Which ceiling to choose

Classification of stretch ceilings.

You may have already guessed that in this case we are talking about materials used for the production of stretch ceilings. The most common material is still PVC film. In everyday life, such ceilings are called "PVC stretch ceilings."

The film made of polyvinyl chloride is characterized by absolute smoothness. When choosing a tensile structure, you can give preference to one of several textures - matte, satin or glossy. PVC ceilings are ductile, flexible structures that are typically installed with shrinkage to provide maximum tension once installed.

Also on the market there are stretch ceilings made of polyester fabric. The material is a durable synthetic fabric of particularly complex knitting, which is impregnated with special polymer compounds to ensure better performance. A ceiling made of fabric has only a matte surface structure.

For the production of stretch ceilings, the thinnest reinforced composite fiber, also impregnated with polymer compounds, is also used. As in the case of fabric stretch ceilings, reinforced fiber structures have only a matte surface structure, which, however, in no way affects the attractiveness of their appearance.

Comparison of stretch and suspended ceilings

Assessing how a stretch ceiling differs from a suspended ceiling, one cannot ignore its own capabilities, technological, operational parameters, and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. Both options are attractive in the final performance, but there are nuances that you should be aware of.

So, what are the similarities and differences between suspended ceilings and suspended ceilings:

1. The service life of both structures is from 10 years, but the suspended ones require finishing.
2. Both options are multifunctional, but it is cheaper to make figured structures of a suspended type.
3. Options are equally convenient for mounting additional lighting.
4. Suspended ceiling structures take up a lot of height.
5. The differences relate to the speed of installation, price, working conditions.
6. Film ceilings withstand moisture, GKL sheets do not.
7. Drywall easily tolerates temperature fluctuations, but the fabric and film can be deformed.

And now more about some moments of decor.

Mounting speed

The most important criterion for the efficiency of work is complexity. When arranging a stretch panel, you need a gun, experience, the decor is not suitable for self-assembly. But the technology of work is simpler: there is no need to take furniture out of the room, and in terms of time, work takes 2-3 times less time.

Plasterboard structures are available for do-it-yourself arrangement, but careful preparation of the room will be required. As for time, all works will take at least 3-5 days. The more complex the design, the longer it takes to install.

What is the difference between suspended and suspended ceilings:

1. Virtually no debris during installation
   – the master needs access to the walls. In small spaces, work takes 2-8 hours, in large rooms no more than 24 hours.
2. Stretched canvases take up to 5 cm in height,
   suspended up to 12 cm. A large space will be useful in case of significant defects in the base, the need to hide wires and other structures under the sheathing.

Care

With regard to this aspect, it is quick and easy to clean the film stretch ceiling - a damp cloth is enough to collect dust. But fabric panels do not tolerate moisture well - it is better to do with dry cleaning, for example, with a vacuum cleaner. However, in case of local contamination, washing with soapy water followed by drying is allowed. It is absolutely impossible to rub, stretch the fabric and the film.

Unlike fabric plasterboard constructions, covered with waterproof paint, vinyl wallpaper, are not afraid of moisture, although it is also not recommended to wet them too much. By itself, the GKL sheet absorbs water, but with proper lining, it easily tolerates changes in humidity. If there are PVC cassettes or tiles on the ceiling, care is generally simple: rinse, dry and you can continue to admire the cleanliness.

But what distinguishes stretch ceilings from suspended ceilings is in renovation: sheets and cassettes can / need to be tinted, panels do not require any restoration work. And, of course, film sheets protect housing from leaks from above, but only in the absence of punctures, cracks.

Life time

It should be noted that stretch and suspended ceilings differ little in the duration of operation. The term of use depends on changes in humidity, climatic changes. GKL endure the effects of temperature, but are susceptible to moisture, the panels are deformed at low thermometer readings, but are not afraid of water.

The comparison of service life is as follows:

• warranty for tension structures 10-15 years, without the need for repair;
• warranty for suspended structures up to 10 years with local restoration.

