Among the finishing options ceilings The most modern is the stretch ceiling device.
The popularity of such structures is due to a number of reasons, including:
- speed of installation work;
- absence a large number dirt and dust;
- opportunity to implement various design ideas thanks to the variety of colors and textures.
Seemingly uncomplicated PVC installation canvases are actually complex and have some nuances, so the device stretch ceilings do-it-yourself is undesirable - it should be done by specialists. Services provided by professionals are preferable, since the installation is carried out by builders with considerable experience in this field, they have special equipment and all the necessary tools at their disposal.
Creating a stretch ceiling structure on your own is quite possible if you have the desire and building skills, but you can’t do without the help of installation specialists: taking measurements must be done correctly, otherwise troubles cannot be avoided. In addition, PVC fabric of certain sizes is made on special machines in industrial conditions.
Building materials and fasteners
As the technology of stretch ceilings provides, when performing installation, you must have at your disposal:
Profile for tension structures
Manufacturing companies offer for installation ceiling systems not only PVC baguettes, but also made of aluminum. Usually they are produced 2.5 meters long, but if necessary, they can be easily sawn with a grinder.
Depending on the method of fixation, the profile is divided into the following types:
- wall-mounted - is considered the most popular mount, it is mounted on the walls. According to the installation method, this baguette resembles a guide profile used for the construction of suspended ceiling structures from drywall;
- ceiling - it is attached to the base base and is used when there is no possibility of mounting the profile to the walls;
- separation - is a connecting baguette, it is used to make stretch ceilings - the device of which is to be performed in large rooms (from 60 "squares"). In this case, it is likely that the PVC sheet will sag under its own weight, so they are installed as separate ceiling systems.
Canvas and harpoon mount
For the manufacture of the canvas, a polyvinyl chloride film is used, which is in rolls, while materials with a glossy texture are produced with a width of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8 meters, and matte products - 1.5, 2.0 and 2.7 meters. Segments of the desired length of the same color or shade are pre-cut, and then they are connected to HDTV machines in a single canvas, as in the photo.
The seam after soldering is straight and thin, almost imperceptible (read: "Stretch ceilings - soldering, features of soldered canvases"). The pattern of the canvas is made less than the area of \u200b\u200bthe ceiling by about 5-15%. This is necessary to obtain a high-quality result, since the material is stretched in order to obtain a perfectly flat surface.
When running the device suggests PVC fixing films using the harpoon method. The harpoon is a rigid plastic plate, which has a special shape, which is fixed by welding along the perimeter of the web. This fastener necessary for fixing the film in the baguette.
Installation of stretch ceilings is considered to be one of the most progressive and modern methods finishing ceilings, firstly, due to the speed of installation tension structures and secondly, in terms of design. However, the seemingly simple system of PVC ceilings is actually very laborious and difficult to install on your own.
In this regard, most customers prefer to turn to the services of professionals who have sufficient experience and have specialized installation equipment and tools.
Do-it-yourself installation of a stretch ceiling with a strong desire is, of course, possible, but, one way or another, a call to specialists is necessary: only they can make qualified measurements and manufacture PVC sheets of the required parameters in accordance with them (see). Read on to learn more about stretch ceiling technology.
Building materials and fasteners used during installation
To install stretch ceiling structures, the following materials will be required:
- PVC profile (baguette) designed for stretch ceilings;
- fabric made from PVC film(PVC) - it is connected by soldering from the right amount pieces of material and bordered around the perimeter with a harpoon;
- flashing - a decorative element that will close the gap formed between the wall and the stretch ceiling;
- self-tapping screws and dowels - will be needed for attaching profiles to walls or a ceiling base.
