How to remove a stretch ceiling: subtleties and tips. How to remove a stretch ceiling: work with harpoon, cam, wedge fastening, dismantling of PVC fabric and seamless fabric coating How to detach a stretch ceiling

Sometimes the question arises - how to remove the stretch ceiling with subsequent installation with your own hands? The reasons for this may be very different. For example: repair of the canvas due to minor damage or the need to lay new communications and electrical wiring. When changing the design of the room, you can also reformat the surface of the ceiling, making it two-level. But for this you need to remove the film or fabric ceiling with your own hands, without damaging its integrity.

This idea seems complicated, but in fact the whole operation is quite simple and within the power of any homeowner. Provided that a person has knowledge of how to remove a stretch ceiling with his own hands. Otherwise, it is better to resort to the help of specialists in this field, they will cope with this work quickly and without any problems, saving you time.

But the removal of tension structures has its own pitfalls. The possibility of removing the canvas depends on which ceiling structure is installed. Some cannot be dismantled and are considered disposable, while others, on the contrary, are easy to remove and install again. One of the aspects that determine the difficulty of removing a structure is the type of profiles that are used in it. The fastening system and the type of web also play a role. Before you remove the stretch ceiling yourself with your own hands, let's figure out what mounting systems exist.

Fastening systems and types of canvases

Today in hardware stores you can buy a wide variety of tension structures. Depending on the type of fastening, the list of its parts also varies. Usually offer one of three types of fastening systems shown in the tables below.

The fastening system helps to understand how to remove the stretch ceiling structure, and the possibility of its removal determines the type of ceiling - PVC or fabric. You can determine this visually (with knowledge of how the type of web looks visually), or by learning from the company that installed the tension web.

To remove the PVC sheet without damaging it, you need a heat gun, as well as during installation. Without heating the web, it may be damaged and it will not be possible to return it to its place. Both installation and dismantling of PVC stretch ceilings are carried out from the corners to the middle of the wall, slowly warming up the canvas.

The temperature inside the room where the stretch ceiling is being dismantled is high and it is better to foresee this before work by moving all the furniture outside the room. It is difficult to dismantle a PVC sheet on your own, and it is better to leave this work to a construction team that specializes in this type of work.

It is quite easy to remove a fabric stretch ceiling without damaging it, since this type of fabric does not require heating and can be dismantled without involving a construction team.

Required Tool

For dismantling a stretch ceiling, you need a certain tool, preferably your own, and not for rent, although this does not affect the quality of work:

Spatula, medium width. If using a plastering trowel, then wrap it with tape.
Pliers - preferably prepared for dismantling work, rounded so as not to damage the web.
Ladder.
Gas or electronic heat gun.
Special clothespins to hold the canvas on weight.

Stripping technology

The first step is to prepare the room. We remove everything unnecessary from the room, furniture, carpets, decor elements. They will not only interfere, but can also be damaged when the room is heated with a heat gun. Then you can begin to dismantle the canvas.

To properly remove the stretch ceiling canvas, you need to dismantle it in the reverse order of installation. And this means that the first step is to remove the rubber insert between the wall and the ceiling, which is decorative and hides the seams. It is removed quite simply, find the junction, carefully pull out one end and slowly remove it.

After you got rid of the decorative insert - plug, you should start preparing the canvas for dismantling. If a fabric stretch ceiling is installed, then this item can be skipped.

For dismantling work with PVC sheeting, you need to heat up its surface with a gas gun so that it does not tear during removal. Choose the area from which you will start dismantling and thoroughly warm it up. It is better to start from the corner of the room.

Next, you begin to remove the canvas from the profile, carrying out this operation with jewelry precision so as not to tear the PVC film. Carefully remove the glazing beads (if any in the design) so as not to damage them, as they will still come in handy, and then pull out the canvas. It is advisable to do this work together.

If you pull the canvas, you will tear it - be careful.

On video: dismantling of the stretch ceiling.

Removing the fabric ceiling

Let's figure out how to remove the installed fabric stretch ceiling with your own hands. This type of stretch ceiling is quite easy to dismantle, but re-installation can be a big problem, this is due to how much additional canvas area is left.

Usually the team that installs the ceiling does not think about it, it must be warned in advance, or hope for conscientious work "for centuries". For re-assembly, only a couple of centimeters of the canvas in length and width may be enough.

Partial removal of the fabric ceiling when using clip baguettes as fasteners is impossible, unlike other systems, the removal will have to be carried out completely. If you ignore this advice, with partial dismantling, you can tear the canvas, and you will have to change it, but completely.

