Removing A Drop Ceiling
Most houses and apartments have drop ceilings as they are easy to install. Moreover they allow easy access to pipes, ducts and electric cords running through the ceiling. It is undoubtedly the most convenient ceiling in terms of installation as well as cost. But sometimes it gets necessary to either replace or remove drop ceilings in case of damage by rain water or molds.
Removing a drop ceiling can be an easy task which you can do yourself if you show a bit of patience and skill. There is no need to hire a professional to remove a drop ceiling unless there is a major issue which requires expert handling. Otherwise you can conveniently remove drop ceiling by following these simple steps.
• A drop ceiling tile is normally fitted into a metal grid. So the first step in removing a drop ceiling is to push the bottom side of the tile upwards. The tile will move from the grid. Now you need to place the tile in an angle that will allow you to slide it down from the grid. Repeat this process on all the tiles. Like I said, it takes a lot of patience!
• The second step is to disconnect the light fixtures from the electric supply. Be very careful while doing this. Always use wire nuts to cover up exposed ends of electric supply wires.
• Once you’ve disconnected the fixtures, you would need to cut the support wire attached to the lights and remove them from the ceiling.
• Make sure you remove all loose fixtures like support wires and vents from the ceiling so that it does not fall off when you are removing the metal grid.
• If you see the support wires dangling from the ceiling grid, then cut the off to avoid interference.
• Now remove all the tees off the main tees.
• Now drill out the screws that held the support wires.
• The last step is to remove the wall trap that fixed the drop ceiling. They would either be nailed or screwed, hence use appropriate tools to remove them.
If your drop ceiling is infested with molds then you need to wear a respirator. But it is safe to wear it anyway as the job of removing a drop ceiling involves lot of drilling, snapping, cutting which can result in dust. Follow these simple steps and you’ll never need any professional help!