Profile for stretch ceiling systems
Manufacturers offer to purchase not only a PVC baguette, but also aluminum (see). The classification of the profile depending on the method of fastening is as follows:
- wall-mounted - the most popular view baguette; it is fixed on the walls and, according to the method of installation, resembles the fastening of the guide profile during construction suspended ceilings from drywall;
- ceiling - fixed to the ceiling and is used in cases where it is not possible to install the profile on the walls;
- separation - a connecting baguette used when it is required to install a ceiling in large areas (60 m 2 or more); in this case, the probability of PVC sheet sagging under the weight of its own weight is quite high, so stretch ceilings are installed in the form of separate mounting groups.
Advice! As a rule, a profile for stretch ceilings is produced with a length of 2.50 m, but during installation it can be cut with a “grinder” into segments of the required length.
Installation of a stretch ceiling involves the initial installation of a baguette to the walls or ceiling around the perimeter of the room, as well as further fixing and tensioning the PVC film (see).
PVC web and harpoon system
The canvas is made, as already mentioned, from rolls of PVC film. Rolls of film with a glossy texture are produced in widths of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.8 m; matte width is 1.5, 2.0 and 2.7 m. The required number of segments of the same color is prepared, which are then connected by soldering.
The joints are thin and straight, after installation they are almost invisible. The pattern of the canvas is made with a smaller area relative to the ceiling by 5-15%, which is necessary for stretching the film and obtaining a high-quality result - a perfectly flat ceiling (see).
A harpoon is a flexible but rigid PVC plate of a special shape, fastened by welding along the perimeter of the canvas and used to fix it in a baguette. The harpoon has a greater density than the canvas itself, and is quite simply inserted into the profiles. The device of stretch ceilings involves secure fastening harpoon in baguettes, it happens without any effort. This fastener is named so because of the similarity with the design of a well-known fishing tool.
Experts call the harpoon fastening system one of the strongest and most reliable: it can handle not only the load formed by the weight of the stretch ceiling, but also additional effects. For example, it is able to withstand a significant amount of water in the event that your apartment is flooded by neighbors from above.
Stretch ceiling installation
Installation of stretch ceilings is carried out in this order:
- Marking is applied to the walls - a horizontal line along which the profile will be attached.
Advice! Marking on the walls before mounting the baguette should be applied using building level. This will ensure perfect evenness of the lines and a high-quality end result.
- By means of self-tapping screws, a baguette is installed on the markup.
- The PVC sheet is hung with hooks from the draft ceiling.
- The room where the installation is made is heated to a temperature of 50-60 0 C, for which a heat gun is used.
- Through certain time the film acquires elasticity and softness, becomes easily stretchable. This means that it is the turn of attaching the canvas to the baguette. The PVC sheet is stretched, the harpoon system is inserted into the profile with a construction spatula. After the harpoon cools down, it straightens inside the baguette, forming a strong connection.
- The room is cooled to room temperature, after which the film is compressed and stretched. During this process, the canvas is finally straightened, and the surface of the ceiling becomes even and beautiful.
- The final step is the installation decorative flashing. He "hides" the gaps between the baguette and the walls. The flashing is fixed on the profile by means of specially provided teeth placed on both fasteners. Decorative element It is made from the same material as the harpoon and is purchased together with it.
The installation of stretch ceiling structures is presented in the video of the relevant topic, presented on our portal.
This is how the installation of stretch ceilings looks like. Despite the complexity self installation, now you know its technology, and this will help to control and evaluate the work of invited specialists. Choose stretch ceilings for your home, and it will be a model of style and beauty not only for you, but also for your friends and acquaintances.
When it comes to the next repair of the ceiling, which often happens once every few years, already at the very first stage, various financial and financial difficulties begin to pile up. technical plan. When choosing standard way finishes using various water-based and water-dispersion coloring compositions at a minimum, the premises must be evicted or closed for a sufficiently long period. In this case, furniture, walls and flooring inevitably suffer.
Benefits of installing a stretch ceiling
Installing a stretch ceiling is great way avoid all these problems. The installation technology itself has long been brought to perfection. Moreover, the installation of a stretch ceiling does not require special labor-intensive costs for the preparation of the premises, and all work is carried out practically without the formation of dust and dirt.
