How to Insulate Ceiling Tiles

Insulating ceiling tiles reduces noise transferred in the room containing the drop ceiling and keeps conditioned air from escaping through the gap between the ceiling tiles and the ceiling grid. Although no special insulation is needed to insulate ceiling tiles, an insulation protected by a vapor barrier is recommended. This keeps loose particles of fiberglass from entering the room and protects the insulation from moisture. Properly laying the insulation across the ceiling grids will ensure the added weight of the insulation will not cause the ceiling to fall.

Step ladder
Tape measure
Rolled insulation
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a step ladder near one end of the wall. Make sure your hands are clean to avoid getting dirt on the ceiling tile.
- 2
  Push up gently on the ceiling tile. Slide the tile away from the opening.
- 3
  Measure the distance between the walls of the room above the drop ceiling with a tape measure.
- 4
  Open a roll of insulation. Cut the insulation to length with a utility knife.
- 5
  Feed the insulation through the opening in the ceiling left by the removed ceiling tile with the vapor barrier side facing toward the backside of the ceiling tiles. Fold 12 inches of insulation back onto itself.
- 6
  Pull the ceiling tile into the opening. Leave a 6-inch gap between the edge of the ceiling tile and the drop ceiling grid.
- 7
  Unfold the insulation with one hand. Slide the ceiling tile to close the 6-inch gap after the insulation falls onto the back of the tile.
- 8
  Move the step ladder to the next row of ceiling tiles and repeat the process. Continue removing and setting insulation until all tiles are covered with insulation.

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