Drop ceiling installation: Shortest drop you can get away with?

[PingSpike]

I've got windows that open about 2.5" from the ceiling joists in the basement. I've read that you need a minimum of 4"...is this from ceiling to the bottom (visible) tiles? Or the space between the top of the tile/support to the joist.

I also read a few people saying you can tighten that up even more its just that the tiles become more difficult to remove. I'd certainly like to make the ceiling even with the windows, even if its at the cost of being a little hard to get the tiles in and out.

I read there are ceiling tile systems with no drop, that attach directly to the joists or whatever support you have. However, they are expensive and it sounded like you have to remove one tile at the corner and work your way back whenever you want to remove a tile. That sounded like a pretty serious pain in the ass.

I've never install a drop ceiling before.

 

[Squisher]

You need 4" to remove a tile. You only need about 1.75" (rail + tile thickness) to slide a tile aside and slide it over to an area that has the 4" of clearance to remove it.

 

[PingSpike]

I also forgot to mention...there are apparently fiberglass tiles that are somewhat flexible that can help with this problem as well.

There is obviously more clearance between the joists, but I have no idea if that will help with the removal.

 

[bctbct]

You could probably get away with leaving 1" between the top of the tees and use 2X2 tile.

 

[iGas]

How are you going to install the tiles if you only give the grid 2" from finish surface?