Stretch ceiling is by far the best solution for apartments and houses. It helps to give the room more volume, hide the shortcomings of the base floor and wires, and protect against leaks and noise. Their installation is easy and does without annoying construction debris. And one more indisputable plus - stretch ceilings are very effective.
Reliable fastening to the ceiling: stretch ceiling as a component of interior design
Recently, stretch ceilings occupy not the last place in the market of building finishing materials. It became possible to choose a vinyl canvas of different structures. There are matte, satin, glossy. Also, the stretch ceiling can be with seams and seamless.
Mounting methods
In general, the technology of fastening a stretch ceiling involves the use of various fixing methods.
Among them, the most common are:
- Harpoon;
- Harpoonless;
- Cam.
Each of them is distinguished by the level of complexity of measurements, cutting of fabric, installation and terms of work.
The reliability of the entire structure depends on the quality of the chosen method of fastening.
As a rule, specialists choose exactly the installation method that is ideal for a particular room, taking into account all its features.
Common ways of attaching a stretch ceiling to the ceiling
To fix the stretch ceiling, various methods are used. But all methods are united by a baguette mount. Its essence lies in the fact that a profile is attached around the entire perimeter of the room, to which, in turn, the material of the stretch ceiling is mounted. And after that, the common features in the installation end, because depending on the size of the room, it depends which type of fastening will be chosen.
First of all, the installation takes into account the evenness of the base ceiling. If it is relatively flat and the light source is a large chandelier, then ceiling mounts are used. With the curvature of the draft ceiling, it is better to fix the ceiling to the walls.
If you decide to take such a desperate step as self-installation of the ceiling, then consult with experts, watch video tutorials.
Basically, three main installation systems are used: harpoon, harpoonless and cam.
The harpoon method is the most complex and time-consuming. It requires accurate measurements and maximum compliance of the canvas with the parameters of the room. If the specialist decided to fix the ceiling in this way, be prepared for the fact that the installation will last more than one day.
Advantages and disadvantages of fastening methods
One of the advantages of this method is the possibility of reinstalling the ceiling if necessary. There are many more disadvantages.
These include:
- The complexity of the installation process;
- The presence of a welded seam (harpoon);
- Application only when installing PVC ceilings;
- The presence of sagging in the center;
- The indent from the main ceiling is 5 cm;
- The welded harpoon is the weak link in the system.
The next method is harpoonless or wedge. It is also called the bead fastening method. This is the most affordable type of installation, so it is used more often.
The benefits include:
- Possibility of using with plastic, foam plinth or flexible insert;
- Availability of technology;
- In case of leakage, it is possible to dismantle only the damaged part of the web;
- Can be used in round rooms.
- So far, a universal system for mounting stretch ceilings has not been invented.
Disadvantages of wedge installation:
- The inability to dismantle the ceiling;
- The presence of a centimeter gap between the ceiling and the wall;
- Possible loose fastening;
- This method cannot be used when installing multi-level ceilings with foam plinth and the presence of round level transitions.
- The cam method is more complicated than the harpoonless one.
But among its obvious advantages:
- The ability to attach the canvas as high as possible;
- No gaps;
The disadvantages of this method include the impossibility of mounting ceilings in large rooms without the use of additional stiffeners. Before the master proceeds with the installation of the ceiling, discuss not only the structure, pattern, cost, but also other nuances of installation work.
Possible ways of attaching a stretch ceiling to the ceiling: diagrams
For each type of tension structure, its own fastening system is selected, the scheme of which is not only individual, but also worked out to the smallest nuances.
The fastening system reflects to some extent the nationality of the manufacturer.
There are Dutch and French types of fasteners that are popular when installing decorative canvases. The bead (wedge) fastening system was developed by Russian craftsmen. It is used in the installation of vinyl ceilings of domestic manufacturers. This fastening system is not designed for denser structures. But, nevertheless, the use of a glazing bead (wedge) during installation significantly reduces the cost of the installation process.
It will also be useful material on the choice of components for stretch ceilings:
Frequently asked question: is it possible to mount a stretch ceiling to the ceiling
When installing a stretch ceiling, depending on your wishes, there may be decorative elements and other finishes. It all depends on the possibilities of the premises and the qualifications of specialists. One of the frequently asked questions from customers to installation companies is: "Can a stretch ceiling be attached to the ceiling?".
