Tin Ceiling Problems

Rust

• Tin ceiling tiles, which are commonly made of steel rather than tin, can rust, especially if they are very old or their original protective coating has worn away or is scratched. To prevent this from occurring, remove any rust with a wire brush and coat the ceiling with an oil-based paint or clear polyurethane finish.

Noise

• Tin ceilings do not absorb sound like drywall ceilings or acoustic ceiling tiles, so the noise level of a room with a tin ceiling may be higher than desired. However, the use of textiles such as drapery and carpets will help absorb noise.

Uneven Lines

• If you align the first row of tin ceiling tiles alongside a wall, the rest of the rows may not line up correctly. Walls are rarely straight, and most corners do not come together at a perfect 90-degree angle. Plan the tin ceiling layout as if you were planning to lay floor tile; snap two chalk lines that intersect in the center of the room and install the first ceiling tile in one of the corners made by the lines.