The stretch ceiling completely transforms the room, giving it a more aesthetic appearance as a result of a combination of unique combinations of colors, patterns, textures and layout levels. This can explain the ever-growing popularity of this type of ceiling decoration. Today, the market offers many different technological solutions for the installation of suspended ceilings using materials from Russian, European and Chinese manufacturers. And so the question of which stretch ceilings are better is not really relevant.
The simplest structures are mounted during the day and can be installed during repairs or as an independent type of work.
The main advantages of suspended ceilings include:
- simple and quick installation;
- beautiful appearance;
- the ability to hide defects in floor slabs and hide part of the utilities;
- long term of operation;
- easy care;
- affordable cost.
However, a large number of proposals creates certain difficulties for consumers. Therefore, this article discusses questions about how to choose the right stretch ceiling and what indicators should be decisive in this case.
Main selection criteria
The appearance of the ceiling, the lifetime and cost are determined by factors such as:
- type of canvas and its texture;
- color, pattern and overall design;
- number of spatial levels;
- fastening system;
- manufacturer of materials;
- qualification of installers.
All this must be taken into account when deciding which stretch ceiling to choose for your home or apartment.
Type of canvas and texture
Manufacturers of materials make canvases made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester and fiberglass.
PVC films
Due to its relatively low cost, PVC film ceilings are especially in demand among customers. The thickness of the material used can be in the range of 0.15-0.35 mm with a web width of up to 5100 mm. Among the main advantages of this finish are:
- variety of color shades;
- a wide selection of textures, from glossy or matte, to imitation marble, wood and metal;
- elasticity and strength;
- water tightness;
- affordable price for all segments of the population;
- property not to attract dust and unpretentiousness in leaving (it is possible to wash with a simple aqueous solution);
- lack of harmful and toxic substances.
However, the number of deficiencies in the polyvinyl chloride film is not much less. It:
- the presence of glued joints on the ceiling surface;
- in the event of a puncture, traces of subsequent decoration remain visible;
- very careful care is required since the canvas is very easy to damage;
- the appearance of yellow spots in places exposed to sunlight or intense lighting;
- fragility at air temperature below + 5 ° C.
The negative effect of glossy reflective surfaces on the psycho-emotional state of a person is also noted.
Synthetic polyester fabric
These canvases have a thickness of 0.25 mm with a web width of up to 6 meters. To increase strength and increase elasticity, they are impregnated with polyurethane. The material has no connecting seams and is produced only in matte texture. Among the main advantages include:
- much higher density;
- ease of installation;
- possibility of operation in the temperature range from -40 ° C to + 80 ° C;
- fire safety;
- ability to pass air;
- soundproof properties;
- the possibility of multiple painting and art painting.
The main disadvantage of polyester cloths is their high cost, which is higher than that of PVC, at least 3 times. In addition to this material:
- able to absorb and retain odors;
- does not allow wet cleaning;
- not reinstalled;
- leaks moisture.
As a result, polyester cannot be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms with odor emissions and moisture.
Fiberglass
When deciding how to choose high-quality stretch ceilings, you should pay attention to fiberglass. These canvases are the most durable, durable and reliable. They retain moisture and are able to recover after a change in shape.
True, they are painted and painted only after the installation is completed, which significantly complicates the work. In addition, it should be noted the high cost, because of which they are in very little demand from the buyer. Therefore, they are rarely found on sale, and deliveries are carried out only on order.
Surface texture
Possible surface types can be divided by texture into the following groups:
- smooth;
- embossed;
- perforated.
Smooth, glossy finish have PVC films with high reflectivity. In most cases, such ceilings resemble a slightly dull mirror. This quality visually widens the space, making the room wider, but it is difficult to perceive psychologically with a large number of objects and furniture in the room.
Matt surfaces made of PVC, polyester or fiberglass are considered a classic version of the design of the ceiling in residential premises of any size. Matte canvases can have a variety of color shades or patterns. They look good on built-in lights and other design elements.
