A new, highly engineered suspension system that is up to 20% quicker to install has been launched by Armstrong Ceiling Solutions.
The new TLS metal hook cross tees manufactured from solid steel and engineered with total precision now delivers the three Ss - Simplicity, Stability and Solidity.
The superior functionality of TLS is characterised by three key elements. It is simple and safe to install due to a secure hook design. It aligns and sets into position with an audible click, guaranteeing ceiling stability and self-squaring, and it features a solid clip manufactured from pre-shaped steel, for stronger and more secure connections that lock into place.
Ideal for commercial applications, the ergonomic design of the pre-shaped Prelude 24mm TLS cross tee ensures it is faster to install and demount from the universal main runner.
For specifiers, it also lies flush to the main runner, providing a streamlined aesthetic to the fully finished ceiling, while for installers, pre-shaped embossments on the clip increase rigidity and also control rotation.
Its launch comes in response to customer research which showed installers were looking for a system that was faster to install and demount, more stable and durable, and more solid for maintenance. Hence the three Ss the product has been engineered around.
In addition, the new Prelude 24mm TLS cross tees enable Armstrong to deliver a fire resistant and fully Cradle To Cradle® certified system when installed with Cradle To Cradle certified ceilings such as Ultima+, Perla and Dune Supreme.
Isabel Blanco, marketing and sales coordinator UK, Ireland and Southern Africa, said: “Our customers’ expectations for performance made us innovate which is why we are excited to introduce TLS.”
UK contractors recently got to trial it for themselves, through the Grid-Off competition organised by Armstrong to introduce the system to its national network of Omega installers.
Teams of two from each contractor went head to head with another pair of fitters in a contest to install the TLS grid and Ultima+ board tile system in a 7.2m2 rig erected in a “boxing ring” at the NEC.
Omagh-based Omega contractor Coyle Suspended Ceilings, who won the competition, found it substantially quicker to install. Kevin Coyle and Tom Goodfellow, who paired up for the Grid-Off, said the clip was “first class, very easy to use.”
Runners-up New Forest Ceilings from Southampton found it sturdy. Brothers Jai and Carlo Kilford who took part in the competition said: “It went up very quickly and demounted very quickly which is usually the problem [demounting].”
John Atkinson Interiors from Leeds estimated it was about 20% quicker to install. Team members David Cummings and David Spence said: “You could stand away from it to clip it in. You didn’t have to hold the other T bar.”
Telling Finishings from Mansfield felt it gave much more of a positive feel. Grid-Off team members Dave Lowe and Adam Fearn said: “You can even do it with one hand.”
A video of the system in operation is available on the new Armstrong website www.armstrongceilings.co.uk or on the Armstrong Ceilings app available from both the Apple store as well as the Google Play store, or by clicking on one of the links below with your mobile device www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Android or www.armstrong.com/CeilingDownloads-Android.
