Specify a gasketed or airtight ceiling grid system for a cleanroom

Steps

1. Obtain the required cleanliness classification (an ISO 14644-1 particle-count class, e.g., ISO 5 or ISO 7) from the process/cleanroom design engineer — do not infer the class from the ceiling contractor's own assumptions.
2. Select a grid system designed for airtightness at the panel-to-grid interface — options include factory-applied gasket systems (e.g., closed-cell foam gaskets) or gel-seal channel grids for the most stringent, pressurized-plenum applications.
3. Confirm directly from the manufacturer's own documentation which specific ISO class and plenum pressure differential their gasketed or gel-seal grid product is validated for — don't assume all products marketed as 'cleanroom grid' perform to the same class.
4. Coordinate grid airtightness detailing with the mechanical engineer's pressure-cascade design between the cleanroom and adjacent spaces/plenum, since the ceiling seal is part of the room's overall pressure and particle-control strategy.
5. Check manufacturer installation instructions for whether standard hold-down clips are needed, unneeded, or contraindicated with the specific gasketed/gel-seal system being used.