Acoustical ceiling tiles have come a long way in the past 35 years. Not only are there more styles, colors, and choices, the actual materials are much better at controlling sound. Many homeowners are turned off by acoustic tiles because they think of the ones they see in the discount department store ceilings. These tiles are not the top of the line! You must see the new tiles to believe them.

So you're sold on installing acoustical ceiling tile in your home - now all you have to do is buy it! Contact the following manufacturers for tile designs and purchases.

Planning is key when installing acoustical ceiling tile in your home. Using a graph paper mock-up, create a layout with the widest borders possible and begin installing in the center of the room. If using a suspended grid system to hold up the tile, first install the wall angle according to the manufacturer's restrictions. Finish off your carefully installed tiles with the correct size of hanger wire, either 18 gauge for residences and 12 for commercial ceilings. Stapled or glued ceiling tiles begin in the corner of the room, rather than the center, and can be easily cut to fit.

Truss uplift is a problem brought on by the modern advancements in residential construction technology. Even though trusses have been in use for well over 40 years, truss uplift only recently poked its ugly head up through attic insulation, creating ceiling cracks down below. Why did this happen just recently? I have a few ideas.

Repair roof truss uplift problems before the start. If you happen to be building a house now, borrow a step ladder and inspect the trusses which pass over interior walls. If not, and you need to repair existing truss uplift problems, complete your repair in two phases during winter and summer by using proper L-brackets, drywall clips and retention blocks.

Truss uplift framing hardware is made by just a few companies. They make a multitude of rough framing connectors. These are metal plates, joist hangers, post/beam connectors, hurricane clips, post bases and truss clips. There are many, many other connectors as well. The two companies listed below are by far the biggest players in the market.

Here are two manufacturers of the authentic stamped metal ceiling and wall plates. Several other companies distribute products for the one manufacturer. One other company that I am aware of makes panels from more recent dies. You should be able to get whatever you want and the prices will be competitive. Many, if not all, of the companies will ship directly to you.

Have you ever had a real malted milk shake? I mean, one made using ice cream made from real cream? Well, if you come to Cincinnati, Ohio, you must go to Aglamesis Ice Cream parlor on Madison Road in Oakley. As your head tilts back while you're waiting for that last drop to drip from the old fashioned metal mixing cup, you will undoubtedly see the 100 year old original metal stamped ceiling. The 14 foot metal ceiling has a rich center pattern, a detailed filler strip and is finished off with a handsomely detailed metal cornice or crown molding. The ceiling looks to be in excellent condition. It is a testimonial to the people who made the material and installed it. I often wonder how many materials that are installed this year will be around 100 years from now?