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09 50 00 CEILINGS

09 50 00 CEILINGS

Jul 24, 2025

.01 Ceilings, General

  1. All ceilings at areas that have equipment above shall be so constructed that access to the equipment may be gained without removal of major ceiling support devices or dismantling and replacement of the ceiling system. Access panels shall be clearly identified. Locate any access points on design drawings.

    1. Any equipment must be serviceable above ceilings without replacing ceiling components.

  2. If equipment is located greater than 30” above the ceiling, the installer must demonstrate accessibility for maintenance.

    1. The access panel must be large enough for the worker, tools and parts to fit through and access the equipment. Typically, 30”x30” panels are minimum, but sometimes 30”x48” are needed.

    2. The ladder cannot be larger than the ceiling. PSU does not want to use an 8’-0” to remove the access panel so a 12’-0” ladder is used to gain access to the equipment.

  3. Typically, a lift is required to access equipment greater than 36” above the ceiling. The access panel needs to allow the lift to extend above the ceiling.

.02 Exceptions

  1. No exception is given to any project, except with written approval from the Assistant Vice President, Office of Physical Plant.

.03 Ceilings: Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

  1. Suspended ceiling systems should be of the type that allows the ceiling material to be removed from its supporting framework, or otherwise removable, and replaceable, without refinishing.

  2. Do not permit the attachment of lighting fixtures directly to the ceiling grid system without proper reinforcement of the ceiling suspension system. The preferred method is that the lights are supported separate from the ceiling grid.

  3. Do not permit the attachment of equipment directly to the ceiling tile. Equipment needs to connect to the ceiling suspension system and not be supported from the tile. Over time the tiles will sag and break. Examples of devices not to be support from the tiles:

    1. Can-style lighting fixtures

    2. Speakers

    3. WIFI routers

    4. Smoke detectors

    5. Sprinkler heads

  4. Acoustic Ceiling Tiles preference is the 24”x24” panels. 2’x4’ panels may be used. Customized ceiling systems should have the University Architect's awareness/approval of the systems’ usage.

  5. When using ceiling tiles larger than 2’ x 4’ a motorized lift access is required. These ceiling types should be reviewed with the University Architect.

  6. Do not use ceiling tiles weighing more than 40 pounds.

  7. Do not use fiberglass tiles.

  8. Do not use tiles with fiberglass insulation or fibrous insulation attached to the tile to prevent particles from entering the return air plenum.

  9. Do not use ceiling clips for locking ceiling tiles, except for laboratories, healthcare rooms, and rooms requiring positive pressurization. The preference is not to use the ceiling clips if possible.

  10. When using relief cuts on the ceiling tiles provide any tools or necessary equipment needed for the University to cut additional tiles to match the ceiling.

    1. Relief cut tiles basis of design should match ceiling tiles available at OPP stores.

.04 Ceilings: Drywall or Hard Ceilings

  1. Drywall ceilings may be used on campus.

  2. Customized ceiling systems should have the University Architect's awareness/approval of the systems’ usage.

  3. Coordination of the access panels is the Architectural Consultant's responsibility for the hard ceilings.

.05 Ceilings: Floating or Clouds

  1. Verify with the applicable codes if sprinklers are required above and below the ceiling assembly.

.06 Ceilings: Exposed

  1. Exposed ceilings are a low-cost ceiling assembly.

  2. Fire spray on beams shall be fully enclosed in exposed assemblies to minimize “flakes” dropping over time.

.07 Ceilings: Wood Ceilings

  1. Wood ceilings where every plank is individually supported shall be coordinated with the University Architect. These ceilings are expensive and should be minimized for effect.

  2. Wood ceilings where they are panels connected to a sub-frame:

    1. The hanging devices needed to be coordinated. PSU wants each panel to be removed individually without removing the whole ceiling.

    2. Access needs to be coordinated. So, the panels can be cut to gain access.

    3. PSU does not want excessively large or weighted panels. They are hard to remove from a ladder for access.

    4. Panels size should be optimized to reduce cut lengths and waste.

    5. If multiple panel assemblies exist, the size should be consistent, so replacement panels are of a common size.

.08 Ceilings: Example Products

  1. The following section provides a sample list of ceiling tiles that PSU keeps in stock at our warehouses. The ultimate evaluation of location, design, and compatibility shall be performed by the Consulting Architect/Designer on a project-by-project basis.

  2. Typical Example:

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries.

    2. Acoustical Tile: Cirrus 15/16" Angled Beveled Tegular #578, 2'x 2' x 3/4"

    3. Suspension System: Prelude Xl 15/16" Exposed Tee Grid

    4. Color: White

  3. Black Ceiling Example:

    1. Manufacturer: USG, Chicago, IL

    2. Suspension System: Donn Brand Centricitee DXT

    3. Size: 2' X 2' X 9/16" Tees

    4. Color: 205 'Flat Black'

    5. Acoustical Tiles: Frost #Fl #418

    6. Size: 2' X 2' X 3/4"

    7. Color: 205 'Flat Black'

  4. General Purpose Classroom Example:

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster, PA

    2. Acoustical Tile: Ultima 15/16 " Beveled Tegular 1911, 2'x2'x 3/4"

    3. Suspension System: Prelude 15/16" Exposed Tee Grid

    4. Color: White

  5. Typical

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: 755B; 24” x 48” x 5/8”; Fissured

    3. Suspension System: Prelude 15/16" Exposed Tee Grid

    4. Color: White

  6. Typical

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: 871; 24” x 48” x 5/8”; Fireguard Acoustical

    3. Suspension System: Prelude XL Fireguard 15/16” Exposed Tee

    4. Color: White

  7. Typical (used when matching existing) - #209816 or Fine Fissured or Ultima:

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: Cortega Second Look; 24” x 48” x 5/8”

    3. Suspension System: Prelude XL Fire Guard 15/16” or 9/16” Suprafine

    4. Color: White

  8. Typical

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: 770 Cortega; 24” x 24” x 5/8”

    3. Suspension System: Prelude XL 15/16” or Prelude ML 15/16” Exposed Tee

    4. Color: White

  9. Typical

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: 769A Cortega Minaboard; 24” x 48” x 5/8”

    3. Suspension System: Prelude XL Fireguard 15/16”

    4. Color: White

  10. Typical

    1. Manufacturer: Armstrong World Industries

    2. Acoustical Tile: 703 Cortega; 24” x 24” x 5/8”; Angled Tegular

    3. Suspension System: Prelude XL 15/16” or Prelude ML 15/16” Exposed Tee

    4. Color: White

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