Advantages and disadvantages

The easiest way to see the difference is by distributing the structures by type of work, practical characteristics:

Parameters	Stretch fabrics	Suspended structures
Installation	Professional	Independent
Work speed	2-24 hours	2-4 days
Room height loss	3-5 cm	12-15 cm
Arrangement of illumination	Maybe	Maybe
Care	Depending on the material	Depending on the cladding
Damage resistance	Weak	High
fire resistance	High	High
moisture resistance	High	Medium

The principle of installation of stretch ceilings

The technology of the device is as follows: the design is a canvas stretched over a frame made of aluminum or plastic profiles (baguettes), which are attached around the perimeter of the room. PVC film is tucked into the frame and securely fixed. Due to the tension, a flat ceiling surface is formed.

Installation takes place in stages. The installation procedure is as follows:

1. First, the room is measured. Then a sketch of the future ceiling is prepared with the locations of the lighting fixtures. Based on the drawing, the PVC film is cut.
2. If necessary, the base is prepared for stretching the canvas.
3. After that, markings are made for attaching the frame and the profile is mounted.
4. Next, mortgages are installed under the lamps and electrical wiring is laid in accordance with the installation scheme.
5. Then the PVC film is heated with a heat gun, stretched and fixed in a baguette.
6. After that, lighting devices are installed and connected.
7. At the last stage, mounting gaps are masked, which remain at the junction of the walls and the stretch ceiling.

The fact is that the canvas is cut exactly to the size of the room, taking into account the stretching of the material.

It is important not to make mistakes in the calculations, since it will not be possible to correct the error during the installation process. The film will sag, wrinkles will form, or simply will not stretch to the desired width.

The rest of the steps are easy to do on your own, the installation technology is simple, any home master can handle it.

What stretch ceilings can be made with your own hands

There are two types of stretch ceilings:

1. Film.
2. Fabric.

The main difference is the fabric material. In the first case, a thin PVC film is used, in the second, a synthetic fabric made of polyester impregnated with polyurethane. Each material has both pluses and minuses.

The main advantages of PVC film:

• water resistance - when flooded, the stretch ceiling retains water, and after the liquid is drained, it returns to its previous form;
• many color variations - more than 250 shades of various textures are produced (glossy, matte, satin, textured, with patterns or photo printing);
• the possibility of wet cleaning - thanks to this, the ceiling is easy to care for and remove even the most persistent dirt.

Advantages of fabric cloths:

• frost resistance - polyester can withstand negative temperatures up to -50ºC without losing properties;
• large canvas width - 5.1 m against the maximum 3.2 m for film, which allows you to make seamless ceilings in almost any room;
• durability - withstands an accidental blow or a flying cork from champagne;
• breathability - thanks to microscopic holes in the structure of the material, the canvas does not interfere with air exchange in the room.

The disadvantages of film ceilings include low strength - PVC breaks from contact with sharp objects and does not tolerate negative temperatures. The main disadvantages of fabric canvases are the high cost and a modest choice of colors - only about 20 shades of mostly pastel colors.

Do-it-yourself installation of a stretch ceiling is possible for both options, but there is a difference in the installation technology. The PVC film is preheated so that the material becomes elastic and stretched. To do this, use a gas heat gun. After cooling, the film stretches and forms a flat surface. Polyester fabric does not require heating and immediately after installation has a finished look.

Previously, we have already described in detail the technology for installing a fabric stretch ceiling, in this article we will consider how to stretch a PVC sheet.

Preparation of tools and materials

To make a stretch ceiling with your own hands, you will need the following tools:

• ladder;
• laser or water level;
• roulette;
• pencil;
• chopping cord;
• puncher (it is convenient to use a tool with a built-in vacuum cleaner, but a regular one will do);
• drill;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• grinder or hacksaw;
• file;
• construction or clerical knife;
• a special curved spatula for filling the canvas into a baguette;
• heat gun and propane tank.

From consumables you will need:

• fasteners (if the walls are made of foam concrete or wood, use 5x40 self-tapping screws, for concrete and brick - dowel-nails 5x50);
• aluminum or masking tape;
• tread rings and embedded platforms for lamps;
• plastic plates for bypassing pipes;
• special Cosmofen glue for mounting thermal rings and contours (the use of ordinary glue is not recommended, as it can ruin the canvas);
• cable and terminal blocks for connecting spotlights.

