Everything you need to know about stretch ceilings. How to make a stretch ceiling with your own hands: installation technology What you need to know about stretch ceilings

Installation of stretch ceilings is considered to be one of the most progressive and modern methods of finishing ceilings, firstly, because of the speed of installation of stretch 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;
a canvas made from a polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) - it is joined by soldering from the required number of 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 type of baguette; it is fixed on the walls and, according to the method of installation, resembles the fastening of the guide profile during the construction of false ceilings from plasterboard;
ceiling - fixed to the ceiling and 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 around 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 assumes a reliable fastening of the harpoon in baguettes, it occurs 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 the 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.
After a 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 of a 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. The decorative element 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 of 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.

Stretch ceilings are beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and even elegant. Manufacturers advertise their product as an ideal solution for any home and any room. Only now all the disadvantages and disadvantages of such ceilings are mentioned in passing. And they are quite significant.

Cons of stretch ceilings Materials for stretch ceilings can be very diverse, but most often they are made of PVC film. Mainly because this material is cheaper than others. This material can hide many problems and shortcomings that are usually not talked about. We have highlighted the most serious problems you may face.

Sagging

This is a very common deficiency. If the room is large, then there is a chance that the canvas will sag over time. So if the ceiling area is more than 20 square meters, then it is better to choose a different finish.

Strength

She leaves much to be desired. The canvas is extremely easy to pierce with something sharp. A banal cork from champagne can spoil the look of the ceiling. Caution must also be observed with high furniture, because a hole in the middle of the ceiling is unlikely to look elegant. By the way, fabric webs have higher strength.

the washing up

This is more about the ceilings in the kitchen. Many housewives complain that it is very difficult to wash them from fat and soot. The film is quite thin and cannot be washed with special diligence. Perhaps such ceilings are not the best solution for the kitchen.

Welds

Another significant drawback of stretch ceilings. If you choose glossy ceilings, then all the welds will be visible, and they, unfortunately, do not look so aesthetically pleasing.

Complete tightness

On the one hand, this is a clear plus, because it is thanks to this that the ceilings protect the room from the flood. Although the plus is quite controversial, because such a “salvation” still leads to the replacement of the ceiling. And if you adhere to the point of view that all surfaces in the house should breathe, then this will not happen in the case of PVC.

Smell

Immediately after installation, the ceiling may have a specific smell, like a new jacket or a pair of shoes. This smell should dissipate in a couple of days. But there are times when ceilings exude an unpleasant chemical odor that does not disappear for a long time. This indicates a low quality product. To avoid this, you need to check the quality of the film before installing the ceiling.
Installers often cheat and pass off cheap film as expensive. It is best to deal with the purchase of materials on your own or consult with professionals.

Light

When installing stretch ceilings, it will be necessary to replace all the fixtures with special ones. They must be limited in power and have thermal insulation. Otherwise, yellow spots form around the fixtures on the ceiling.

collapse

A common disadvantage when using PVC film. This means that with any draft or door knock, the film is attracted to the main ceiling. But this drawback is easy to prevent even at the installation stage. A good master must necessarily equalize the pressure in the room and under the ceiling.

As you can see, there are a lot of shortcomings. But this does not mean that you should completely abandon this venture. The advantages of stretch ceilings are no less significant. They are safe and environmentally friendly, they are installed in many European homes, because they do not pose any harm to health. They will last you a very long time. Such ceilings well protect the house from dampness.
And they also look very nice. There are thousands of design options, you can choose any that you like. Also, with the help of such ceilings, you can hide the shortcomings of any engineering structures (pipes or wires).

Stretch ceiling is a beautiful ultra-modern finish of a stretch ceiling that can serve for several decades, delighting its owners. Installing a stretch ceiling may seem like a simple matter. After studying a large number of videos on the Internet on installing a stretch ceiling, you can take on this business yourself. However, the quality of installation depends not only on the skillful installation of the ceiling, but also on the quality of all components. Accessories for stretch ceilings are all components of this complex structure:

profiles,
fasteners (self-tapping screws, dowels),
platforms for chandeliers and lamps,
decorative elements.

It is these elements that we will discuss in detail in this article.

