How to Get Ceiling Tile Back in Place

Drop ceilings can cover a multitude of sins in plaster work or drywall. Drop ceilings comprise a frame that covers the entire upper ceiling. Tiles are inserted into the frame and rest on 1/2-inch horizontal ledges of the frame. Sometimes a ceiling tile may have to be removed so you can have access to electrical wires or plumbing above the drop ceiling. Ceiling tiles can be difficult to replace after they have been removed. There is no effortless way to replace a ceiling tile, but there is a process that can make it easier.

Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the ceiling tile between the ceiling and the grid for the drop ceiling. Ensure that the textured side is facing down and push the tile up through the hole until the entire tile is up in the ceiling.
- 2
  Slide the tile into the ceiling grid where it was removed. Set one end in place inside the grid. Gently tap the tile with your fingers until the other end falls into the grid.
- 3
  Push up a tile that is next to the tile being replaced if it will not set in the grid using the tapping method. Reach in through the other tile opening above the end of the tile that will not set in the grid. Push the difficult tile into the grid. The other tile should go back into place using the tapping method.
- 4
  Examine the tile if it still will not set in place and determine where the tile is having trouble fitting. Use a utility knife to gently shave off some of the tile where it is too big. Sometimes the tile can expand with humidity, making it hard to replace. Shaving off a small amount of the tile will allow it to set into the grid properly.

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