It should be borne in mind that the width of the film does not exceed 3.2 m (depending on the manufacturer and texture). If the dimensions of the room are larger, parts of the canvas are connected by welding on a special high-frequency machine, resulting in a barely noticeable seam. If desired, for an additional fee, you can order the centering of the seam so that the film patterns are arranged symmetrically.

Scope of stretch ceilings.

The area of ​​use is another factor that determines the differences between stretch ceilings. There are universal ceilings on the market that can be used not only in residential premises, but also in offices, business centers and other institutions, as well as ceilings, the operation of which is impossible in individual premises.

Thus, on the market you can find ceilings that can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries, on loggias and balconies, in bedrooms

They are distinguished by increased performance properties, for example, greater moisture resistance, ease of maintenance (which is especially important for bathrooms, kitchens and dining rooms), as well as relative environmental friendliness and safety (which is important when installing ceilings in children's rooms or bedrooms)

Differences of stretch ceilings according to the method of fastening

In principle, the installation of all types of stretch ceilings is carried out in almost the same way - a special profile is installed around the entire perimeter of the ceiling, called a baguette, in which the stretch fabric is fixed. The fundamental difference lies in the design of this profile, which causes two types of fastening - harpoon and without harpoon.

1. In the first case, the canvas is held in the baguette by a specially welded strip of thick PVC film and its tension.
2. In the second case, the film is fixed due to a special groove made according to the clothespin principle.

The first method of fastening the stretch fabric is typical only for a PVC film ceiling, and the second is used for both PVC and fabric ceilings.

Seamless fabric stretch ceilings photo

The main difference between these two methods of fastening stretch ceilings is that the canvas installed without a harpoon cannot be carefully dismantled - it can only be cut out, and the profiles unscrewed and thrown away. The harpoon method of fixing the stretch film provides for its careful dismantling and reuse of already installed baguettes.

There is a third way of fastening the tension film - wedge. At present, such a mount is practically not used - it is also referred to as a harpoonless mount system.

Types of stretch ceilings by mounting method

What is the difference between a suspended ceiling and a stretch ceiling

First, what both designs have in common is the lack of a thorough leveling of the base. In both cases, the arrangement of the frame is assumed, and now about the differences.

suspension system

When using drywall, the surface is puttied, decorated, when using other materials, the finish corresponds to the characteristics of the product

Analyzing what is the difference between a suspended and stretch ceiling, it is important to understand that a profile suspended frame allows you to create any shape: single-, multi-tiered, straight, curved. In addition, cassette layout helps to connect various decorative techniques, but requires special marking care to avoid bends and cracks.

Tension system

For stretch ceilings, a special baguette is mounted around the perimeter of the room, where the panel is fixed using a harpoon, wedge or cam method. PVC fabric or film is used as a surface. Fabric ceilings can be matte, textured, film - matte and glossy.

A detailed difference between a stretch ceiling and a hinged one in the frame structure. Stretch ones do not require bulky elements, the minimum mounting height of baguettes is 4-5 cm. This is enough to hide the irregularities of the ceiling space, fastening fixtures. In the process of stretching, the canvas warms up to +60..65С, fastens, and when cooled, it takes a perfectly even shape. Coatings are resistant to moisture, easy to clean, but subject to temperature changes.

As in the case of suspended ceilings, stretch ceilings offer single-, multi-tier installation, and the use of baguettes of various lengths explains the possibilities of designing various shapes and compositions.

Having figured out what a stretch and suspended ceiling is, what is the difference in designs, what to choose? Professionals offer the following recommendations:

Stretch ceilings are better:

• for rooms of small height;
• for under-roof spaces where the probability of leakage is high.

Suspended ceilings are better:

• for rooms with temperature fluctuations: country houses, loggias, balconies;
• in case of providing free access to the subceiling space;
• with a limited budget.

Which ceiling is cheaper

And yet, what will not cost so much? Considering the options, we note that the ceiling of plasterboard sheets on a wooden frame is estimated at $ 3-4 / 1m2.When choosing a cassette, slab cladding, the price increases by another $ 2-3 / 1m2. If the frame is made of metal profile, the cost of the ceiling will reach $5-6/1m2. The calculation is taken for ordinary single-level structures without curved sections.