Only PVC films have volume embossing satin texture. Therefore, this texture can be considered an intermediate option between a glossy and matte surface. At the same time, such materials are quite expensive, but still popular.
Web Mounting Systems
The appearance of the stretch ceiling largely depends on the quality of its installation and the fastening system used. For tension and fixation of the material, 2 types of fasteners are used: harpoon and wedge.
Harpoon - a special profile, which is welded along the edge of the polyvinyl chloride film and hooked to another profile attached to the floor slab. A separate type of harpoon system is a gapless fastening, in which the stretched canvas is adjacent to the wall.
The advantages of the harpoon system:
- quick installation work;
- the possibility of fixing in hard-to-reach places without moving furniture;
- inconspicuous bypass of heating pipes;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- time-consuming cutting of the blade and welding of the harpoon;
- sagging ceiling with time.
Usually sagging of the canvas begins after 3-4 years. To restore the shape of the surface by heating with an industrial hairdryer is possible only for a short time, no more than a year.
Since it is impossible to weld polyester and fiberglass to the plastic profile, then these materials are used to tension wedge system. In this case, the web is fixed when the profile glazing bead is inserted, wrapped by the web, inside the baguette attached to the wall or ceiling. The materials of the wedge system are more expensive than the harpoon, but it can be reassembled and is used for any type of stretch fabric.
Advantages of the wedge-shaped system:
- no preparatory work is required;
- the ability to control the tension of the canvas, both during the initial installation, and during operation;
- the presence of a baseboard insert that additionally performs a decorative function;
- installation of any kind of cloths.
Disadvantages:
- complex installation in places with limited access;
- visible bypasses of heating pipes;
- the need for installation experience.
Comparing the two systems, we can say that the wedge-shaped system has the best operational and installation qualities. In addition, wedge fastening can be applied to any type of material. However, installation services will cost more.
Material manufacturers
The dishonesty of individual sellers of suspended ceilings is, unfortunately, an obvious fact. Deception of the buyer is most often associated with the real origin of the material. Wherein:
- cheap canvas from China is sold as Russian goods of the middle price sector;
- medium-priced Russian and Chinese materials are sold as expensive from Europe;
- sale of suspended ceilings from non-existent product brands;
- certificates are falsified or other fake documents are presented.
It is practically impossible to find out the manufacturer precisely, since the mandatory certification has been canceled since 2010 and no one will be punished for falsification. Most manufacturers do not inscribe on the material and even the packaging. They are written in cutting workshops or dealerships.
Therefore, the solution to the problem can only be an appeal to trusted suppliers, who are well known in companies performing installation works. You can order a really high-quality ceiling from them.
The choice of stretch ceilings for different rooms
Features of operation and duration of stay of people must be taken into account when choosing a particular ceiling design.
Living room or lounge. Usually this is the largest room in a house or apartment in which guests come, family members gather, and everyone should like the look of the stretch ceiling. Therefore, it is recommended to use neutral calm colors. The canvas is best matte or textured satin.
Bedroom and nursery. In these rooms, it is best to use polyester fabric, which will provide improved ventilation and the possibility of any color and design options. Photo printing on the canvas will look very good.
Kitchen and bathroom. The peculiarity of these rooms is in increased humidity and odors. Therefore, the best option would be to use a PVC film, which is not exposed to moisture and will visually increase the space when reflected. It is easy to wash if necessary. In addition, the film is able to protect the room from water from above during flooding. The kitchen looks very stylish marbled texture or high sky.
Hallway With the small size of the hallway, you can use any kind of suspended ceilings. The main criterion for choosing is your imagination and financial opportunities.
Finally
A lot depends on who will do the stretch ceilings. You must be sure of the competence and professionalism of the performer. He will help you with the right choice of material, but design decisions and the choice of colors should remain with you.