Stretch ceiling profiles

The main retaining element in the design of a stretch ceiling is profiles, they are also called baguettes, they are distinguished by the types and materials from which they are made. And its made of aluminum or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Professional installers prefer the PVC profile, as it is more plastic and can be used to create ceilings of various shapes, in addition, if moisture gets in or from time to time, stains may appear from the aluminum profile. PVC invisible profiles are used with the harpoon system for fastening the web, PVC profiles in the form of clothespins are necessary for installing a fabric stretch ceiling, and the web can be filled into it more than once, and accordingly there are profiles for the glazing bead fastening system. In general, PVC baguette has the following advantages:

In addition, profiles are:

Wall-mounted - fastened directly to the wall, the optimal distance to which the ceiling will have to be lowered with such a fastening is 4-5 cm.
Ceiling - attached to the ceiling in the absence of the possibility of attaching to the wall.
Versatile - can be mounted on the wall or on the ceiling.
Dividing - fixed on the base ceiling and serve as a connection between two fabric sheets.
Corner - necessary for connecting straight profiles in the corners.

Depending on the type of stretch ceiling construction, other types of profiles can be used. For example, a profile for fixing the backlight, which is necessary not only for the reliable installation of the lamp, but also to ensure its connection with electrical communications. Also, in the manufacture of two and multi-level stretch ceilings, profiles are used for attaching suspended structures, which actually form the second and subsequent levels. For multi-level stretch ceilings, a reliable aluminum ceiling profile is used.

Fasteners

In the process of installing a stretch ceiling, fasteners will also be required, primarily self-tapping screws and dowels. Dowels are used to fix self-tapping screws or screws in the wall. Depending on the material from which the walls are made (concrete, brick), as well as on the shape of the structure, self-tapping screws of various lengths can be used. Most often, self-tapping screws 5 * 51 mm are used to fasten the profile to the wall, and dowels 6 * 50 mm, but some also use dowel-nails 6 * 40 mm.

Platforms and thermal rings

Platforms and thermal rings are necessary for installing spotlights in the ceiling. Usually use a universal platform. It is a multi-stage plastic ring that provides the least contact with the tension web, which means it makes it more invisible. Several types of such platforms are made: D55-125, D60-110, D65-115, D125-155, D165-225, so you can mount lamps of various diameters from 55 to 225 mm. To do this, a ring of the desired diameter is cut out on the platform with a knife, removing extra steps.

Important! For the D55-125 platform, the extra steps are cut in a circle, placing the knife horizontally, and all other platforms must be cut vertically, as if squeezing them out.

A very important element in the installation of fixtures is the thermal ring. It serves as protection against thermal effects from light bulbs. To more reliably prevent the web from tearing and overheating, it is better to use double thermal insulating rings. Rings are produced with a diameter of 20 to 112 mm and are made of heat-resistant German plastic.

It should also be said that when decorating lighting in a room with a stretch ceiling, in addition to spotlights, chandeliers are used. Fixtures for chandeliers are mounted before the canvas is directly stretched. To do this, use a special hook or mount "butterfly". You will learn how to fix the chandelier in detail in other articles.

decorative elements

During the installation of a stretch ceiling, a technological gap may form between the canvas and the wall, which can be closed using special inserts (plugs). Despite the fact that this is a decorative element, it is of great importance for the entire structure, forming a perfectly smooth, even surface. The plug is inserted into the profile and snaps into place; it can be changed repeatedly without damaging the canvas. Plugs are made from various materials, they come in a variety of colors, textures, there are even decorative elements with different images. Inserts are of several types:

Decorative cords and plinth can be used as decorative elements. The cord is a fairly simple element, but at the same time very beautiful. It differs from the plug only in that it is mounted differently. It must be placed along the gap and pressed into it with a non-sharp tool. It is also easy to dismantle.

As for the ceiling plinth, it is not attached to the ceiling, but glued to the wall. To do this, choose a plinth with a wide part for gluing. At the same time, LED lighting can be placed between the plinth and the canvas, stepping back from the canvas just a couple of centimeters. This design approach will emphasize the beauty of the whole structure.