If the master shrugged indifferently, then it is better to refuse his services. An experienced craftsman will draw your attention to how exactly the builders laid the slabs. Only on how even the base ceiling is. It depends on this whether the profile will be fixed to the ceiling or walls.
Installation of stretch ceilings (video)
Most stretch ceilings are installed in one day. It all depends on the complexity of the design, on which canvas you have chosen, and, accordingly, the fastening system determined by the master. Don't be put off by the longer process, because the result will certainly meet all your expectations!
Even if you made a high-quality repair in the apartment, taking into account all modern fashion trends, and the base of the ceiling remained crumpled and twisted, with the presence of ordinary whitewashing, the whole appearance and aesthetics of the room will be practically equal to zero. What to do, you ask? It's simple: today it is possible to install a high-quality stretch ceiling, which will be perfectly combined with any interior of an apartment or house. But, in turn, another question arises: how is the stretch ceiling attached? Well, let's understand the intricacies of such material.
The stretch ceiling is becoming more and more popular every day due to the many advantages over other ceilings.
Stretch ceilings and benefits of use
Stretch ceilings, in comparison with conventional ones, have a number of undoubted advantages.
Perfectly flat surface. has a large amount of work aimed at eliminating various defects. This includes the filling of fixing points, and the sealing of cracks and seams, and the installation of plates by levels. Of course, obtaining a flat surface is a very difficult task. The stretch ceiling is spared from this, as it is a solid canvas, which has no joints. But, many will object, are there soldered sections of the film? Undoubtedly, but they are practically invisible. And at the same time there is also a seamless stretch ceiling.
Schemes of stretch ceiling installation methods: 1. Harpoon; 2. Wedge; 3. Cam
Easy installation. For example, if drywall is used, then during operation there is a large amount of dust and various construction debris. In addition, it requires the removal of furniture and other things, which creates a lot of inconvenience. After all, performing sheet bending, subsequent puttying, painting, and the like, you can just ruin it all. This moment is completely absent when using a tension system - for the device it is enough to warm up the room, stretch the web. Then it remains only to fix it. Those. removal of furniture is recommended, but if this is not possible, just move it to the center of the room or leave everything unchanged.
Functionality. Similar products are also mounted in a room with a low initial base: tension systems take up to 50 mm of space, while conventional suspension systems often take up more than 100 mm.
Stretch ceilings serve as heat and sound insulation, they are also attached in the kitchen, as they are fireproof and it is possible to attach any lighting device to them.
Lifetime. Manufacturers guarantee at least 10 years of service for such products, while suspended ones are much less. In addition, suspended structures during shrinkage of the house can give rise to cracks in the putty and sheets.
The stretch ceiling is able to retain water, so that the apartment will not be flooded.
In addition, sometimes there is flooding by neighbors from above. In this case, the suspension system will have to be repaired or changed altogether, and stretch ceilings are fearless about moisture. They will simply sag and will not tear (the strength of a PVC stretch ceiling is 100 kg / m 2).
And the accumulated water is easily pumped out, the ceiling will be in its original position. Such a system does not collect condensate. Accordingly, it is used where there is high humidity.
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Aesthetic focus
If you decide to mount a stretch ceiling, then in terms of aesthetics, you will not have any drawbacks. Manufacturers produce film with different colors and tones (metal, wood, marble, etc.). At the same time, the surface can be both matte and glossy, which will help to visually increase the space of the room.
To create a more beautiful view of the stretch ceiling, you can use LEDs and a light generator. Those. the first are sent to the points of the intended illumination (kind of stars), with the help of the second element, light is supplied. The effect will be amazing.
Got it sorted out. But stretch ceilings have some disadvantages:
- a sharp (and not only) object can damage the base;
- cost - 1 m 2 of material costs an average of 20-30 dollars.
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Preparation for the installation process
Before you start fixing the stretch ceiling, you need to do the following:
- remove all unnecessary from the surface of the base: plaster, whitewash, various contaminants;
- to avoid inflating the ceiling with the wind, foam the presence of cracks and holes with foam (mounting);
- if possible, make a free passage to the walls (you can just move the furniture set, and then cover it with foil);
- if there is hanging wiring, then it is attached to an existing base to prevent damage to the new one;
- before warming up the room (if the ceiling is made of PVC), it is recommended to remove the sloping corners from the plastic windows (if any).
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Stretch ceiling device
Tools needed for stretch ceiling installation.
First prepare the necessary tools:
- hydraulic level;
- screwdriver and screws;
- glue;
- heat gun (or other device that gives heat);
- protractor;
- for fixing the ceiling, you can use a special profile - a baguette.
