Choosing insulated ceiling tiles is usually a matter of knowing what you want and what you’re trying to accomplish and how that fits with what the market has to offer. There are usually a number of different options, some of which are better suited to certain tasks than others. One of the most important things you’ll want to understand is tiling resistance, which is the industry term for depth of insulation and absorption. Tiles with high resistance tend to be thicker and may be harder to install, but often get more thorough results when it comes to protecting against temperature shifts, sounds, and problems like mildew and moisture. It’s also usually a good idea for shoppers to at least consider ceiling planks and panels, which are related products with very similar uses. Tiles may still be best for your project, but at least understanding the competing options might help you make the most informed choice.
Think About Your Goals and Main Purpose
One of the first things you’ll want to know before even researching options is what, exactly, you want to get from the tiles. Considering things like the overall decorative theme of the space and what you’re trying to achieve in terms of sound and temperature control are good places to start. There are vast selections of products that provide different advantages in insulation properties, ease of installation, maintenance and cleaning.
If your sole purpose for installing insulated ceiling tiles is to provide greater thermal insulation in order to reduce heating or cooling costs, then the challenge becomes selecting the product with the greatest insulation value that is within your budget for the job. If, on the other hand, the final look of the room is important, then your decision might become a compromise between insulation value, looks and budget constraints.
Understanding Resistance
Most ceiling tiles are ranked in terms of their resistance, usually represented as “R” on packaging and in reviews. In simple terms, it’s a measure of thermal resistance and is calculated using a mathematical formula. Understanding how it’s calculated isn’t usually as important as knowing what it does and how it operates.
Traditional insulated ceiling tile commonly comes in squares that are 12 inches by 12 inches (30 cm x 30 cm) across and half an inch (1.27 cm) thick. When mounted directly to the existing ceiling, they provide an R value of about 0.68. In addition to their insulation properties, these tiles also might be fire retardant and also sometimes mildew resistant.
Budget Considerations
If you have financial parameters, considering these from the outset is also usually important. It’s often the case that the base price of a tile doesn’t always encompass the full amount. You’ll need allow for things like wastage, installation errors and other cost overruns. While it’s generally true that insulated tiles can save money in the long run, be it on utility bills or otherwise, they do require a significant cost outlay in most cases. Budgeting carefully and only choosing from options that fit your requirements is usually one of the best ways to ensure a positive outcome.
Comparison to Panels and Planks
Insulated ceiling tiles come in a wide variety with different names, including tiles, planks and panels. All of the options provide essentially the same result, but their look and feel can be vastly different. Sizing of the individual pieces is usually one of the most significant variances. Typically, panels are twice as wide — 24 inches by 24 inches (60 cm x 60 cm) — and are the same thickness as the tiles. Panels also are available with properties that mitigate mold and fire. The larger panels generally are preferred for larger areas for aesthetic purposes. If you are looking for tiles that will be installed in a large room, you should consider choosing panels instead.
Like tiles, insulated ceiling planks also provide protection against mildew and fire. The planks come in standard sizes of 84 inches (213 cm) long, 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide and 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) thick. Mounting the planks to the ceiling will provide an R value of about 0.75, and mounting them to the joists will result in an R value of about 1.0.