Attention! In no case do not glue the plinth to the stretch fabric, otherwise the fabric will be irrevocably damaged.

Summarizing, I would like to note that it is not at all difficult to choose components for a stretch ceiling, the main thing is to know what to choose. It also happens that the company that produces stretch ceilings also manufactures branded components that are of high quality. However, their cost is quite high.

Whether you install a stretch ceiling yourself or have it done by professionals, you need to know what you are paying your money for, what additional items are included in the cost estimate and for what. But saving on components is also not reasonable, only high-quality materials and professional work will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the ceiling for decades.

Why sometimes conflicts arise before the customer and the company selling stretch ceilings after the installation of the canvases? And all because of the reticence and wrong actions of the buyer before buying ceilings, his improper preparation for the installation process. Of course, our company is not one of those who are in conflict with customers ... We warn our customers about everything in advance.

Buyer Requirements

What should a buyer do when ordering a stretch ceiling for the first time? There are some tips for those who do not yet know how to properly prepare for the installation of stretch ceilings:

Decide what kind of ceiling you will order: its length, width, design, lighting, and so on. This is necessary in order to accurately calculate its total cost. Contrary to the opinion that the final cost can only be found out on the spot, a savvy buyer should know that this can be done in advance, for example, by phone.
Measurements must be accurate to the centimetre. Whether you call a measurer at home or do them yourself - it doesn’t matter. The main thing is the accuracy, on which the final price for the "heaven" in your apartment will depend. Pay special attention to the height from floor to ceiling. If it exceeds 2.8 meters, then the cost will increase markedly.
The simple rules of a person making repairs include the correct sequence of this very repair. Ideally, the walls are first pasted with wallpaper, then stretch ceilings are installed, and at the end the floors are laid. In order to avoid additional costs, it is better to follow the correct order.
Before ordering a stretch ceiling, decide on the lighting. Before ordering, not after! Let's say you decide to install a lamp. In this case, you need to agree on its size with the manager, or even better, immediately order it from us.
Prepare the room for the installation of a stretch ceiling by removing all furniture and objects that may interfere. This can be done immediately before the arrival of the team that will install the ceilings.

All of the above should be taken care of by the buyer himself, in whose interests the installation of stretch ceilings will be carried out.

Order stages

The order is carried out in stages:

Application. First you need to apply by phone or online. The buyer fills out the order form. As soon as the application is received by the operator, he will contact the client in an hour.
Measurement. A savvy buyer will not take measurements on his own, because he knows what this is fraught with. He will definitely call a measurer to the house, who will take all measurements only in the presence of the client. Letting everything take its course, namely not being present during the measurements, is wrong. Then there can be a lot of controversy. The customer is always present during the measurement, agrees with it, and together with the seller calculates the final cost (again, because the first time he calculated it on his own). Next, the client asks all the questions that concern him, receives answers to them, chooses the lighting and clarifies all the details. If both parties are satisfied with everything, then an agreement is immediately concluded, where the date of installation of stretch ceilings will be indicated.
Prepayment. The customer makes an advance payment usually on the day of measurements. The prepayment amount will be set by the stretch ceiling company, but in most cases it is 60% of the order amount.
Manufacturing. The measurer, who is satisfied that he finally took all the measurements and got them right, passes them on to the manager. The latter sends an application for production, where fabrics for stretch ceilings will be made.
Installation. The climax has arrived! Almost everything is ready, it remains to install. Installation will be carried out exactly on the day that was agreed in advance. The installation period depends on its complexity. It usually lasts about a day.
Final settlement. After installing the ceilings, the customer checks the quality of both the paintings themselves and the installation. He inspects everything on the spot, after which he signs the object acceptance certificate. The final calculation is being made.

Dear customers, be careful when ordering a stretch ceiling. Of course, an experienced company will definitely help you make an order correctly, but part of the responsibility lies with the customer, namely, the proper preparation for ordering stretch ceilings.

Recently, the creation of stretch ceilings has become a very popular way to save time and effort for permanent painting and whitewashing. Today, many firms and companies offer their services specifically for the installation and design of such ceilings. They are innovative and practical, but they are not cheap.
If you yourself are competent in installing ceilings, then we recommend that you simply buy a tool for stretch ceilings and do it yourself. This will save you money, but not time and effort.