Stretch ceilings are priced from $4/1m2 - film and from $11/1m2 fabric. When facing with panels, taking into account the curvilinearity of the structure, the cost increases by at least 2-3 times, and the use of fabrics with an original pattern, texture or texture will increase the price by another 6-7 times.

The cost of the service also depends on the region, the complexity of the work and the materials used.

Stretch ceiling technology

To fix the PVC film, special baguettes are used, which are mounted around the perimeter of the room at a short distance from the base floor. There are different types of stretch ceiling profiles. They differ in the material of manufacture, design, fastening system and installation method.

Fastening systems

For film ceilings, two methods of fixing the canvas are used:

1. Harpoon. Recognized as the most reliable. For fastening to the edge of the PVC film, after cutting, a bent plastic edge (harpoon) is welded. During installation, the edge is inserted into the baguette and clings to a special ledge in the profile design. The canvas is securely fixed and held on the principle of a harpoon, for which the mount got its name. The remaining gap is closed with a special masking tape. There is also a gapless profile, but its installation requires perfectly even walls.
2. Bead (wedge). The film is measured with a margin. The canvas is tucked into the profile and fixed with a special plug in the form of a wedge or glazing bead. The excess film is then cut off, and the gap is closed with a decorative insert.

The technology for installing ceilings with harpoon fastening requires an accurate calculation of the dimensions of the canvas, otherwise the film will not be enough or the ceiling will sag. But the installation is quick and easy, since the tension is calculated when cutting, just fill the harpoon into a baguette. Additionally, such a fastening system makes it easy to remove the cover and tighten it again. This is necessary, for example, to drain water after a flood or to repair an electrician behind the ceiling.

With bead fastening, the cutting of the canvas is done approximately and mistakes are not so terrible. But adjusting the film tension manually is much more difficult and only experienced professionals can do it. In addition, this method refers to non-separable. After dismantling the coating, you will have to purchase a new film.

Profile views

Baguettes are made of plastic or aluminum. Metal ones are more expensive, but stronger and more durable. In rooms with an area of ​​​​more than 20 square meters, it is recommended to install aluminum ones. If the room is smaller, plastic ones will do.

According to the place of attachment, baguettes are divided into wall and ceiling. Which one to choose depends on the height of the structure and the condition of the draft ceiling. The minimum indent from the ceilings is achieved by the ceiling profile (2-3 cm). But in such cases it is impossible to mount built-in lighting or a hidden curtain rod. And the draft ceiling must be perfectly flat and strictly horizontal, which is extremely rare in practice.

When attached to the walls, more height is lost in the room, but under the canvas you can hide mortgages for lamps, power supplies or utilities. Also, the wall profile makes it easy to set the horizontal level, even with strong drops in the draft flow.

Types of stretch ceilings differences in material

To date, all existing types of stretch ceilings can be divided into two large groups - these are ceilings made of special PVC film, and the so-called

The difference between them is huge and it is necessary to pay attention to it when choosing a ceiling.

As a rule, PVC films are produced in rolls with a width of 1.4 to 5.6 m - in principle, this is enough to make a ceiling in almost any room, regardless of its dimensions. But there is one “but” - the width of the canvas used significantly affects the cost of the entire structure as a whole. For example, a ceiling made from a single piece of fabric 5.6 m wide will cost twice as much as glued together from several pieces of a smaller width. When wondering which stretch ceiling to choose, this nuance must be taken into account.

Which stretch ceiling to choose

If we talk about a ceiling glued from several parts (they are also called seam), then one drawback should be noted here - as a rule, a thin seam is quite noticeable on the ceiling, especially on matte films. By and large, along with this drawback, seam ceilings also have their advantages - you can sew together pieces of fabric of various colors and various configurations, thus achieving an individual pattern.

It is impossible to lose sight of such an opportunity as photo printing - PVC film for stretch ceilings is the best way to do this. On the stretch ceiling, you can apply any pattern you like. Such a pleasure is not cheap, we are talking about amounts ranging from $ 100 to $ 150 per square meter.

