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LEGAL NOTICE

CertainTeed
Gypsum and Ceilings
in North America
Can I install CertainTeed ceiling tiles in another manufacturers grid system?
Yes, CertainTeed acoustical panels and tiles are made within tolerances that allow them to be installed in all standard grid systems. This includes both the "standard" 15/16" wide grid systems and the "narrow" 9/16" wide grid systems. Note, however, that the local building inspector must approve any changes or substitutions to a time-rated fire resistance assembly.

Where can I purchase CertainTeed ceiling tiles and materials?
CertainTeed works through regional distributors and local retail outlets across the nation. To locate the nearest distributor or outlet call 800-233-8990.

What is the total recycled material content of CertainTeed ceiling tiles?
The actual recycled content varies depending on the specific Brand of ceiling products. Our highest range is for the Celotex® Brand Cashmere with 82-88% total recycled content. Others are as follows: Celotex® Brand Wet-Felted 52-62%; Celotex® Brand Protectone (all) 53-63%; Capaul® Brand Fiberglass 20-30%; Capaul® Brand Gypsum 12%; Capaul® Brand Wet-Felted 53-63% and 82-88%; Gyptone® Brand Designer Gypsum 85%; Celotex® Brand Suspension Systems 25% (Steel) and 100% (Aluminum.) CertainTeed is a member of the US Green Building Council and LEED® Rating Systems product data sheets are available for the various product Brands can be downloaded here.

Should I specify CertainTeed acoustical panels for an indoor pool area?
No, CertainTeed does not recommend mineral fiber acoustical panels for indoor pool areas, saunas, shower rooms, or exteriors.

How are acoustical tiles cleaned?
Do not moisten tile excessively. Never soak tile with water. Wash by light application of sponge dampened by mild liquid detergent solution: about one half capful in one gallon water. After saturating the sponge, squeeze nearly dry, then lightly rub surface to be cleaned. Vinyl faced products are more resistant to surface moisture and can withstand repeated washings with mild detergent and anti-bacterial cleaning solutions.

Can CertainTeed ceiling tiles be stapled or glued?
Yes, we manufacture 12" x 12" tiles in the Cashmere® (CM-462) and Baroque (BET-162) products for glue-up and concealed suspension system applications. Our Interior ProWood Fiber tiles (Cayman, St. John, and Trinidad) are made with a tongue and groove edge detail for stapling applications.

Do CertainTeed's ceiling tiles release harmful gases or fumes?
No. Ceiling panels may however have a distinct smell (not harmful) which will typically dissipate within the first day or two after installation.

Do CertainTeed ceiling tiles contain asbestos?
No, all ceiling panels presently manufactured do not contain asbestos.

What is a "1hr ceiling tile"?
A "1hr ceiling tile" would likely be referring to a tile that was tested in a specific roof/ceiling or floor/ceiling assembly which provided fire resistance for up to 1hr when subjected to a severe fire. The tiles themselves do NOT have a 1 hour rating since fire resistance time ratings are not applicable to individual components of an assembly.

What is a fire rated ceiling?
There are two types or fire ratings:

Flame Spread:
The flame spread of a given product is a calculated number based on the duration and amount of flame propagated across it. The flame spread is relative to cement board resulting in a 0 and red oak resulting in a 100. The lower the value the better. CertainTeed's Mineral Fiber Acoustical ceilings are Class A and are classified by Underwriters Laboratory as having a flame spread of 25 or less.
Fire Resistance:
The fire resistance is a rating of fire endurance over a period of time (expressed in hours) and is specific to certain types of floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling construction assemblies. Testing is performed in compliance with UL 263 (ASTM E 119). Fire resistance ratings are NOT assigned to single components. Ceiling panels alone can NOT provide a one-hour rating. Only CertainTeed's "Protectone" ceilings may be used in the qualified designs.

Can acoustical tiles be repainted? If so, will it affect the acoustical or fire performance?
Yes, most acoustical tiles may be repainted. Care must be taken to select a paint that has high hiding power, low combustibility and is not likely to bridge openings in the tile. Even a thin application may affect the acoustical performance by a reduction of .10 NRC. Also, depending on the burning characteristics of the paint the flame spread rating may exceed a Class A rating and can not be guaranteed.

What is a clean room?
A clean room is any room or area where an attempt is made to limit, control, and eliminate the amount of airborne contamination. Clean rooms are classified according to the maximum number of 0.5 micron and larger particles per cubic foot. Class 100 indicates less than 100 particles per cubic foot. The lower the class the less particles and "cleaner" environment.

How effective is the BioShield™ optional mold and mildew resistant coating available on high humidity warranted ceiling products?
CertainTeed's BioShield™ mold and mildew resistant coating has been evaluated for resistance to the growth of mold that might occur on its surface in a severe mold environment. Testing was conducted by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with ASTM D 3273, "Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber". The ASTM D 3273 test method exposes test samples to a continuous inoculation of the surface with mold spores at conditions of 90 F (32 C) and 95 - 98% relative humidity for a 4-week (28-day) period. The test samples are then visually examined and evaluated for the growth of mold and mildew. The evaluation was performed in accordance with ASTM D 3274, "Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation". The BioShield™ treated acoustical ceiling products received an ASTM D 3274 rating of 10, indicating no visible mold growth. Standard "control" acoustical ceiling products without BioShield™ received a rating of 1, indicating heavy mold growth with ratings of 5 or less defined as a failure. The test sample results were also evaluated in accordance with ASTM G 21, "Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi". The BioShield™ treated acoustical ceiling products received an ASTM G 21 rating of 0, indicating no visible mold growth. Standard "control" acoustical ceiling products without BioShield™ received a rating of 4, indicating heavy growth (60% to complete coverage) of mold. Based on the results of this testing, CertainTeed acoustical ceiling products with BioShield™ provide excellent resistance to the growth of mold and mildew. BioShield™ is standard on Celotex® Brand Cashmere®, Sand, SandMicro™ and School Board ceiling panels. It is also available as an option on select products.

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