MirroFlex Q+A: Ceiling Tile Applications
At ATI we receive a lot of questions about our ceiling tiles from the difference between lay-in and glue-up to what is GridMax. We have compiled a list of our most common questions and their answers here to help you find the right product for your design.
What is the difference between lay-in (drop-in) and glue-up tiles?
Lay-in tiles come in standard 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ sizes. They are designed to fit most suspension grid systems. Lay-in tiles are specifically produced in the correct size or cut-to-size, so that the tiles can lie inside the grid system. Most tiles are made with flat edges on all four sides, allowing the tiles to rest on the grid and extended the pattern through the opening. Some tiles have a bead and button edge that simply rests on the grid. It is recommended that an old mineral tile be left in place, as it will reduce sag with the decorative tiles while also holding it in place. This will also prevent these old mineral tiles from winding up in a landfill. In some cases, a new mineral tile can also be installed above the new tile to help hold it in place and reduce any sag. If mineral tiles are unavailable, clips may be used to secure the tile in place.
Glue-up tiles also come in standard 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ sizes. These tiles are easily installed and can be glued to a curved or flat surface. When applied, all surfaces should be smooth and dust free. They are great for making a unique wall covering or for creating an old world-style ceiling. Glue-up tiles have a BIO (or flats) on the top and right side of the tile so they overlap, producing a more seamless appearance.
What does tegular mean?
Tegular tiles are only available as lay-ins. Tegular means that the tile has a functional edge detail on all four sides that allows the pattern to extend below or flush with the grid, making the grid less noticeable. Our tegular tiles are designed to fit most 15/16” and 9/16” grid systems.
Why and when do I use GridMax?
GridMax is a patented, snap-on grid cover designed to help hide and blend an existing grid system with our lay-in ceiling tiles. We offer Mains and Tees which are both necessary to conceal the entire grid system. GridMax is sized to fit over a 15/16” T-bar suspension grid system, with other sizes only available through special order.
What is included in the GridMax Kit and in what finishes?
The GridMax Kit includes enough Main and Tees to cover a 100 sq. ft. area and consists of:
28—2’ Mains
14—4’ Mains
12—4’ Tee Covers
Finishes available:
White/paintable; Brushed Aluminum; Argent Silver; Argent Copper; Copper Fantasy; Bermuda Bronze; Moonstone Copper; Cracked Copper; Muted Gold; Crosshatch Silver; Polished Copper; Oil Rubbed Bronze; Smoked Pewter; Argent Bronze; Brushed Nickel; Galvanized Steel; Antique Bronze; Cherry ; Walnut
Madison + Gloss White Paintable (MirroFlex)
What is the difference between Diffuser Material and Light Diffusers?
Diffuser Material is basically the finish/color that is used to produce Light Diffusers. This finish is called Tiffany White.
Light Diffusers are designed to fit specifically into existing fluorescent light boxes, with swing down frames. These are found in suspension ceiling grid systems, and usually have prismatic diffusers in place. There are five 2’ x 4’ patterns to choose from: Basketweave, Revolution, Rib 2, Interlink and Wavation. These light diffusers also have the four flat, tegular edges that allow the pattern to extend through the opening.
In many cases, ATI produces cut-to-size diffusers using the Tiffany White (Diffuser) material. In these types of installations, we offer three patterns; Rib 2, Interlink and Wavation. The patterns are produced in 4’x8’ sheets, and are then cut-to-size as needed. There are not any tegular edges on these cut-to-size diffusers, and they will simply rest on the frame.
ATI can also produce any pattern of ceiling tiles in the Tiffany White finish, which is typically used for our Luminous Ceilings. It comes in any of our 50 different 2’ x 2’ MirroFlex designs, and will also require a bank of lights above to illuminate the ceiling.