What is needed to install stretch ceilings? What tools and things will come in handy?

Tools for stretch ceilings without which you can not do, that is, you will not start working without:

laser roulette (range finder);
thermal gas generator (or thermal gas gun);
gas cylinder (10-28l);
perforator (0.5 kW);
impact drill;
cordless screwdriver;
miter saw;
mounting blades (preferably a set of short, long and angled spatula);
clothespins-clips;
ladders (sometimes even two);
wrench;
autonomous gas leak detector;
extension cord;
tee;
hammer;
a set of screwdrivers (required a screwdriver with an indicator);
pliers;
wire cutter;
scissors for metal;
laser level (you can water);
chopping cord;
ballerinas (to cut rings of round holes in plastic elements);
angular reducer for nozzles-bits;
masking tape;
self-adhesive foil;
electrical tape;
glue;
files (round large and rectangular small)
diamond file;
drills for metal (3-6 cm diameter).
feathers on glass and ceramics;
drill for concrete;
self-tapping screws for wood and metal;
flea screws;
polypropylene dowels.

This is a very long list, but it includes all the elements that will be needed to get the job done. Professionals know the features and how to use each of them. But if you are not familiar with it so thoroughly, then we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the basic tools for stretch ceilings in more detail.

With the help of a laser tape measure, we can accurately measure all the dimensions of interest to us, and all the data will be stored in the memory of the tape measure. It is very convenient and original.
We can use a laser level to mark the ceiling, to be more precise, its levels. If the design is multi-level, then in addition we will use a telescopic rod.

Using a manual hole puncher, we can punch the required holes in aluminum baguettes or bumpers. Of course, you can follow the standard methods and use a drill to drill holes, but their quality and appearance are not ideal. Such holes do not look very neat and have burrs, but with a hole punch we will make perfectly even and identical holes.
We use a metal detector for preparatory work to determine the material and type of surface with which we will work further. On this surface we will fix the profile, so it is important to check if there are metal profiles in the walls, and if there is a hidden electrical wiring or air vent.
Three tools - a puncher, a drill and a screwdriver - are the necessary helpers and friends for a beginner to work with stretch ceilings. A perforator is used to secure the profile. And in the process, use a drill and a screwdriver. Professionals recommend using tools with a battery, as they do not require any additional conditions, charged - and you're done.

To heat PVC sheets, experts recommend using heat guns. Compared to an electric gun, a thermal gun is less safe to use, but it can work even without a power source.

These, as we have already said, are the main tools for stretch ceilings. In addition to them, additional devices may be needed to install lighting fixtures, hoods, etc. You can decorate stretch ceilings with a decorative edging in the form of a patterned tape, a masking tape or a decorative cord.

When installing or planning it, experts advise to take into account and carry out accurate calculations of lowering the ceiling. It all depends on the built-in structures, if they are not, then the minimum height of the descent is 3 cm.

It is better to buy canvases and tools for tension threads with the help of an expert. But if you go by yourself, then clearly listen to the advice of the seller. You can buy everything you need both in specialized stores and in hypermarkets that are equipped with special departments.

It is impossible to single out a specific company, since many have worthy products that are ideal for work. The price also cannot be judged at a glance, there is a cumulative system for some types of goods. The more you buy, the cheaper the item.

As for specific, individual products, here you can look for what is cheaper if you want to save money.
For example, for the installation of tension threads, we will use a heat gun and special blades to fill the canvas.
Blades are relatively inexpensive, they are available to everyone, but a gun is an expensive pleasure (approximately $ 180-200). You can look for a used option, or buy a tool with your friend who will soon be doing stretch ceilings in his house. This is a kind of economical option.

A similar situation is with stretch ceilings, which are installed to a width greater than 5 cm. To sew up all visible seams, it will be necessary to use special welding. And such welding will not work without a special HDTV machine.
That is, if you buy all the necessary tools yourself, then repairs can cost several times more.
Construction Internet portals offer many video tutorials on the installation of stretch ceilings (see here