Stretch ceilings are increasingly becoming an alternative to conventional design. They have a lot of advantages. They are fairly easy to install. In this case, it is not necessary to pre-prepare the base. The appearance of such structures is quite attractive. The interior with their participation looks fashionable and stylish.
However, there are certain features that a stretch ceiling has. The disadvantages and advantages of the presented structures must be considered before starting the repair. This will allow you to make the right choice, whether it is necessary to apply a similar interior design technique in a particular room.
Features of stretch ceilings
According to consumer reviews, stretch ceilings have a lot of positive qualities. Like any other material, this design is not without certain drawbacks. Sometimes they are greatly exaggerated.
Today there are plastic and fabric stretch ceilings. Their advantages and disadvantages are similar. However, there are also certain differences. To mount a PVC film ceiling, heating is required up to60-70ºС. In this case, the material stretches and even sags a little. For fixation, a special frame is used. A film is stretched over it.
A special elastic fabric is used for the fabric ceiling. To give it the desired color and protective functions, special polymers and a varnish coating are used. They are also fastened with baguettes.
Durability
One of the main advantages is the durability that stretch ceilings have. Reviews, shortcomings, problems associated with these designs make it clear that this is not always true. Manufacturers claim that the materials from which stretch ceilings are made do not lose their appearance, do not fade for about 20 years.
However, this statement will be true only if the structure is used correctly. It should be noted that it does not tolerate mechanical stress. If sharp, heavy things are thrown to the ceiling, they will easily damage the stretched surface. Therefore, such systems do not always serve for many years.
With proper operation, the stretch ceiling will be really durable. If trouble occurs and its coverage is violated for some reason, you can call the master. He will be able to quickly solve the problem.
Appearance
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of stretch ceilings in the kitchen, room or bathroom, a few words should be said about their appearance. In most cases, the designlooks stylish and aesthetic. Many options for textures and colors are offered by the modern production of stretch ceilings. This is especially true for tissue varieties. You can order a canvas with certain drawings or even paintings.
Also, the presented system hides the irregularities of the ceiling, communications carried out through it. However, some property owners claim that seams remain between individual sheets of film after soldering.
If such unseemly elements are visible on the surface, then the manufacturer is to blame. After high-quality soldering, as a rule, the seams are hardly noticeable. But this shortcoming can also be corrected. Today, canvases up to 5 m wide are on sale. This allows you to stretch the ceiling without seams even in the living room or bedroom.
Leakproof
If the ceiling is mounted in an apartment, the tightness of such a design is a positive feature. If one day the neighbors from above forget to close the tap, the material will not allow water to enter the room. This is true if, for example, a stretch ceiling is installed in the kitchen. Reviews (the disadvantages of hermetic coatings are typical only for PVC film) of users, however, suggest that this may also be a negative quality of the design.
The fact is that artificial materials do not allow air to pass through, which practically does not enter the base. In this case, fabric structures can be installed. "Breathing" systemsit is relevant to install only in houses made of wood. If the ceiling is made of concrete, this material will not "breathe" even without stretch films.
Therefore, when installing the presented systems in a bathroom or kitchen, it is better to give preference to plastic varieties of materials. In the bedroom or living room, fabric varieties will look better. They provide a wider choice of canvas designs.
Sustainable
Studying the advantages and disadvantages of stretch ceilings, one should also consider such an indicator as environmental friendliness. Of all the design approaches used today, the presented option is recognized as the safest for human he alth. This is especially true for rooms where children are often.
Some buyers note in their reviews that after installing PVC sheets, an unpleasant odor is retained in the room for a long time. In this case, the mounted structure is unsafe for he alth. In the production of such a film, sanitary and hygienic and environmental requirements were not taken into account. Such products are produced by small organizations that do not have certificates for their products.
When buying a film for a stretch ceiling, you must require the appropriate documentation. This will save homeowners from the adverse effects of harmful components that are present in cheap, low-quality film. After installation of certified polymers, the specific smell completely disappears in a couple of days.
Ceiling height
Stretch ceilings can be installed in rooms of various sizes. The advantages and disadvantages of such structures can also be considered in terms of reducing the height of ceilings. When installing the canvases, about 3 cm recede from the base. This is an insignificant difference. To prevent ceilings from appearing lower, light colors should be preferred. It is also necessary to provide high-quality lighting in the room.
The owners, who have suspended ceilings in the house, claim that over time the canvas can sag. This visually reduces the height of the ceiling. However, experts say that such a phenomenon is quite rare, and the error can be no more than 1 cm per 10 m². Visually, the change will not be noticeable.
When stretching a seamless ceiling, special fastening technologies are used. The sagging of the canvas will not be more than 1 mm.
Cost
Various cost is characterized by the purchase and installation of the structure. There are a variety of designs available for sale. Quality varieties are more expensive. But it will be a fairly durable stretch ceiling. The disadvantages of such systems in most cases are determined only among cheap uncertified products from little-known manufacturers.
The final cost of installing a stretch ceiling will not exceed the cost of installing other coatings. Therefore, many property owners, as evidenced by the reviews,favor this modern, reliable and durable finish.
Mounting a stretch ceiling on your own will be almost impossible. Therefore, the owners will have to pay more professional repairmen. They have all the necessary equipment for this. But the end result will exceed all expectations.
Fabric or PVC film?
You should also consider the characteristic features that this or that stretch ceiling has. There are disadvantages and advantages to both plastic and fabric webs.
Plastic film does not withstand mechanical stress and low temperatures. But it is easy to care for, not afraid of moisture and even direct water flow to the surface. It is preferable to install it in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
Fabric fabrics are more resistant to mechanical stress. They have a wide selection of colors. If you wish, you can apply a tone or pattern yourself. However, in the care of such canvases are capricious. Therefore, it is better to install them in the living room, bedroom, office.
Having considered what are the features of the paintings, everyone can choose the best stretch ceiling. Each finishing material has advantages and disadvantages. But one thing should be kept in mind: stretch ceilings will last a long time if used properly.
