The rapid development of the market for finishing materials, design services, and technology in general, has brought many options for finishing housing and office space into our lives. For example, a new type of finish, widely represented in all regions of the country, is popular - a stretch ceiling. The minimum distance from the ceiling to the canvas depends on the type of fastening.
Among the most common types, special attention should be paid to the low and medium price category of materials, since, according to statistics, they are the most purchased, given the average income of the population.
Fabric stretch ceilings: types of fabrics
Main types of ceilings:
- Bactericidal. The fabric is coated with an antibacterial layer with nanoparticles. As a result, bacteria not only do not multiply, but are also destroyed. The designs are used in medical, educational institutions and catering facilities.
- Textured. Imitate suede, silk, wood, marble, mother-of-pearl. Embossed pattern.
- Acoustic. The cloth has microperforation. It is not visible to the naked eye. Absorbs up to 90% of noise. Additionally, a heat-insulating layer is laid, which also contributes to sound insulation.
- Matte. The most popular option is a white matte ceiling. Simple, practical and durable.
Film (PVC)
The main varieties are as follows:
- Glossy. Widely used in office and residential areas. They have a beautiful aesthetic appearance. Visually make the room wider and higher.
- Matte. A visual effect of roughness is created. Suitable for different interiors. Complemented by stucco and lighting.
- Satin. Made from PVC film. Looks like something in between glossy and matte. They have a pearly tint.
Common benefits of all kinds
The benefits are as follows:
- Ceilings hide existing defects on the main surface, wiring, pipes, protruding beams, etc., while practically not affecting the height of the room.
- Installation does not take much time (usually several hours).
- Minimum construction waste (furniture or heavy equipment may not be removed from the premises).
- The film ceiling will protect against water from flooding from the top floor.
- When installing a single-level structure, the loss in height is only about 3 cm (important for rooms with low height).
- Long service life and reasonable prices.
- Variety of textures and a wide palette of colors for every taste.
- Simplecare. Film systems are washed with mild detergents, and dry cleaning is suitable for fabric ceilings.
- The fabric ceiling can be painted and repainted several times. Drawing patterns or drawing by a method of a photo printing is possible.
- Film ceilings perfectly withstand high humidity. You can install them in bathrooms and pools.
- Getting a perfectly flat surface and achieving a mirror effect (when using glossy canvases).
- When mounting a stretch ceiling, the minimum distance from the ceiling to the canvas slightly reduces the height of the walls.
The main disadvantages of stretch ceilings
But such designs also have disadvantages:
- PVC films cannot be installed in rooms without heating, as they lose their properties at low temperatures (fabric ones are devoid of this minus).
- Stretch ceilings are afraid of heating (from electric lighting, so you need to take this into account when choosing fixtures). Be sure to use heat sinks.
- Film types of tension products do not allow air to pass through, mold and condensation may form between the main ceiling and the canvas.
- PVC film requires careful handling during installation and further operation. It can be easily damaged by any sharp metal object or even a massive children's toy. Fortunately, fabric options are much stronger.
- The width of PVC films is not more than 3 meters. Therefore, when installing in rooms with a greater width, seams are indispensable.
- Fabric materialsstretch ceilings in contact with water become stained and streaked.
Installation of stretch ceilings
When installing, certain rules must be observed. Also, keep in mind that there are several ways. All of them, when installing a stretch ceiling (the minimum distance from the ceiling to the canvas, practically does not affect the height of the room) have distinctive features.
Harpoon mounting method
The process is as follows:
- The room is being measured.
- Checking whether electrical cables have been laid to the installation sites of lighting fixtures.
- Checking for stable heating in the room.
- Using a building hydraulic level and a paint cord, mark the fixing points on the main ceiling and walls.
- The fabric is heated with a heat gun and straightened.
- Using clips, the canvas is attached to the baguette.
- With a special spatula, one corner of the canvas is filled with a harpoon clip into a baguette (this first corner is called red).
- Then the film is heated diagonally (up to 70°C) and stretched.
- The opposite corner of the canvas is fastened with a harpoon in profile (baguette).
- Repeat 7, 8 and 9 points for the second diagonal.
Then, the already fully fixed film cools down. At the same time, when mounting a stretch ceiling, the minimum distance from the ceiling to the canvas is also taken into account.
Wedge mounting method
The process is as follows:
- The canvas with this method is taken15 cm more in width and length.
- Preliminarily, the canvas is hung and fixed in the baguette profile with plastic wedges.
- Excess fabric cut off. Wedge fasteners are closed with a special decorative strip that fits snugly against the baguette and walls.
There is also a cam mounting method, as well as using a flexible cord. Both of these methods are similar to the wedge and differ from it in the types of fasteners.
About types of baguettes
There are 4 types of profiles:
- Wall.
- Ceiling.
- Separating.
- Special.
Wall baguettes are the most common. They are attached to the walls with self-tapping screws at intervals of 20 cm. The minimum distance of the stretch ceiling from the main one in this case is only 3-3.5 cm.
Ceiling profiles are also widely used. They are used if there are problems with the installation of wall moldings. The height of the room when installing this type of profile is reduced by only 2 cm, i.e. when installing a stretch ceiling, the distance from the ceiling to the canvas is left the same (2 cm).
Separating baguettes are needed for mounting ceilings of large rooms (over 60 sq. Meters) and when using different types of panels (film and fabric).
Special profiles help in the design of arcuate elements and multi-level suspended suspended ceilings.
Suspended ceiling service life
Typically installers give a 10 year warranty (wrinkle free, color fading, canvas sagging).
It should be noted that suspended ceilings continue to please the eye for many years after the warranty period has expired.
Important nuances
These are:
- If ordinary lamps or fluorescent lamps are installed in the ceiling fabric, then their power should not exceed 60 watts. Limit to 35W when using halogen lamps.
- Holes are drilled in the profile to remove condensate. In large areas, from 40 sq. meters install ventilation grilles.
To reduce the sagging of the ceiling canvas, an additional mount is placed at the installation site of the chandelier.
Consumer Selection Criteria: Expert Advice
The following guidelines should be considered:
- Satin or matte films can be used in the bedroom and office. They do not irritate the eye and create a cozy and calm background.
- A matte ceiling in light colors looks appropriate in the kitchen.
- Gloss is recommended for small rooms - to visually expand the space.
- Hidden lighting and spotlights go well with glossy surfaces. When lighting a room with only one chandelier, it is recommended to choose matte canvases.
- White color and light shades visually expand the space in any room.
- If available indoorslacquered surfaces, satin versions are not desirable due to excessive bright light reflection.
There is no exact recipe for all cases. In practice, the type of a particular room, the preferences of the customer and the ideas of the designer are taken into account.