Stretch ceiling structures do not interfere with the installation of various lighting fixtures, as well as all kinds of communications related to alarm, ventilation or electrical wiring.
All applied PVC films are fireproof. They do not support the combustion process, and at high temperatures they only melt without releasing any harmful substances. Therefore, the choice in favor of a stretch ceiling for several hours will seriously and permanently solve the problem of the device. ceiling surface in any room.
As a rule, at the first stage managers of any solid company familiarize the customer with the range of products available tension materials. And this is where the main problems begin for the customer. Because of great variety invoice selection and colors stretch fabrics sometimes it can be quite difficult to make a specific decision. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly explain the planned style of the room to the designer, and he will quickly outline the range of all suitable options.
Next, the company's technologist makes careful measurements of the proposed premises and transfers the results to production. The accuracy of all measurements taken is a guarantee quality installation all tension system. Well, it's definitely not the customer's concern! BUT good specialists with the wide range of modern measuring instruments complete the task quickly and efficiently.
And here comes the long-awaited day of installing a stretch ceiling. For specially trained personnel, this does not present any particular difficulties, and in a few hours the selected room will take on a completely different look. The installation process itself is as follows:
All the efficiency of the installation work is due to the fact that the PVC film for each specific premises is a single piece that is cut out and subsequently welded in strict accordance with required dimensions. Thus, the installation of stretch ceiling structures of any complexity for a standard room does not take more than 4 hours. For all the seeming simplicity, the installation of a stretch ceiling must be carried out with strict adherence to a certain technology and only by specially trained personnel. Only in this case, the installation will be completed quickly and efficiently!
To modern species decorative finishes apartments and houses can be safely attributed to stretch ceilings. A wide range of colors and a glossy surface of the material used make the interior beautiful and practical. simple technology installation of stretch ceilings allows installation even for a beginner home master.
Fabric for stretch ceilings is made of polyvinyl chloride or fabric impregnated with polyurethane. PVC film withstands loads up to 100 kg per 1 sq.cm.
For example, consider the technology of installing a stretch ceiling made of PVC film. Modern stretch PVC ceilings are able to withstand a lot of water in case of flooding from above. The collected water can be easily removed without removing the ceiling. To give the ceiling its original appearance, it is enough to warm it up with a heat gun over the entire surface.
Stretch ceilings are mounted within a few hours. In practice, installation can be performed by any home master with one assistant. To do this, read the article to the end and read the rules and recommendations.
Necessary materials
Stretch ceilings are mounted on a special profile (baguette). This profile is also called harpoon because of the attachment method. PVC sheets. Stretch ceilings are mounted on a baguette with a special soft profile called a "harpoon".
It is welded to the edge of the canvas. The baguette is produced from aluminum or plastic.
The required measurement accuracy is up to tenths of a centimeter. Dimensions in centimeters are recorded first along the perimeter, and then diagonally.
The amount of baguette corresponds to the perimeter of the room. The profile should fit tightly to each other, so add another 10 cm to the resulting perimeter. This margin will allow you not to make a mistake when trimming the profile at the final stage of fastening.
To fix the profile on the wall, plastic dowels 6 x 40 mm are used. To install fixtures on the ceiling, wooden dies are mounted. For their installation, U-shaped suspensions are used.
To close the gap between the wall and the ceiling canvas, a decorative plug (insert) is used. It must be bought in an amount equal to the amount of the profile (baguette).
For easy mounting spotlights plastic platforms and tread rings are used.
PVC fabric can be ordered by size from companies that install stretch ceilings. There you can also buy glue for thermal rings for lighting devices and a flexible plug (plinth) between the canvas and the wall.