Stretch ceiling with photo printing

Now about fabric stretch ceilings - they are based on a special polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating. If you are already wondering which stretch ceilings are better, then it is this material that can be given primacy.

As a rule, fabric ceilings are classified as seamless - they are produced in rolls up to 5.5 m wide. In this they are not much different from PVC ceilings - the only difference is that the cost of this material does not depend on the width of the roll. Here, just the opposite is true - a ceiling sewn from several parts will cost more than a solid one.

Fabric stretch ceilings photo

Seamless fabric ceilings have one significant drawback - their color range is quite limited. In addition, a stretch ceiling based on polyester fabric cannot be glossy. These shortcomings are slightly offset by the possibility of painting such canvases - for this, ordinary water-based paint is used. Fabric stretch ceilings can be painted up to 5 times.

When solving the issue, one should also take into account the reliability of fabric cloths - as a rule, they are much stronger than PVC films and are less susceptible to damage by sharp objects. In addition, fabric stretch ceilings do not deprive the space located behind them of the possibility of ventilation.

This is achieved by a special microporous structure.

What are good stretch ceilings

Options for different rooms

Since the purpose of the premises is different, the suitable options for finishing the ceiling are also different for them.

For kitchen

Making the ceiling in the kitchen is not as simple a process as it seems at first. Since various processes take place there, which can often negatively affect the appearance, the choice of finishing option should be approached responsibly. This room is characterized by high humidity, the presence of odors, sometimes soot, and is also essentially a fire hazard.

The material should be chosen based on these factors, which means it must:

1. easy to wash;
2. create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere;
3. be resistant to moisture;
4. be fireproof.

In this case, plaster with painting is well suited. To level the surface, it is better to use the services of professionals.

For the bedroom

The bedroom is a relaxation area, so here the design of the ceiling plays an important role in the interior. Nothing should irritate and distract, so you should abandon the decoration using bright colors. It is best to choose a neutral shade. A good option in this case is stretch ceilings.

It allows you to create a design with smooth lines and in any color scheme. And also it is absolutely safe. If desired, you can apply any photo printing on it. Installation is quick compared to other options and does not require a lot of effort. Such a ceiling will last more than one year, and there will be no question of the need for its repair.

For the living room

The living room is a room that should have an aesthetic and respectable appearance, since all family members gather in it, and also receive guests. Unlike other rooms, the humidity there is not so high, so there are many more options for finishing the ceiling. The original design will create a winning design. The best solution would be a multi-level stretch ceiling, in which, if necessary, you can build in the backlight.

For giving

Dacha is one of those places where a person rests and restores his strength. Therefore, the design should be cozy and as close to natural as possible. Before you do the ceiling finish, you should find out if insulation is required. If the cottage is warm and they live there all year round, then any option is suitable for decoration. The best solution would be plaster, as it will not be affected by sudden changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, it will become quite a practical option.

The choice of the ceiling should be approached responsibly, compare the characteristics of the material with the room, and also take into account personal preferences. A wide range of modern finishing materials allows you to make any dreams come true.

Design differences

Comparing the operational, cost and aesthetic characteristics of the two systems for decorating the ceiling space, you must first understand the difference in design between the stretch and suspended ceilings. This will allow you to more accurately perceive the compared parameters.

The main difference between a stretch ceiling and a suspended ceiling is in the mounting system.
The stretch fabric is attached to baguettes fixed around the perimeter of the walls - a PVC film or fabric is stretched between them (hence the name - stretch).

Suspended is mounted from drywall sheets to a rigid hinged frame (it can also be slatted), fixed not only along the walls, but also with the help of special suspensions, to the ceiling ceiling - that's why the suspended ceiling.

Three more differences can be distinguished from the above definitions:

1. the suspended ceiling has a hard surface; under certain conditions, the stretch ceiling can sag significantly, for example, when water enters from the roof or from neighbors from above;
2. drywall, which is sheathed with a suspended ceiling frame, can withstand various mechanical loads: bumps, scratches, cuts, etc., PVC film or synthetic fabric (polyester) can tear from a light touch of a sharp object;
3. the damaged surface of the suspended ceiling is easily repaired, up to the replacement of a separate element; in the tension one, it is necessary to completely change the entire panel.