INSTALLATION
G U I DE
EASY AS EMBASSY
WARNING The recommended humidity level for installing an Embassy ceiling is between 45 and 55%. The tiles and crossbars are covered with a polypropylene sheet. This material is not completely waterproof but still has good tolerance to moisture when installed in a damp room such as a well-ventilated bathroom, basement or cottage. It is not recommended to install the product in a place where it will be in direct contact with water. We recommend avoiding fitting the tiles too tightly along the walls to allow components to expand and contract with changes in humidity levels.
IMPORTANT
Before installing the tiles and crossbars, open the boxes and allow the material to acclimatize to the room at least 48 hours.
FOR ROOMS WITH A LARGE CEILING SPACE: The main crossbars should never be installed over a length greater than 10.668 m (35 ft). If the room is more than 10.668 m (35 ft) in length, then divide it into two or more sections. The Embassy ceiling system is not recommended for cathedral ceilings with a pitch of more than 4/12. If the joists are made of 2”x 10” or 2”x 8”, we recommend to install 5/8” wood strips, to avoid pendulum effect in the joists. This pendulum effect may produce a noise in the ceiling.
Only 4.445 cm (1-3/4’ ’ ) clearance between the structure and the ceiling.
A 1 2 3
42
8
8
10
48
7
½’’ 1½’’ 3’’
8
We recommend using #8, 1’’ wood screws, square or quadrex screwdriver bit, domed head.
7 9
9 4 5 8
11
18 30
72
17
84
16
19
96
21
102
15
4
17 5
7
54
18
18
7
6
13
19
10
10
16
20
13
12
19
21
16
15
23
84
22
19
17
26
102
23
23
20
29
120
24
24
32
126
5
21 6
9
54 72
24
9
17
42
27
13
12
21
66
28
17
14
26
84
03 INSTALL THE RAILS
B
36
26
7
ANCHOR
42
13 15
16
05
54
5 9 11
9 12 14
25
5
3 5
11 13
17
[ 13 4 17 8 2 ]
9
13 14 15
[ 11 8 1 ¼’’ 13 8 ]
18
9
16
26" c /c
36
7
8
26" c /c
30
6
7
9
Starting in the center of the room, install anchors (fig. A) on every joist using the installation template (fig. F). This template allows you to measure the correct distance between the anchors as well as between the anchors and the wall. Anchors must be installed on EVERY joist. Note that the distance between 2 anchors on the same main crossbar should never exceed 24". If the joists are not level, add furring strips to level.
12
24
7 8
5
6
11
02 INSTALL THE ANCHORS
3 5 6
5
5
12
Locate the center of the ceiling space to be covered and use a chalk line to draw the room’s center line. Note that the main crossbars (fig. D) must be installed in the opposite direction of the joists. Next, visualize how the tiles will be placed (fig. E) by arranging them on the floor, leaving about a 2" space between each tile. Determine if you have to install the ceiling beginning with centered tiles or centered crossbars
2 3 4
4
6
10
01 PRERARE THE INSTALLATION
2 3 4
RAILS & ANCHORS
04
SECONDARY CROSSBAR
03
MAIN CROSSBAR
02
RESULT GRID
01
TILES 2’X4’
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Now slide the rails (fig. B) into the main crossbar (fig. D). You will need 6 rails per full length main crossbar. Because the rails have to support the weight of the ceiling, it is important to always use the required number of rails and not cut them.
1
2
3
RAIL
C
The rail and anchor system allows you to slightly level your ceiling if needed. Note that it is not recommended to install your entire ceiling on the last level of the rail (3). For a safe and secure installation, the rail must be on the first two levels.
SECONDARY CROSSBAR
04 INSTALL THE MAIN CROSSBARS
You can now install the main crossbars (fig. D) by sliding the rails (fig. B) into the anchors (fig. A) that have been secured to the joists across the entire span of the room. To avoid any pendulum effects during installation, we recommend that you install the main crossbars followed by 1 or 2 rows of secondary crossbars (fig. C), including any cut crossbars. To fit the crossbars together use the tongue & groove portions and slide a rail into place at every joint.
D
E
Add the tiles (fig. E) and secondary crossbars (fig. C) by starting in the center of the room and alternating on either side.
TRICKS How to create a tenon when cutting a secondary crossbar Finishing along side walls Use a 2” x 3” inch cut of a tile and attach it to the raw MDF side of the • Secure the last row of cut end of the secondary crossbar. This will allow the cut off piece to main crossbars against reach the highest part of the main crossbar. the wall. • Measure the length How to create an outside corner needed between the last main crossbar and To make an outside corner, cut the end of your main crossbar and the wall, and the secondary crossbar at 45 degree angles. Attach a tile off-cut where the previous one, and cut your secondary two crossbars meet at the 45 degree angle to hold and secure the crossbar accordingly. It is important to joint. make a tight cut in order to solidify the whole structure, to reduce the Installing recessed spot lights movements of components. Most recessed spot lights are designed to be installed on standard • When cutting the last row of tiles for the suspended ceiling tiles or on drywall that is 1/2” thick. Since Embassy open spaces along side walls, avoid fitting tiles are 1/4” thick, we suggest using tile cut-offs (such as those from them too tightly. Leaving a space making the holes) to create a 1/2” inch layer of MDF placed under the between the tile and the secondary tightening brackets of the spot lights. crossbar will allow the MDF to adjust to the humidity level. * When making a dowel or an outside corner piece, we recommend • Because you have cut one end of a using shorter screws such as 1/2 inch. secondary crossbar, you will have to add a tenon so it can be inserted between the last two main crossbars.
IN MDF WRAPPED WITH POLYPROPYLENE MAIN CROSSBAR
05 INSTALL THE TILES AND SECONDARY CROSSBARS
TILES : 2x2 ou 2x4
F INSTALLATION TEMPLATE PATENT :
SUSPENDED CEILING SYSTEM
CA: # 2588300 - # 2754550 - # 2855427 - # 2837410 # 2855430 - # 2833714 - # 3022306 US: # 9340976- # 9670674 - # 9091053 - # 9243405 # 10557265 EU : # EP2721226
Quick and easy installation Durable and easy to clean laminated MDF Allows a clearance of 1-3/4" No visible nails or screws Stable rails and anchors system with adjustable height Easy access to ducts, pipes and electrical cables Compatible with recessed lighting
Tiles
2x2 2x4