking out the last piece that was installed originally (which normally involves removing cove mold at the edge) and working the whole room backwards. Quite a job. It's most normal and most economical to cut the tongues off with a sharp utility knife and reinstall the tile with glue, nails, or screws.

I think it's dumb to install one of this sort of ceiling where you need to get to things like zone valves. I'd encourage you to fashion an access panel instead of putting the tile back.

Trick

I simply hate it!! Thank you for the help.

kpi

most times the access tiles (the only tiles that can be removed first) are marked with something inconspicuous like a push pin or finish nail. If you see a marked tile, try pushing up on the edge that is marked. Unless the ceiling has been painted, it should disassemble/reassemble without too much trouble.