Let's start installation:
- They find the lower corners of the room with a hydraulic level, retreat a couple of centimeters and make a mark (the stock is needed to make it convenient to fix the profile).
- Further, a zero mark is applied in the same way along all the perimeters of the walls.
- The next step is to make angular measurements of the room in order to ensure an even joining of the profiles using a special folding protractor.
- The marks are made, the profile is fastened. But first, prepare the profile rails. There are 2 parts available:
- less than the width of the room;
- more along the length of the room.
The sequence of installation of a stretch ceiling in the room.
In the first situation, the edges of the slats need to be cut at an angle that is equal to half the angle of the room (measured with a folding protractor).
The second option involves sawing one edge with the size of half the corner of the room, and the second - at an angle of 90 ° C (for a more convenient connection of the profile). Next, the missing sections of the profiles are taken and the same is done, only bevels are performed for opposite corners. Two sections of the profile must be glued with glue.
Then the profiles are fixed on the walls at the planned levels with dowels or self-tapping screws. The result was a room where the profile is attached around the entire perimeter.
- The heat gun (fan) is turned on, and the room warms up to a temperature of at least 40-50 C. And only then the film is unwound, but at some distance from the fan heater.
- They begin to stretch the material from the main angle (it is marked on the coating), then the opposite diagonal is attached. The rest are exactly the same.
- After fastening the four corners, from them to the center of the room, it is necessary to fix the sides (sides). At the same time, keep in mind that the ceiling is stretched to an elastic state. These steps apply to PVC material. When fabric stretch ceilings are used, fasteners are exactly the opposite. Those. First, the sides are attached, and then the corners.
Everything is ready. Nothing complicated. All that remained was the insertion of decorative plugs that hide the film fasteners, and the installation of a lighting device (chandelier).
How to attach a chandelier? We prepare a plastic ring. In this case, the outer diameter should be such that the decorative lining of the chandelier hides it. Then the product must be glued to the material (the center must match the markings of the fixture of the lighting device). After waiting for the glue to dry, a hole is made and a chandelier is attached (there must be a hook for this).
Having made such a ceiling with your own hands, you will create a cozy and aesthetic room. And if you additionally decorate it with acrylic paints (waves, clouds, etc.), then an unforgettable impression of being in such an environment will be guaranteed!
Stretch ceiling - perhaps the most beautiful and perfect type of ceiling covering. The technology for arranging such ceilings was invented in Switzerland in the middle of the last century. In Russia, stretch ceilings are sometimes called French because this country is the leading manufacturer of materials for their installation.
Many people dream of installing stretch ceilings in their home, but they believe that it will cost them too much. However, you can save quite a bit if you mount such a structure yourself. In this article we will give a description of what tools and materials will be required for this.
What are stretch ceilings made of?
The stretch ceiling is made of polyvinyl chloride. Less commonly used is a fabric made from a polyester-based material (more details: ""). This canvas is stretched over a metal profile. To understand how a stretch ceiling is attached, we recommend that you look at photos of such structures and read the instructions for their installation.
Comparison of stretch and suspended ceilings
A feature of suspended ceilings is that their surface is mounted from several panels. And this means that:
- you need to painstakingly adjust the height of the attachment of each plate so that they are all on the same level;
- it is necessary to seal the seams between the panels;
- the ceiling will have to be puttied and treated with a primer.
And what is most offensive, all the efforts expended do not guarantee that the resulting surface will be flawlessly even. At the same time, the stretch ceiling gives a perfectly flat surface, because they consist of a single canvas.
Advantages of stretch ceilings
Disadvantages of stretch ceilings
- The tension coating can be accidentally damaged by any sharp object.
- Stretch ceilings are fastened using professional equipment and require special knowledge.
- The cost of a tensile structure is higher than the cost of most other types of ceilings.
- Heating negatively affects the material, therefore, either LED elements or incandescent lamps up to 50 W are placed in lamps installed on such a ceiling.
Measurements and preparatory work
Installing a profile
- We already know what the stretch ceiling is attached to - to the frame of the profile rails. They are nailed with dowels to the walls at the level of a pre-drawn line.
- Then, with the help of a construction fan, the air in the room is heated to 40 degrees.
- After that, the canvas is unwound and heated with the same fan to a temperature of about 60 degrees.