Mounting tool
To install a stretch ceiling, you will need the following set of tools:
- Water or laser level
- Pencil and measuring tape
- Heat gun, propane gun
- Stretch ceiling spatulas
- Clamps for fastening the stretch ceiling fabric
- Electric drill or hammer drill
- Drill for concrete with a diameter of 6 mm
- screwdriver
- Painting thread
- A hammer
- Hacksaw or grinder
Installation technique and principle of operation
The technology of installation of stretch ceilings made of PVC film includes six stages:
- markup
- Profile fastening (baguette)
- Installation of embedded parts for lighting devices
- Web tension
- Installation of fixtures
- Plug installation
Ceiling height
The height of the stretch ceiling can be lowered by 3 cm from the existing ceiling. In the event that recessed luminaires are used, the ceiling is lowered to the height of the luminaire.
For marking, a laser or water level is used. Determined horizontal plane, and marks are placed on each wall. At the marked points, a line is beaten off with a paint chopping cord.
Drilling holes
Holes 6 cm deep are drilled along the marked lines with a step of 7-15 cm with a 6 mm concrete drill. At the joints, a step of 1-2 cm.
A frequent step will ensure a secure fastening of the profile to the wall. Plastic dowels are hammered into the holes.
It is important to know! The profile must be positioned so that the joint with the adjacent profile does not fall into a corner. It is fastened with self-tapping screws into dowels to the wall and, if necessary, it is cut from the side that is adjacent to the wall, and then bent at the desired angle.
We use plywood to mount the chandelier
Almost any chandelier can be mounted in the ceilings and lighting. To fix the chandelier, plywood 10 mm thick and 20 x 20 cm in size is used. It is fixed to the ceiling with U-shaped brackets, dowels and self-tapping screws.
Important to remember! The limitation for spotlights in a stretch ceiling is power. It should not be more than 50 watts.
Before the stretch ceilings are attached to the baguette, the lighting wiring is installed. The wiring is laid in a corrugated sleeve and fastened with clamps to the floor slabs.
Stretching PVC film
When stretching the PVC film, the room should warm up to +60 degrees. Available indoors houseplants recommended to be removed. Heating is done with a propane heat gun.
At this temperature, the film becomes elastic and it is convenient to work with it. A soft profile for fastening (harpoon) is welded along the edges of the canvas. On the canvas, the manufacturer marks the base angle from which the installation begins.
At two opposite corners, the film is attached to the clips to the profile. When the canvas has warmed up, its harpoon is driven with a spatula into the groove of the baguette until it snaps into place.
The scheme for stretching the canvas looks like this: corners - middle. Important to remember! The film is heated during the entire installation time.
Installing the thermal ring
In the place where the lamp will be (under the plywood blank), a thermal ring is glued. After the glue has dried, the film inside the profile is cut along the contour. Through the hole, a lighting device is attached to the embedded part with wood screws.
A decorative insert (plug) is inserted into the gap between the wall and the stretch ceiling. It will close the gap and hide the small irregularities of the wall. Stretch ceiling installation completed.
To more clearly see how to install stretch ceilings with your own hands, the video below will help you.
Stretch ceiling - the only type of ceiling, which is impossible to do on your own. The fact is that for installation you need special equipment, which you buy only in order to make worthy repair in the same apartment, it makes no sense. Therefore, the installation of stretch ceilings is entrusted to professionals.
Stretch ceilings do this: the material is stretched between the walls and fixed. Their prototype was invented by the ancient Armenians - they took a fabric from cotton, soaked it, stretched it, and when it dried, it formed a smooth surface. A similar technology was used by the French, who are known as the inventors of stretch ceilings, but now non-woven materials are used.
Kinds
This type of ceiling is made from a polyvinyl chloride film, as well as from a polyester fabric, which is a knitted fabric made of polyester impregnated with polyurethane.
There are several types of stretch ceilings: with seams, seamless and fiberglass.
Ceilings with seams are mounted from a PVC film. The strip width is from 1300 to 2200 mm. To obtain a canvas, the strips are welded together using a special technology, and an almost imperceptible seam is formed.
