Have you discovered an ugly stain or hole as a result from water damage on your mobile home ceiling? You have probably called around only to be told that the particular looking ceiling tiles are no longer available. The tiles that you most likely have are of approximately 1/2″ in thickness made of pressed fiber-board. It has a white interior surface with an embossed texture and plastic strips that run the width of your home. Replacing these ceiling tiles with something identical will be almost impossible since they are no longer made. The only way to replace the area is to replace the ceiling in the whole room with something of similar look and feel. I am going to give you a few ideas on how to repair your ceiling.

One thing to keep in mind that you might not have thought of is what type of material you plan on using. If you are an experienced remodeler, you might instinctively reach for the 5/8″ drywall and go to town. The one material that you do not want to use is drywall. On an older home, maintenance must be done to the roof and drywall will most certainly crack when walked on. There is a reason why the home manufacturers used a pressed fiber-board material. This material will hold up very well with downward pressures. It will not crack. If you have a newer home with a texture that was sprayed on, you still do not want to use drywall. The seasons changing causes movement of the home due to frost heaving. Any rigid material will crack under these pressures.

One popular choice are tongue and groove acoustical ceiling tiles. These tiles are made of the same material as their predecessor and have a similar interior finish. They come pre-primed and are ready to paint. They install with an adhesive and type of fastener on the tongue. You must make sure that the ceiling surface has a smooth backer that the tiles can be attached to. Follow the manufacturer instructions when installing this product. You can choose to paint this product if you want but you do not have to.

Another option that doesn’t require painting and will remain flexible is a drop ceiling. Drop ceilings have come a long way since school rooms and office complexes. Companies have designed their drop ceilings to be installed in the home, offering classy styles and texture profiles. The only drawback to this system is it takes up a little head room. You will have to install this system as close to the original ceiling surface as possible.

Whatever material you choose, make sure that it will prove to be flexible when the seasons change. A product that is relatively maintenance-free will also be a wise choice.

Article originally published at Source by Mark P Krober