Suspended Ceilings
QA inspection checklist

Grid Installation

1. 1.

   Grid type and layout match design
   What to look forGrid type per spec (exposed T-bar, concealed, hook-on, demountable). Module size matches drawing (600x600 / 1200x600 typical). Pattern centred on room or set-out from key features. Grid colour as specified.
   Acceptable whenGrid system to BS EN 13964:2014. Module size and pattern per RD drawing. Cuts at perimeter ≥ ½ tile width — never less. Class 0/Class 1 surface spread of flame (Building Reg ADB) where required.
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014 — Suspended ceilings — requirements and test methods. Approved Document B (fire). AIS / FIS guidance.
   Common defectsModule set-out not centred — narrow tile cuts at one wall, full at otherWrong grid system — exposed where concealed specifiedGrid colour mismatched in adjoining areasCut tiles < ½ width — looks unbalanced
2. 2.

   Suspension wires at correct centres
   What to look forHangers at maximum 1200 mm centres along main runners, max 600 mm from end of main runner and 150 mm from each side of any cut. Hangers vertical — not splayed beyond 1:6 angle. Wire pre-stretched and twisted at fixings.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 8290 / BS EN 13964: hangers max 1200 mm centres on main runner. Max 600 mm from runner end. Wire 1.5 mm diameter minimum (3.15 mm for fire-rated). Soffit fixing tested for pull-out — minimum 4 × design load.
   StandardBS 8290-1:1991 — Workmanship — Suspended ceilings (informative). BS EN 13964:2014. AIS/FIS Site Guide.
   Common defectsHanger spacing > 1200 mm — grid sags under tile loadHangers > 600 mm from main runner end — cantilever sag visible at perimeterWire splayed beyond 1:6 — lateral instability under disturbanceSoffit fixing into shallow plug — pulls out on first knockNo additional hanger near cut — tile drops one corner
3. 3.

   Grid level across area

   Record: Deviation (mm)
   What to look forGrid checked with rotary laser. No visible "wave" along main runners. Cross tees fit square at intersections. Grid level checked after tiles loaded — confirms hanger tension correct.
   Acceptable whenPer BS EN 13964: grid level ±5 mm in 5 m, ±10 mm overall. Cross-tee/main runner intersection square ±2 mm. Visible grid alignment to plumb of perimeter walls.
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014. BS 8290.
   Common defectsGrid sagging at room centre — hangers not tensioned, or insufficient hangersVisible "ripple" along long runs — hangers different lengths, grid set up unevenCross tees out of square — main runner not straightGrid touching ductwork above — buzzing transmission
4. 4.

   Perimeter trims cut clean and tight
   What to look forWall angle/perimeter trim level along walls — set out from datum, not from ceiling above. Mitres clean at corners, no gaps. Trim fixed at appropriate centres (typically 600 mm) into solid substrate.
   Acceptable whenWall angle level ±3 mm in 3 m. Mitres ≤ 1 mm gap. Fixing centres ≤ 600 mm. No gap between trim and wall surface > 2 mm.
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014. AIS/FIS Site Guide.
   Common defectsOpen mitres — visible gap at cornersWall angle wavy — followed wavy wall instead of being levelledTrim fixed to plasterboard with no fixing into stud — pulls outGap between trim and wall — wall not skimmed before trim fitted

Tiles & Access

1. 5.

   Tile type, colour, and pattern correct
   What to look forTiles match approved sample — colour, edge profile (square / tegular / lay-in), texture. Acoustic performance class verified — αw value or Cl class on packaging. Light reflectance value matches spec.
   Acceptable whenTiles to BS EN 13964 with NRC/αw rating per spec. Class A1 fire for life-safety areas (Approved Document B). Edge profile per design (Microlook / Tegular / Lay-in / Z). Light reflectance ≥ 80% for office areas (BREEAM credit).
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014. BS EN ISO 354 — Sound absorption measurement. Approved Document B.
   Common defectsWrong edge profile — tegular tile in square-edge gridAcoustic rating below spec — common when value-engineered lateDifferent tile from different batch — visible colour bandingTile water-stained from delivery — installed anywayClass B fire-rated tile in Class A1 area
2. 6.

   Tiles seated flat — no bowing or rocking
   What to look forTiles sit flat in grid — finger-press shows no rocking. No bowed tiles (lifted at corners). Tiles seated fully into rebate, not perched on grid surface. Cuts neat and full-bearing on grid.
   Acceptable whenPer BS 8290 / BS EN 13964: tiles to sit fully in rebate, no rock or movement under finger pressure. Bow ≤ 2 mm in any direction. Cut tiles to retain ≥ 75% of bearing on grid flange.
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014. BS 8290. AIS/FIS Site Guide.
   Common defectsTiles bowing in humid environment — moisture sensitive product wrong choiceTile rocks in grid — wrong size for grid moduleCuts too narrow on grid — bearing fails, tile dropsDamaged corners on tegular tiles — handlingHold-down clips missing where required (e.g. high-air-pressure rooms)
3. 7.

   Access panels at all required locations
   What to look forAccess tiles or panels above all VAVs, dampers, valves, isolators, smoke detectors etc. Marked with sticker/code. Removable without tools or with simple key. Demountable grid permits access along major service runs.
   Acceptable whenAccess provision per BS 9999 / Approved Document B (life safety). Maintenance access to all serviceable items per CIBSE Guide M. Tile/access panel size adequate (typically 600x600 mm minimum for hand access).
   StandardBS 9999:2017. CIBSE Guide M — Maintenance engineering and management. Approved Document B.
   Common defectsNo access tiles above VAV — maintenance cannot reach without tile breakageAccess tiles unmarked — services hiddenPermanent fix to tile that should be removable (e.g. screwed downlights)Plenum lighting cabling accessed only by removing multiple tilesDamper without access — fire compliance fail
4. 8.

   Services above ceiling accessible and clear of tiles
   What to look forAir gap maintained above tile face — typically 50 mm minimum to nearest service. Services not resting on tiles. Light fittings supported independently from grid (separate hangers if heavy). Cables not routed across tiles.
   Acceptable whenMin 50 mm clear above tile face per CIBSE / BS EN 13964. Light fittings > 5 kg independently supported. Cabling on tray or independently fixed — not "drooped" on tiles. Plenum used for return air maintained as fire-clean (no combustibles).
   StandardBS EN 13964:2014. CIBSE Guide M. BS 7671 cl.522 (cable installation).
   Common defectsServices pressing on tiles — tile pushed down, visible bow from belowCable bundles routed on tile face — no support, telegraphs to viewLight fitting > 5 kg hanging on grid only — grid distortsPlenum used as return but combustible material left in void (cable insulation, building paper)

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The same 8 checks, with the guidance a tap away, photos against each fail, measurements recorded, an NCR raised automatically and a branded PDF at the end. Signed on site. 14 days free.