Today, many different materials are used to finish the ceiling. They differ in performance characteristics, installation method. One of the best options for finishing office space, shopping malls, entertainment centers are suspended ceilings such as "Armstrong".
The presented material is sometimes used in private construction. However, in public places it is still mounted more often. This is due to the peculiarities of its installation. The presented plates are easier to mount in a large room. In this case, finishing will be completed faster.
General characteristics
Characteristics of suspended ceilings such as "Armstrong" make them in demand in modern construction. This finishing material is easy to assemble and relatively low cost. It has many advantages over other finishes. This material also has a number of disadvantages. You should find out about them before starting installation.
Today in categoryceilings of the "Armstrong" type fall frame products, which consist of cells of a certain size. These slabs are made from various mineral components.
Almost anyone can mount a suspended structure. Even a master without much work experience can assemble such a ceiling. Moreover, installation does not require much time. Installation of this type of decoration is carried out in almost all rooms. However, before choosing materials, you need to familiarize yourself with their main features.
Dignity
Armstrong suspended ceilings have a lot of advantages. This finish option will allow you to access the ventilation ducts when needed. Wires, sensors and other devices can be mounted under the plates. Access to them will also not be difficult.
If the base is not aesthetically pleasing, the slabs will cover it. In this case, the ceiling will be perfectly flat. Maintenance of the ceiling surface will be easy.
The boards have good reflectivity. Therefore, when installing them, you can mount light bulbs of lower power in the chandelier. The design also has a high sound absorption rate. The plates are made from natural materials that do not harm the environment and human he alth.
A large selection of accessories for the presented type of finish is on sale. Therefore, installation becomes simple and fast.
Flaws
Suspended ceilings of the "Armstrong" type are distinguished by certainshortcomings. Mineral slabs cannot withstand a flood from above. It should be noted that the material does not deteriorate from water. However, in case of flooding, the plates freely let water into the room. If there is a high probability that the neighbors from above may forget to turn off the water or old plumbing is installed in the house, it is better to install PVC film. Stretch ceiling in this case would be preferable.
If the room temperature changes frequently, the humidity level changes, the mineral material loses its appearance. Its surface may take on a yellowish tinge.
Plates do not withstand even light impacts, other mechanical influences. Therefore, during installation, you need to be as careful as possible. Brittle material may break. Also, a cork that has flown into the ceiling will definitely break through the mineral slab. It's best to have a few extra plates on hand to make repairs quickly.
Device
Detailed consideration deserves the installation of suspended ceilings such as "Armstrong". Plates of a certain size are mounted on a frame of metal profiles.
Slabs can be created from a variety of materials. They can be hard or soft. Plates are mounted on profiles made of painted metal or metal-plastic. They have appropriate holes for hanging the structure. They are connected to each other with spring locks. Wall profiles differ from the rest in thickness andconfiguration.
Profiles can be cut from the side opposite the lock. The structure of the suspension includes straight rods and hook-shaped products. Sheets of metal from which the suspension is made are interconnected by means of a spring. It's called "Butterfly". With it, you can adjust the height of the suspension.
Dowels are chosen as fasteners. To disassemble the structure, you just need to lift the plate and move it to the side. After that, the assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
Slabs
Armstrong suspended ceiling slabs are marked with certain characteristics. The dimensions of the finishing elements can be 60x60 cm or 120x60 cm. Various materials are used in the manufacture of plates.
As mentioned above, the cells can be hard or soft. In the first case, the plates are made of glass, metal or mirrors. Soft varieties can be created with a mineral or organic base.
If the ceiling will be mounted from rigid boards, special profiles must be used. Their design is reinforced in a special way. This will allow the ceiling to not deform for a long time, to be reliable. However, this significantly increases the cost of the finishing process.
Mineral materials are rarely used. They include mineral wool. Organic boards are made from paper. This is one of the lightest and most inexpensive finishing options. It is not difficult to cut such material, which cannot be said abouthard varieties.
Specifications
Before buying a finish, you need to consider the technical characteristics of the Armstrong false ceiling. Plates can have a thickness of 0.8-2.5 cm. In this case, the weight depends on the type of material.
When choosing slabs, you need to pay attention to the sound absorption coefficient. If this is an office open space, call center, etc., it is recommended to purchase slabs with a high presented indicator. This will create the correct acoustics in the room.
The soundproofing of the plates is quite high. The larger it is, the more expensive the material will cost. If the ceiling is planned to be mounted in a damp room, it is recommended to use moisture-resistant varieties. They do not absorb water, which allows the finish to maintain its aesthetic appearance for a long time.
Combustible and non-combustible categories of stoves are on sale. The choice depends on the purpose of the premises, the existing rules for its safe operation.
Suspension system
Armstrong suspended ceilings can be mounted in different ways. There are modular and solid designs. The first type is more common. It consists of a modular frame. It consists of panels, rails and cassettes.
The frame is most often covered with slabs. In some cases, its protruding elements are not masked. This creates a certain visual effect in the room. It should be taken into accountthat when creating suspended structures, the distance from floor to ceiling in the room will decrease more than when arranging tension systems. But in the resulting space, you can easily hide unseemly communication systems, ventilation, etc.
A frame made of profiles is mounted to the base of the ceiling. The distance between them is 60 cm (corresponds to the size of the plates). Installation resembles the assembly of drywall systems.
Components
Various components for Armstrong suspended ceilings are on sale today. They allow you to give the ceiling a different look.
Slabs are available with three different types of edges. The first one is called Microlook. Its edge is rather narrow. It has a stepped configuration. Apply the presented cells for profiles that have a width of 1.5 cm.
Tegular type edge is also characterized by the presence of a stepped edge. However, these plates are mounted on a wider profile. It has a size of 2.4 cm.
Board boards are distinguished by their most versatile edge. They have an even structure. They can be used in all types of suspended structures.
Installing the frame
To install a suspended ceiling, you will first need to mount the frame. It must be even. The fastening of the profiles is first carried out on the base of the wall. It is important to use the building level. With it, a mark is made along the entire wall where the profile will be mounted.
The elements of the metal frame are cut according to the size of the room. With the help of dowels they are attached to the base. Next, measure the exact dimensions of the carrier profile. Metal elements are cut and laid out on the floor in the form of a grid. Then they are installed in the supporting frame. Each plank is installed in its appropriate place, their sagging is evaluated.
Next, longitudinal connections are measured and established. All actions must be carried out after accurate measurements. The profile is cut very accurately. Otherwise, the aesthetics of the ceiling will be low.
Assembling the ceiling
After assembling the frame, you can start laying the plates. Each cell is lifted up. Then it is tilted and inserted into the space behind the frame. Next, the plate is carefully laid in the appropriate place. If the material could not be installed exactly the first time, the cell is lifted by pressing on it from below.
First you need to install concentrated weights. Then you can install the fixtures in the false ceiling of the Armstrong type. These structural elements are assembled on the floor. The plate with the installed light bulb rises up. The electrical appliance is connected to the wires.
Assembly ends with the installation of blind plates. All structural elements must be installed evenly. If the plate has risen obliquely, it is corrected. To do this, you need to press a little on one of the corners.
Having considered what Armstrong suspended ceilings are, their features and characteristics, you can choose and install the presented system correctly.
