Metal slatted ceiling is a special suspension system installed in buildings where there is a high level of humidity. Due to excellent technical characteristics and resistance to rotting and corrosion processes, these structures are also widely used in the decoration of living rooms.
In this review, we will consider in detail what a metal suspended rack ceiling is, what types of such systems exist, as well as how they are installed and subsequently operated.
Basic information
Today, many owners of apartments, offices and private houses are interested in what a metal rack ceiling is and what elements it is assembled from. This design is a suspension system, represented by a frame and facing elements in the form of special panels. Two types of materials are used for the manufacture of slats - steel and aluminum. To protect the structure from the adverse effects of the external environment andto give it a finished look, a special varnish is used.
Metal ceiling panels have one significant drawback - this is a large weight of the structure. However, at the same time, they are significantly superior to drywall coatings in terms of strength. Therefore, if you choose between these two materials, it is better to give preference to aluminum ceiling structures.
Types of metal rack ceiling systems
What are aluminum panel suspended ceilings? Let's look at this aspect in more detail. Depending on the design features, rack ceilings can be divided into several types:
- Closed: mounted without gaps and look like a single unit.
- Open: fastened, as a rule, with small gaps, hidden under certain inserts of different shades, corresponding to the color of the panels. Reiki is 5-10 times thicker than plugs
Special attention when buying a metal ceiling should be given to the manufacturer. Lualon (Netherlands) and Geipel (Germany) companies have proven themselves well. Among domestic manufacturers, it is worth highlighting "Bard", "Omega", "Albes".
Metal rack ceiling does not have to be on the same level. The system can be installed in the form of broken lines or in several tiers. Speaking of color, it should be noted that white panels will help to visually make the ceilings higher, while dark ones, on the contrary, will reduce their height.
Types and sizes of panels
So, how much material is needed for a metal slatted false ceiling? Rack sizes may vary. In shape, they are usually made in the form of narrow long strips. Aluminum and stainless steel are commonly used as the main materials for manufacturing. As for the length of the panels, it is standardly 3-4 meters. You can buy strips of greater length, but this will be an individual order. In width, the dimensions of the panels vary in the range from 5 to 20 cm. If you know the exact area of \u200b\u200bthe ceiling, then you can easily calculate the required amount of material.
Liner
So what do you need to know about this? To improve the decorative characteristics, the slats are coated with one of the following types of coating:
- powder paint;
- lamination;
- polymer layer;
- sputtering aluminum.
Depending on the type of surface, the material looks completely different. Using a combination of different coatings on the same ceiling, you can achieve an interesting effect.
Appearance
On sale today you can find aluminum panels of various types. Here are some:
- having rounded ribs;
- with rectangular edges;
- side ribs of complex shape.
Reiki can be solid or perforated. In modern hardware stores, the first option is most often found. Such slats are solid panels on which there are no holes. Perforated products have the form of simple strips, in whichsmall holes are punched at regular intervals. Experts recommend installing such panels in rooms where good ventilation is needed.
What are the features?
Metal suspended rack ceiling is a practical design with an interesting design. Its main advantages are long service life, moisture resistance, strength, ease of installation, as well as a wide selection of textures and colors.
Let's consider how a metal rack ceiling is installed. To install aluminum panels, you do not need to mount a complex frame. The structure of the design of suspended rack systems includes a frame base. It is fixed directly on the ceiling at some distance from it. To make a metal ceiling rack, you will need:
- Wall profile (shaped like the letter P or letter G). Choose this product to match the panels.
- Tires or carrier profile: grooves will be cut into them at equal distances into which specific types of panels are inserted. In size, they must correspond to the width of the rails.
- Hangers: Any item designed for mounting suspended ceiling structures will do here.
- Reiki, thickness from 0.3 to 0.6 mm. In rooms with a small area, it is recommended to install the thinnest panels. In this case, they will not sag due to the presence of stiffeners.
- Slot profile: a special decorative insert that will helpmask the holes between adjacent rails in case of installing an open-type suspended structure. This element is fixed after fastening the rails and is kept on the ceiling due to the figured edge.
The metal rack ceiling consists of these components. The description of the design may seem rather complicated. However, in reality, the installation of suspended rack systems in the room takes only a few hours. The most difficult stage is cutting the material and installing fasteners.
