How to Remove Dropped Ceilings With Vents

Removing a dropped ceiling involves pulling out the tiles and then disassembling the grid that the tiles rest upon. This process is complicated if there are vents installed into the dropped ceiling. The object is to remove the dropped ceiling without damaging the vents, which are essential to the home's heating and cooling system. You can remove a dropped ceiling with vents by following a straightforward procedure that requires few tools and a moderate amount of effort.

Standard screwdriver
Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver
Pliers
Wire cutters

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the vent's cover and locate the screws that secure it to main vent body.
- 2
  Remove the screws by turning them counterclockwise with the proper type of screwdriver. Remove the vent cover.
- 3
  Push up the tile that surrounds the vent and lower one end below the ceiling grid. Manipulate the tile until it is free from the grid. Remove the remaining tiles using the same method.
- 4
  Unhook the cross members of the grid by hand and untwist or cut any wires that were used to hang the grid from the ceiling. Use pliers and/or wire cutters to remove the wires. If the grid was secured to the ceiling with brackets, unscrew the brackets using the proper type of screwdriver. Work your way around the dropped ceiling until you have removed it.
- 5
  Remove the vent pipe extension. This will usually be duct taped to the main duct in the ceiling. Peel back the tape or use a utility knife to cut through it.

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