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2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 237

Be careful not to soil the tile surface. Grease will leave permanent stains on ceiling tile. Professional tile
installers rub corn meal between their palms to keep their hands oil-free.

Suspended Ceilings
These are fine for basements, or other informal areas. Using them in "formal" rooms, like a living room or
dining room, creates a "low-income" effect that may not be exactly what your client intends. Suspended
ceilings cover imperfections, can lower the ceiling to a more practical height, and add a plenum for
running new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC lines.

The ceiling grid is suspended from wires or straps attached to joists. Panels drop into the completed
grid. Ceiling height can be any level. Hanger wires may be only 2” or 3” long if the primary purpose is to
cover fractured plaster. In earthquake zones, seismic bracing may be required by the building code.
Your building department will have more information on this.