- The stretching of the canvas begins with fixing it in the base corner of the profile. Then the canvas is fixed diagonally on the opposite corner of the room, and then in the two remaining corners. See also: "".
- Finally, the film is fixed in the sides of the profile, from the corners to the center.
Stretch ceilings have long been an integral part of modern construction. They are a construction based on a thin, but very durable fabric, which is stretched over a frame prepared in a special way. In accordance with the shape and design of the frame, the features of the finished ceiling, the specific number of levels, and the distance from the base base are determined. Reliability, strength and durability of the product are largely determined by the specific method of fastening.
General rules and requirements
Mounting methods are determined by the type of fastening used. Fastening systems are based on the use of aluminum profiles or PVC baguettes. They are used to create a frame, which is then fixed to the base ceiling or walls. Depending on this, methods for installing stretch ceilings based on profiles or baguettes are distinguished.
Systems for fixing the frame of tension structures include the use of special dowels and self-tapping screws of increased strength. When choosing any type of fastening, an obligatory moment is to ensure the strength of the finished structure, its resistance to long-term stress, which is created by a stretched ceiling sheet. Therefore, the frame must be fastened to a reliable foundation based on concrete, metal or brick. Depending on this, the surface used for fastening is selected. Either the walls or the base surface of the ceiling become it.
If it is necessary to fix the frame on a plasterboard surface, dowels specially designed for this purpose are used, which increase the strength characteristics of the structure. They are in the shape of a butterfly.
In the case of wooden walls, stretch ceilings can only be installed with the provision of an additional stiffening element installed around the entire perimeter of the base ceiling. If this requirement is ignored, the integrity of the wooden structure may be violated under the influence of the tension created by the stretched canvas.
Types of installation of tension structures
Currently, four main types of web fastening are used:
- harpoon;
- wedge;
- glazing bead;
- "clipso".
All of them have their pros and cons. The choice of a particular technique is determined by the shape of the ceiling surface, the financial capabilities of the customer, and some other factors.
Harpoon way
This method is one of the most expensive and at the same time simple and reliable ways of fastening tension structures. In its implementation, it is necessary to accurately calculate the parameters of the ceiling canvas. A specially developed computer program is used to carry out calculations and subsequent cutting. In the manufacture of the web, a deviation of only a few millimeters is allowed. On-site adjustment is not allowed.
The method consists in performing the following actions:
- around the entire perimeter of the PVC film, an edging is made on the basis of a solid material (in appearance it resembles a hook);
- with the help of edging, the canvas is fixed in profile;
- the use of harpoon technology during installation makes it possible to significantly reduce it due to the fact that the film is stretched during installation.
Before stretching the web, it must be warmed up and inserted into the profile grooves for fastening.
The film is stretched first diagonally, then around the entire perimeter. After the film has cooled, the web is finally stretched and an ideal, evenly stretched, smooth and even surface is obtained.
- When using this method of mounting tension structures, there is no need to fix skirting boards on the walls - this is perhaps one of the main advantages of harpoon technology.
- The installation of stretch ceilings using this system is much faster than the installation of stretch ceilings with a glazing bead or wedge system.
- Harpoon ceilings can be dismantled and reinstalled, which is extremely important in case of unforeseen repairs or in case of leakage from the upper floor.
Bead fastening method
This is perhaps the most accessible of all mounting methods. To install the ceiling in accordance with the glazing bead system, the PVC sheet must be made larger than the main ceiling.
The profiles are fixed on the walls, very close to the ceiling. The cloth is mounted to profiles.
The distance between the stretch and main ceilings is 1.5 cm. The film is attached to the profile using a plinth. It can be made on the basis of foam or plastic. Using this mounting method, you can easily access the main ceiling if you need to eliminate the effects of flooding or replace wiring.
With the bead fixing method, the main structural elements are:
- glazing bead based on wood or plastic;
- special aluminum baguette;
- inserts;
- canvas directly.
Beads are used to attach the canvas to the baguette.
The main advantage of this method is the absence of the need for accurate measurements of the room, since the installation of the canvas is carried out with a 15-20 cm margin around the entire perimeter. The cost of such work is quite low.
The main disadvantage of this method is the unrepairability in case of damage to the surface.
wedge method
This option is an ideal choice for connoisseurs of high quality at a decent price.
First, a mounting profile is installed along the entire perimeter with an indent of 3 cm from the main ceiling, after which the edges are clamped in the profile using special cone-shaped elements - wedges. When the canvas begins to cool, it is tensioned, resulting in a very flat surface. Excess parts of the canvas are simply cut off or hidden behind the skirting boards.
