When your ceiling tiles are dirty, greasy and stained what should you do with them? While some would say that painting over them is a solution, this could not be further from the truth. Tile not cleaned prior to any type of coating being applied can cause deeply embedded dirt to tile to show up over the new paint. If your ceiling is dirty, there are plenty of options you can take as we will discuss here.
As is the case with any coating that is applied to any surface, it needs to be clean, dry and dull for the coating to adhere properly. In some cases, business owners may feel that is it ok to simply paint over the dirty tile and eventually if you are able to remove the surface dirt and grime but the old dirt and grime that was under the previous paint job will still be there and will show through the paint.
Painting isn't always the best option
Painting ceiling tiles can end up ruining the special qualities you wanted when they were first installed. Ceiling tiles are designed to be fire resistant and, help reduce noise and aid in a room’s brightness. Painting tiles will ruin these qualities and cause them to stick to the grid leading to breakage if the tiles ever have to be removed for maintenance of items behind them. Cleaning your tiles is a much safer option.
Should you replace your ceiling tiles?
While replacing is a valid option, it is not always the best option, due to the cost of replacement and the disruption to your business. This is especially true in older buildings where asbestos and lead paint may be “hiding” behind the ceiling tiles, potentially causing an even larger issue.
Cleaning your ceiling is the most cost-effective option
Cleaning your ceiling tiles can be done for about 1/3 the price of replacement and in about 1/3 the time. Work is done around your schedule, so as not to impact your business operations. When working with professionals to clean your ceiling, you give it a new life that is sure to impress both your staff and your clients.
For more information on how to keep your ceilings clean, contact us by calling 855-403-6900 or clicking here. We'd love to hear from you!
You look up at your ceiling and there it is, your ceiling or ceiling tiles filled with ugly, brown discoloration that stands out like a dirty sore thumb compared to the rest of the room. While it's important to clean it as thoroughly as possible (something that we can help with) it's equally important to know where the stains are coming from. Here are three common reasons behind why your ceiling is becoming discolored.
1) Dirty water may have dripped onto the back of the tile and soaked through to the face causing discolored stains. These will normally be yellow or brown in color and probably due to ferric oxide (rust) contamination. Check for possible roof leak or pipe leaks. Possible culprits may be a sprinkler, HVAC, supply or waste lines.
2) Tiles in the immediate vicinity of air grills or diffusers sometimes display black marks or streaks. This is due to dirt in the air being deposited on the tile’s surface as the air leaves or returns to the distribution system.
3) Heat from a room will rise and move through a suspended ceiling towards the (normally) cooler ceiling void. Small particles of dirt in the air will also rise and be deposited on the ceiling tile’s surface.
These are just a few reasons why your ceilings over time become dirty and discolored. While it may seem hopeless at first, don't worry! We would love to help you! Be sure to give us a call at 855-403-6900, our local number 219-841-7905 or email us at info@glcsmidwest.com.
