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During a remodeling or construction project, ceiling tiles are most of the time an aspect that deserves attention to detail. Among the different options available mineral ceiling tiles stand out for their ability to absorb sound, fire-proof properties and overall design. You should not expect all mineral ceiling tiles to be the same. On this occasion, we put together a useful article with a focus on several primary components, which help comprehend how to choose the best quality mineral ceiling tiles: fire prevention report, moisture resistance index, surface color, and flatness.

Fire Prevention Report

The safety of the occupants should always be of utmost concern when choosing construction materials, and the same applies for fire-safe mineral ceiling tiles. The fire prevention report describes how well a specific ceiling tile will withstand fire, and lets the reader know the extent of the performance under a fire situation. High quality mineral ceiling tiles will conform to or exceed the recommendation of the practicing industry with regards to fire resistance levels.

Seek for tiles which have undergone approved testing for such parameters like flame spread and smoke developed under the standard ASTM E84 or the EN13501-1 for the European countries. These types of tests evaluate the extent to which the substance can prevent the growing of flames and releasing of smoke.

Make sure that the producer gives a detailed fire prevention report that has the relevant facts. The report should highlight the procedures that were followed during testing, the environment in which such tests were done and the statistics of the performance tests of the tile. You can consider moisture resistant and fire-resistant tiles for improving the safety of indoor places after going through these reports.

Moisture Resistance Index

The consideration of the spatial aspects has often been neglected in the course of repairs. One of the aspects to be put in the maintenance and fixing of the ceiling’s tiles such as mineral ceiling tiles is their moisture resistance. This is vital mostly in the dusty places like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

If the index of moisture resistance is high, that means the tiles are less prone to warping, sagging or becoming molded or mildewed. Keep in mind that moisture accumulation is not only as a result of leaks but also due to a lot of dampness that may be present in the atmosphere. For this reason, avoid using tiles which have not been treated or engineered to overcome moisture absorption.

A moisture resistance index should be given in product datasheets by these manufacturers. A moisture resistance index may be expressed in percentage terms by most manufacturers, where lower index means higher resistance. When selecting the tiles ensure that they have passed some extensive testing procedures such as ASTM D3273-Standard test room for evaluation of mold growth.

Surface Color and Flatness

With such factors as surface color and flatness, other factors affecting aesthetics of the ceiling are incorporated. It is common for very good quality mineral ceiling tiles to provide uniformity of color on all surfaces and over time the color should not have any yellowing or other forms of color change.

Colors are very important; it is not only the recommended studies concern the initial reactive coating color but conditions on surface color sustainability during extended use. Various materials can yellow due to ultraviolet exposure which is why checking UV resistance is a good idea if such data is present. The even pigmentation throughout the tile gives it a more professional optical quality.

Another important aspect is flatness. The quality tiles should be flat so that they can be fitted well without sagging or bowing. It is not just unsightly and embarrassing but a misaligned ceiling can get one into more structural problems. Warping or bending should be checked when the samples are being inspected. Most of the time, flatness can be proven by information provided by the manufacturers or by examining the samples.

More important than the previously mentioned factors

Even though fire prevention features, moisture resistance, surface color, and flatness are very important features, there are still other factors that may warrant consideration. Let’s say that the soundproofing issues are important for your project. In that case, you may want to measure the Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) or compare Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of different tiles and opt for the best. Besides, take into account the speed of installation, how maintenance will be carried out, and the final price of the product when you reach your decision.

Timely and labor-efficient tiles reduce costs and time. More than this, tiles that are maintenance-friendly will lower the burden and cost of maintenance over time. It is ideal to read the manufacturer’s warranty and support to understand the areas that will be covered.

The concern for the environment is becoming more and more widespread in the building industry. If this issue is important to you, pay attention to tiles produced from recycled materials which are certified by environmental authorities such as LEED or BREEAM.

Conclusion

Our strength comes from the fact that we are able to generate a number of testing reports and provide free samples. Obtaining high-grade mineral wool ceiling tiles requires careful analysis of a few key points. First and foremost, procurement of components that satisfy stringent fire rating construction and possess high moisture resistance for safety and durability undertakings. The surface color and flatness features are also very crucial to the project as they determine the general appearance of the room.

If you stick to these aspects and seek advice from the professionals, you will be able to find a compromise solution that will seem to combine safety, usability, and a good appearance. You will notice that it is worth investing time from the beginning to select the best quality tiles, as this will bring along a very beautiful long-lasting ceiling that will satisfy all your needs.