Genesis tiles using different grid types

Question

The corners of my Genesis tiles are not resting flush in the grid. OR Why do shadow lines appear in the corners of my Genesis ceiling tiles?

Answer

If your Genesis ceiling tile appears to sit higher on the ceiling grid corners, it is likely because of the type of ceiling grid you are using.

There are two main types of ceiling grid systems: a “stab” system, and a “hook” system. A stab grid system provides additional stability as the cross-tee overlaps the main beam to prevent twisting. This feature often qualifies stab systems for a Seismic Rating. A hook grid system is often a lighter-duty grid. See images below.

All stab grid systems, like Classic X Cliq® and USG Donn DXL® and Armstrong Prelude XL® use an overlap design at the cross-tees. This causes about a 1/16-inch raising of the ceiling panel at the corners. This is the case for all ceiling panels, including Genesis, mineral board acoustic and vinyl-clad gypsum. See images below.

One method to reduce the raised tile problem with stab grid systems is to use hold-down clips in the ceiling tile corners. After your tiles are installed in the grid, identify which corners need to be clipped. From the top of the grid, simply push the clip onto the spline so that it presses the corners of the tile down. See images below.

Hook-style grid systems, like the Armstrong Prelude®, result in a flat alignment of the main and cross-tees. Ceiling tiles in hook systems usually don’t show raised corners. See images below.