AS PART OF reviving the Social Hall, it has been proposed that the ceiling be repainted. At the same time, our reserve study specialist has proposed replacing the ceiling tile altogether (at a cost of $20K), for the sake of aesthetics. Both of these ideas have prompted me to look upward and assess the condition of our acoustical ceiling tile.
This post documents my initial assessment, including 14 photographs.
Summary
Although the acoustical tiles are not historically or architecturally significant, they are functionally important, and their aesthetics do have some impact.
There are 5 missing tiles, and about a dozen loose ones.
Happily, the original tiles are of a type that does not contain asbestos. (As the manufacturer, Armstrong, confirmed by phone.)
Background
The 2003 Historic Structure Report, with regard to the Social Hall, has an entry for “Ceiling-mounted acoustical perforated tile throughout.” That ceiling tile was noted to be in good condition. It was classified as “not significant” in historical or architectural terms. (Which is not a reflection on its functional importance.)
Some manufacturers of acoustical ceiling tile used to include asbestos as an ingredient. Also the mastic (adhesive) used to stick them to the ceiling might have asbestos in it. So before messing with our tiles, we need to make sure that they do not contain asbestos.
The original tiles are 12" x 12" x 3/4", with a beveled edge, and made of mineral wool.
Evidence
Proceeding roughly from west to east, the following photographs from October 2024 focus on the anomalies: missing, sagging, or discolored tiles; unpainted areas; and tiles that have been replaced with a different style. (In some cases, screws may have been used to fasten loose tiles.) In other words, this set of photos makes the ceiling appear to be in worse condition than when you are standing in the room.
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| Northwest corner: one replacement (As usual, click/tap on a photo to enlarge it.) |
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| Western edge: one replacement, discolored spots, torn piece |
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| Moving eastward: a loose tile |
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| Moving northward: discolored replacement tile |
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| Replacement tiles, and the first of many lines where paint appears to have been ripped away, revealing the original brown color underneath |
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| Missing tile, replacement tiles, another line of stripped-away paint |
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| Same central missing tile as in the previous photo, but looking at the south side of the hall |
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| South side of the hall, a little farther eastward |
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| South side of the hall, farther eastward |
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| South side of the hall, 5 loose tiles in the same row |
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| Another missing tile |
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| More loose tiles |
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| Southeast corner: discolored and loose tiles |
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