drywall the ceiling

Why would you think the insulation needs replacing?
You do plan on just drywalling right over the old ceiling tiles. right?
If anything you may need more.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_insulation_table

Make sure to get long enough screws

fiberish ceiling? make sure its not asbestos?

So what if it is? It's being covered up not cut up.

I read that as taking one down to put up another.

Would love clarification from the OP.

Pictures would help

It's my understanding that if it's not the sort of asbestos that flakes off and most definitely not the loose granule kind, then a small amount is manageable with proper safety precautions (covered clothing, masks, gloves, etc).

I would be concerned less about the tiles and more about the loose insulation.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

There's no need to remove it you just going to be making a huge mess and take a whole lot longer, mark your rafters with blue tape on the walls and just go right over it. It will add a small amount of insulation value.
I've done it a few times and never had any issues.
I'd use 3" cource thread screws.

those look like just paper tiles. i think you are ok. but i am no expert

joecaption said:

There's no need to remove it you just going to be making a huge mess and take a whole lot longer, mark your rafters with blue tape on the walls and just go right over it. It will add a small amount of insulation value.
I've done it a few times and never had any issues.
I'd use 3" cource thread screws.

Click to expand...

I agree.No reason to remove the existing ceiling.You can screw the new drywall in right over the squares as long as it's flat.A lot faster,less messy,no asbestos to worry about,and the only difference is your ceiling is 5/8 of an inch lower.

+1 for going over. There is no advantage to removing and a lot of disadvantage
you will have to get rid of the ones you take down I don't know how big a space but that could be a problem especially if they do contain asbestos, you will have to manage the blown in insulation because it will all fall out. Then re insulate the space above.

If the ceiling is flat leave it up and dw over it

Aren't those the type of "paper" tiles that just GLUE up to the EXISTING ceiling? There may just BE 5/8" drywall already UP there!
Pull that loose one down a bit more and check, says I.

DM