When it comes to creating a polished and professional interior, ceiling design plays a pivotal role. One of the most reliable and aesthetically pleasing options available on the market is the Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile. Known for its excellent acoustical performance, durability, and sleek appearance, Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles are widely used in commercial spaces such as offices, hospitals, schools, and retail environments.
This article will explore the benefits, features, and installation options of Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles, along with helpful tips for selecting the right type for your space.
What is Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile?
The Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile is a high-performance ceiling solution, designed for both aesthetics and functionality. Manufactured by Armstrong World Industries, a leader in ceiling and wall solutions, Ultima ceiling tiles are specifically crafted to offer superior sound absorption, noise reduction, and durability. These tiles are made from mineral fiber, which gives them exceptional acoustic properties, while their textured, high-white finish enhances the overall look of any room.
Available in various sizes and styles, Ultima ceiling tiles are a top choice for environments that require noise control and visual appeal, such as offices, conference rooms, healthcare facilities, and educational settings.
Benefits of Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile
Choosing Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles for your project comes with a wide range of benefits that make them stand out from other ceiling options.
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1. Superior Acoustic Performance
One of the key features of Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles is their exceptional acoustic control. They are designed to reduce noise levels within a room by absorbing sound, making them an ideal choice for spaces where speech clarity is important. Whether you’re outfitting an office where clear communication is essential, or a classroom where concentration is key, the sound absorption capabilities of Ultima tiles help create a more productive and comfortable environment.
The tiles offer both high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) ratings, which means they effectively absorb sound within the room while also preventing noise from traveling between spaces.
2. Clean and Modern Aesthetic
In addition to their acoustic benefits, Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles provide a clean and sophisticated appearance. Their bright, white finish helps reflect light and make spaces feel more open and airy. The fine-textured surface gives them a modern, sleek look, perfect for a wide range of design schemes, from minimalist to contemporary interiors.
These tiles are also available in different edge profiles, including square edge and beveled edge, allowing you to customize the appearance to suit your design needs.
3. Durability and Low Maintenance
Ultima tiles are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, making them a long-lasting choice for high-traffic areas. Their high level of durability also makes them an ideal choice for environments that require regular cleaning or may face more wear and tear, such as healthcare settings or commercial buildings.
These tiles are easy to maintain, requiring minimal cleaning to keep them looking fresh and new. They are made with a washable surface that resists mold, mildew, and bacteria, contributing to a healthier and cleaner indoor environment.
4. Sustainability
Armstrong demonstrates its commitment to sustainability with the Ultima Ceiling Tile. This product contains a high percentage of recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. By choosing Ultima tiles, you’re making an environmentally conscious choice that supports Armstrong’s goal of reducing waste and promoting sustainable building practices.
The tiles also contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a popular rating system for green buildings. Using these tiles can help your project achieve LEED points for materials and resources.
Key Features of Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile
The Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile line comes with a variety of features designed to enhance the performance and appeal of your ceiling installation. Here are some key features to consider when selecting Ultima tiles:
1. High Light Reflectance
With a light reflectance (LR) value of 0.90, Ultima tiles help reflect more natural and artificial light, reducing the need for excessive lighting fixtures and cutting down on energy consumption. This makes them ideal for spaces where energy efficiency is a priority, such as offices and schools. The tiles’ ability to enhance lighting can create a brighter and more welcoming atmosphere, boosting productivity and improving the overall ambiance of the space.
2. BioBlock Technology
Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles are equipped with BioBlock technology, a feature that prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria on the tile surface. This makes them an excellent choice for healthcare environments and any setting where hygiene is a top concern. BioBlock ensures that your ceiling tiles will remain cleaner and more sanitary over time, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
3. Total Acoustics Performance
As part of Armstrong’s Total Acoustics collection, Ultima tiles combine sound absorption and sound blocking capabilities. With an NRC rating of 0.70 to 0.90, these tiles absorb unwanted sound within a room, while the CAC rating of 35 to 40 helps prevent sound from traveling between rooms. This makes them an ideal solution for open offices, private meeting rooms, and classrooms where controlling sound is essential.
4. Variety of Sizes and Shapes
Ultima tiles are available in multiple sizes and shapes, including standard 24″x24″ and 24″x48″ tiles. These options allow you to choose the size that best fits your ceiling grid system and design preferences. Some models even come in custom sizes or non-standard shapes, giving you more creative flexibility when designing your space.
5. Fire Performance
Ultima ceiling tiles are Class A fire-rated, meaning they meet the highest standards for fire safety. This makes them a safe option for public spaces and commercial environments where fire resistance is a critical concern.
How to Install Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile
Professional contractors or experienced DIY enthusiasts can easily install Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tiles, depending on the project’s size and complexity. Here’s a basic guide on how to approach the installation:
1. Prepare the Space
Before installing the ceiling tiles, it’s important to ensure the space is properly prepared. This includes removing any old ceiling materials, checking for structural issues, and making sure the ceiling grid is securely in place. If you’re installing in a commercial space, be sure to check local building codes and regulations for specific requirements.
2. Install the Grid System
If you don’t already have a ceiling grid system in place, you’ll need to install one before adding the tiles. Armstrong offers a variety of grid systems, including Prelude and Suprafine, which are compatible with Ultima ceiling tiles. Measure and install the grid carefully according to your room’s layout, paying particular attention to corners and edges.
3. Install the Tiles
Once the grid is installed, you can begin placing the tiles. Start at one corner of the room and work your way across, making sure each tile fits snugly into the grid. Armstrong Ultima tiles are lightweight, making them easy to handle and position during installation. If you need to cut tiles to fit around fixtures or in tight spaces, use a sharp utility knife to create clean, precise cuts.
4. Finishing Touches
After all the tiles are in place, take a moment to ensure they are properly aligned and seated in the grid. If you’ve installed tiles with integrated lighting or vents, make sure these elements are securely in place and functioning properly. Finally, clean up any debris and wipe down the surface of the tiles to remove dust or fingerprints.
Conclusion: Why Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile is a Top Choice
The Armstrong Ultima Ceiling Tile is a versatile, high-performance solution for any space that requires both aesthetic appeal and acoustic control. With their superior sound absorption, clean modern design, and sustainable features, Ultima tiles are an excellent choice for commercial spaces like offices, hospitals, and schools.
Whether you’re installing them in a conference room to improve speech clarity, or in a healthcare setting to maintain a clean, sterile environment, Ultima ceiling tiles provide long-lasting durability and functionality.