Scope of application
Where can a metal rack ceiling be used? These structures perfectly tolerate sudden changes in temperature. But the lack of a ventilation system and high humidity can adversely affect their service life. Aluminum slatted ceilings are versatile systems that are not afraid of even the most difficult conditions. Due to their excellent technical characteristics, they can be used even when decorating verandas and balconies. They are also suitable for installation in bathrooms and kitchens. Consumers appreciate these products not only for their excellent appearance. Such designs are distinguished by fire safety and high functionality. Their main disadvantage is their high cost. However, due to the long service life and the lack of the need to carry out frequent repairs, it quickly pays off. It should also be taken into account that the suspended rack ceiling has low sound-absorbing characteristics. To remedy this shortcoming, you can tryglue on the reverse side of the planks a special material - mineral fiber. You can also use perforated panel models.
Similar structures, in addition to apartments and private houses, can also be mounted in offices and warehouses. A metal rack ceiling is often chosen as an option for finishing gyms, educational and medical institutions.
Tools and materials
So, what is needed? To install a false ceiling, the following set of equipment is required:
- roulette;
- building level;
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- metal cutting scissors.
As for materials, you will need to purchase panels of the chosen design, hangers, rails and fasteners (screws, dowels and self-tapping screws).
Step by step instructions
How is a metal rack ceiling mounted? Installation of such systems is usually carried out in several stages. Performing each of them, it is worth following a certain sequence of actions. In this case, it is absolutely not necessary to conduct a thorough preparation of the base. The suspended structure will help to easily hide any flaws on the ceiling and disguise the electrical wiring and any communications. If you have electrical experience, you might want to try doing the cabling yourself. Otherwise, it is better to entrust this process to professionals.
The first step is to assemble the frame. For this, the following algorithm of actions is used:
- We outline the lower level of the suspension system. For this purpose, a horizontal line is drawn at a distance of 4 cm from the ceiling, outlining the perimeter of the room.
- A profile is attached along the intended line. The first hole should be drilled 5 cm from its edge, the rest at a distance of 30-40 cm.
- Holes are drilled in the wall in increments of 120 cm for the installation of suspensions. They are attached to the ceiling with anchors.
- Tires are installed on suspensions.
- Ceiling rails are attached: the panels are cut along the length of the wall surface with an allowance of 5 mm. The slats are fastened in a direction perpendicular to the carrier rails. To do this, the elements are wound diagonally onto the plinth, and then aligned.
- The rail is fixed to the guide profile with a latch.
Most often, the dimensions of the room do not match the dimensions of the rails. Therefore, you have to cut this element with scissors. Reiki are installed in the same way as the first panel. Decorative inserts are used to fasten them. Difficulties may arise only with the installation of the last panel.
But they can be easily bypassed using one of the following methods:
- If the panel is longer than 2 meters, you can bend it down slightly. With this technique, you can gently slide the bar into the groove. If the rail is shorter, this method may lead to breakage.
- The panel is cut to a length a few millimeters longer than the distance between opposite skirting boards. One end is inserted all the way into the groove, and the element is aligned in height and fixed withlatch.
Cost of work and materials
How much does a metal rack white ceiling cost? In the simplest case, the approximate cost of installing such a structure will consist of the following components:
- Installation work - 650 rubles per square meter.
- Assembly of the ceiling - 600 rubles per square meter.
- Installation of lighting devices - from 300 rubles per unit.
- Dismantling the slatted metal ceiling - 100 rubles per square meter.
All prices are for straight ceiling installation. In the case of a diagonal arrangement of elements, the cost of work will increase significantly. The determining factors may also be the features of the selected material and the height of the ceiling.
Care
The main question that interests many housewives is how to wash the rack metal ceiling. Caring for this type of coating is very simple. This is one of its benefits. There are two ways to clean the ceiling from dirt: dry and wet. The first method involves the use of a conventional vacuum cleaner. Small local dirt can be removed with a simple eraser. The second method is wet cleaning with a sponge and detergents. It is important here to avoid overwatering. To remove fat, you can use special cleaning compounds. The main condition is the absence of abrasive materials.
Conclusion
Suspended rack ceiling is a very convenient universal solution. Its design is quite simple. In a room of simple geometry, you can easily install it yourself. However, if you plan to install in a large room with complex curved sections, it is better to use the help of specialists.