The main advantages of the method:
- when using the wedge method, there is no need to carry out preliminary calculations: knowledge of the geometry of space is sufficient;
- such systems can be customized on site, which makes their use very convenient when working in rooms with decor elements of a space of complex configuration;
- this method is considered the cheapest, which often becomes the determining factor in its choice.
Among the disadvantages of the wedge system, it should be noted:
- manual method of tensioning the canvas, which in the future often leads to its sagging;
- the inability to dismantle the structure and reinstall it (for example, in the event of a leak)
Clipso fastening system
The second name of the method is “clothespin”. It is specially designed for Clipso or Descor fabric ceilings. The method combined the features of the harpoon and wedge mounting systems. The installation process is greatly simplified due to the use of a special latch - “clothespins” in the profile itself and as a result of the strength characteristics of the cloth based on fabric. All this allows you to create flawless ceilings.
All that is needed for its application of the method is a canvas and a baguette. The canvas is inserted into the baguette with a spatula. Fixation is carried out using cams previously made in a baguette. Since there should be no gaps in it, the use of a plinth is impractical. The web tension is produced without preheating.
This method significantly reduces the installation time and is suitable for homeowners who strongly object to heating the interior, as well as in cases where, for certain reasons, heating is not possible. In these cases, gas-free installation of ceilings is carried out, which makes it possible to install ceilings in places where it was not possible before.
The Clipso method is one of the most expensive.
Stretch ceilings are becoming more and more used over time, gradually overtaking plasterboard constructions in popularity.
The thing is that the stretch ceiling looks much more beautiful, due to the wide variety of PVC colors and it is easy to mount it, everything is done very quickly, without clogging the room.
Often people ask themselves: is it possible to combine stretch and suspended ceilings? After all, a multi-level combined ceiling looks richer and causes more amazement, PVC and plasterboard sheets are perfectly combined with each other in the end result.
Is it possible to make a combination of suspended and stretch ceilings?
This question can be answered unequivocally - yes. For professionals, this is no problem. Of course, the installation of such a ceiling will take more time, but in the end you get a spectacular view.
But still there are some nuances in fixing combined ceilings:
1. In stretch ceilings, additional reinforcement is needed in order to ensure the safety of drywall at the time of stretching the canvas.
It could be:
- Double plasterboard.
- Plywood with drywall.
- Wooden mortgage, which is used when lowering the height of the stretch ceiling.
2. The impossibility of stretching PVC on a surface with sharp corners or sharp bends.
How should the process go?
The whole process of creating a stretch ceiling is quite simple. Mounting profiles are attached around the entire perimeter, in several places a film is attached to them, previously prepared for the size of the ceiling. It is heated with a heat gun and gently tucked under the profile with a spatula. Thus, the film is stretched around the entire perimeter, acquiring the desired shape.
After turning off the gun, a natural cooling process takes place, it is very important at this moment to prevent drafts, otherwise you will get poor-quality work.
But the task becomes more complicated if the stretch fabric needs to be attached to the drywall sheet. Here it is necessary to take into account the fact that it may not withstand the load.
How to proceed in this case?
Fixing a stretch ceiling to drywall
Attaching mounting profiles to drywall with a self-tapping screw or dowel will not work, as they will simply break out. The only correct option would be the embedded profiles to which the mounting plate will be attached. Mortgages will be responsible for the safety of drywall and are able to withstand the load that the stretch ceiling will carry out.
What are embedded profiles?
These are ordinary profiles that are made from the same material as profiles for drywall systems. To strengthen the installation site of the ceiling, you can use for mortgages and a wooden block.
You can stretch the canvas after completing all the finishing work in the room. For a multi-level ceiling, you need to fix all mortgages before hemming the lower level of drywall.
Varieties of PVC fastening:
1. french mount. The most difficult type of fastening, since the size of the canvas must exactly match the size of the ceiling. An aluminum bar is installed around the entire perimeter, into which the film is fixed.
When installing a strip on drywall, it is attached to the profile holding the sheet.
2. Dutch mount implies the ability to cut off the excess ends of the film, so the canvas is made 10 cm smaller than the ceiling itself. PVC is fixed with two straps, as in an embroidery hoop.
3. Cam fasteners suitable for multi-level ceilings. The film is pushed into the fixing cams with a spatula and, after heating, is clamped into them.
