Acoustic Ceiling Panel Installation Instructions: Concrete Ceiling

This installation procedure is for mounting panels directly to a concrete ceiling in low impact locations. Refer to the ceiling panel mounting details for concrete ceilings while reading these instructions. If the panels are being installed on a ceiling that is not concrete, refer to the appropriate version of the instructions and mounting details. If panels are being installed in a high impact location such as a gymnasium, refer to the appropriate version of these instructions as different hardware is required in high impact locations.

Required Supplies/Materials: Required Tools/Equipment:
  • Panels
  • Studs and fabric covered buttons
  • #8 wood screws (2 ½” for 1” panels and 3 ½” for 2” panels)
  • 1 ½” long UCAN Alex Plugs
  • White gloves for handling panels
  • Floor protection
  • Tape measure/laser measuring tool
  • Laser level
  • Hammer drill and bits
  • Drills and bits
  • Hammer
  • Button installation tool
  • Vacuum with horse hair duster brush and extension cord
  • Lift/scaffold/ladders and fall protection equipment

Note: Additional materials and tools may be required in certain situations.

1. Handle panels with care as edges will not withstand high point loads like personnel carrying panels vertically with one hand supporting the bottom of the panel. Always wear clean white gloves when handling panels to keep the fabric clean.

2. Take time to determine your panel layout on the ceiling to confirm that panels will fit in the desired locations. Keep in mind that the check marks on the back of the panels should all be pointing in the same direction when the panels are installed.

3.Hold the panel up in position and use it as a template to mark the holes on the ceiling. Use a small diameter drill bit (around 1/8”) to start the hole. Only drill about 1/8” deep when marking the holes to avoid getting dust on the panel. This should be done by two people regardless of panel size to ensure the panel does not move while marking the holes. Always use the same panel you will be installing and ensure it is oriented correctly in case there are slight differences between panels. Do not attempt to mark the locations of the holes on the ceiling using a tape measure. This may cause some of the holes in the ceiling to be misaligned with the holes in panel, which can cause the screws to miss the anchors.

4. Set the panel aside and drill the marked holes on the ceiling using a ¼” diameter bit. The anchors are 1 ½” long so the holes should be drilled slightly more than 1 ½” deep.

5. Install the anchors into the holes using a hammer.

6. Feed screws with studs on them through the holes in the panels. Use #8 x 2 ½” screws for 1” panels and #8 x 3 ½” screws for 2” panels.

7. Position your lift/ladders/scaffold so your head is as close as possible to the ceiling. Lift the panels into place and visually line up the screws with the anchors. This step should be done by two people regardless of panel size.

8. Thread the screws into the anchors. Do this slowly and with the smooth portion of the shank against the fabric to avoid having the threads catch on the fabric. Also be careful that the drill bit does not jump off the screw and into the panel. Get each of the screws started before fully tightening any of them so you can make sure they are all properly aligned with the anchors. Tighten the screws until the panel is held tight against the ceiling. Do not tighten the screws so much that they crush the fiberglass.

9. Slide the button installation tool behind the stud as shown in the mounting detail drawing. If it does not slide in easily, the screw may have to be loosened slightly. Test the strength of the anchor by pulling firmly on the button installation tool. If the anchor is not holding firmly, it is likely due to poor quality concrete. If this is the case, a different type of anchor will need to be used. Contact the Western Noise Control office for additional information.

10. Snap the button on and then slide the button installation tool out.

11. If any dust or fiberglass gets on the fabric, clean it off using a vacuum with a clean horse hair duster brush attachment.