The ceiling film is thin, but very durable, it does not let water through and can withstand it. 
strong enough pressure. It burns very badly.
A PVC film ceiling is resilient and elastic at room temperature, but when heated, it can sag. As a result, built-in luminaires must have power limitations. If the ceiling cools, it stretches again, however, if the temperature drops to zero, then the canvas becomes brittle and rigid, and collapses at -40. Therefore, in unheated premises it is not applied.
The ceiling canvas is painted to its full thickness even during manufacture, the color palette is very extensive. The texture can also be varied: glossy and matte, wood, leather or marble, Venetian plaster, reminiscent of satin, perforated, embossed, moire and iridescent.
A stretch ceiling made of PVC film can be not only flat, but arched, stepped, multi-level. In any case, he is afraid of sharp objects, and you can wash him very carefully and better with a sponge.
Seamless ceilings are made of polyester fabric. This is a polyester canvas impregnated with a thermoset polyurethane composition giving it stability and resilience. From the manufacturer, this fabric is supplied in rolls 4 meters wide, which in most cases allows you to create a ceiling without seams. If you need to connect the panels together, they are sewn together or fastened with a profile, since it is impossible to weld it. This ceiling has high strength, waterproof.
Polyester fabric ceilings have the opposite property of PVC film - they shrink under the action of high temperature. Therefore, during installation, PVC ceilings are first heated and then stretched, while polyester ceilings are stretched and then heated. Initially, such a ceiling can only be matte white, and only then, if the customer wishes, it can be tinted or painted. In addition, such a surface can be applied 
any image - photo, reproduction, drawing.
Polyester fabric is able to maintain characteristics even when low temperatures, remaining elastic at -30. This property allows them to be used on a loggia or balcony and in other rooms without heating. Unfortunately, such a ceiling cannot be made complex shape, and the available choice of surface textures is very limited.
The fiberglass ceiling is new variety stretch ceilings. They are pulled onto the frame without any heating, mechanically and then stained with desired color waterborne paint. So far, this technology has not been perfected, therefore, if the manufacturer gives a guarantee of 10 years for other types of ceilings, then this one - only 5.
Price
The price of the ceiling increases in sequence from "satin", then go matte, and then - glossy. The color of the ceiling does not affect the price, unless, of course, you require a photo of a person dear to you to be applied to it. It should be borne in mind that the number of corners affects the cost - the more there are, the more expensive the ceiling. In addition, the trapezoidal geometry of the ceiling and semicircular corners increase the price.
The ceiling rises in price due to the presence in the room heating pipes, because the bypass of each will have to be separately measured and cut out. Built-in lamps or chandeliers are paid separately. This point should be discussed immediately at the office of the company. It happens that unscrupulous companies lure customers to them low prices, and during the execution it turns out that the chandelier, which the installers removed, is hung back for money. The customer himself cannot do this, because the ceilings cannot be scratched, but the wire must be let out through this ceiling. Therefore, the client has to pay installers, in excess of the price agreed in advance.
Ordinary flat ceilings are the cheapest. Then prices rise - two-level, domed, "dunes", "waves", etc.
Mounting
All PVC film ceilings are arranged according to the same scheme. First on one 
horizontal level around the perimeter of the room, a fastening and decorative profile, called a baguette, is mounted. Then the canvas is fixed on baguettes at the corners and heated with a heat gun. The film after that becomes soft and very pliable, it is stretched and fixed in the same baguette. When cooling, the ceiling film shrinks and stretches very tightly. It becomes an absolutely perfect smooth and even ceiling. In its center there is usually a slight sag, but only a few millimeters and it is completely invisible to the eye. Experts advise: if the ceiling has large area, then it would be nice to fix a chandelier in its center. It will play the role of additional fasteners against sagging.
Baguettes are made of PVC and aluminum. The first is lower than the second and is thirty millimeters. This does not mean that it will take a lot of space from the height of the room.