Work with fasteners during dismantling

Let's start with the harpoon mounting system. Remember - you should always start from the corners. We take out the decorative insert around the entire perimeter of the structure. Then, using pliers, take out the canvas, pulling it out by the tip of the harpoon.

At times, it becomes necessary to dismantle the stretch ceiling. The reasons may be different: damage to the ceiling elements or communications that are behind the canvas. Or is it necessary to upgrade or replace wiring, pipes, etc. It happens that it is necessary to remove the ceiling canvas in order to drain the water that got onto the film through the ceiling. Is it possible to remove the stretch ceiling without damaging it?

It is possible, however, not of any design. There are several types of stretch ceilings, some are relatively easy to dismantle, others, on the contrary, are practically “disposable”. In this article, we will look at the types of stretch ceiling mounts, the dismantling process step by step, and some do-it-yourself repair methods.

Types of stretch ceilings and methods of their fastening

To dismantle the ceiling, the first thing you need to know for sure is its appearance. How to find out? This should be indicated on the letterhead of the company that installed the stretch ceiling. If for some reason these documents are not available, you can determine the type of canvas and fasteners as described in this section of the article. Why do we need this? Below you will understand that the dismantling procedure and its actual possibility depend on this.

There are two types of canvases:

PVC - the technology of mounting / dismantling such a ceiling requires a high temperature in the room, about 700C. Without warming up, there is a risk of being left without a canvas at all. To heat the room you need a heat gun. In addition, the installation or dismantling of such a canvas begins from the corners to the middle of the wall.

Seamless fabric ones are convenient, first of all, because they do not require heating the room, which greatly facilitates the process of installation or dismantling. Work with the canvas begins from the center of the wall with further transitions to the corners.

For each type of canvas, there are special types of fasteners:

the harpoon system is used only for PVC sheets. Such a fastening system provides for the dismantling of the canvas.

glazing bead or wedge method of attaching the canvas to the baguette. Used for both PVC and fabrics. This type of fastening is “one-time”, i.e. dismantling and subsequent installation is not provided. Theoretically, disassembly is possible, but it is very difficult to knock out a wedge without damaging the canvas without experience in such work. And the same wedge will need to be put back and the canvas pulled. This technology is used due to the low cost and low height of the indent from the ceiling (2 cm).
fastening with a plastic clip is used only for seamless fabrics. Such a ceiling is relatively easy to understand.

How to remove a stretch ceiling?

Now consider the process of dismantling the stretch ceiling. Since a stretch ceiling is a rather expensive thing, it is better to entrust people with experience to work with it. But if for some reason this is not possible, then armed with the information below, you can repair it yourself. The main thing is not to rush and get an assistant. The technology and tools will depend on the type of canvas and how it is attached.

Instruments:

ordinary plaster spatula, not wide. Before using it, grind off sharp corners with a grinder or emery. It is highly desirable to wrap the working surface of the spatula with reinforced tape, the risk of piercing the canvas is significantly reduced.
pliers with long jaws.
stepladder or, at worst, a stable table.
fitter's knife.
heat gun, gas or electric. For the latter, you need the appropriate wiring, otherwise you run the risk of repairing the wiring in addition to the ceiling.

you need to get large special clothespins, they will be needed to hang the film. It is extremely inconvenient to keep the canvas hanging for a long period of time. They can be purchased at most hardware stores.

How to remove the stretch ceiling correctly? First of all, it depends on the design of the baguette and the film. Since we have two different types of canvas, the disassembly process will be different. Let's consider each separately.

Dismantling PVC ceiling.

We remove all unnecessary from the premises, so that there would be free access to the proposed repair site. We remove all unnecessary plastic things, it is better to protect PVC windows from the room temperature with a cloth. Heat up the room with a heat gun. Further, the dismantling process takes place depending on the type of attachment.

Harpoon system. It is always necessary to start removing the canvas from the corners. We remove the decorative insert, if any, and with the help of pliers with long jaws, we pull out the canvas by the harpoon. Be very careful, you need to grab the harpoon with pliers, not the canvas. Grabbing the canvas and pulling with force, there is a risk of tearing it. And this is already fraught with a complete replacement of the canvas. Also make sure that there are no burrs on the pliers, they need to be sanded. The canvas, although durable, is very sensitive to sharp objects. After a part of the canvas has been released, the further process of extraction from the baguette takes place with the help of hands. For this, it is best to use work gloves, because. it is very easy to leave traces on heated plastic. Removal of PVC film always goes from the corner to the center of the wall. Having freed up the required ceiling area, you can proceed to the planned types of work.
Bead or wedge system. The beginning of dismantling is similar to the harpoon system. Next, with our hands or with a spatula, carefully and without any extra effort, bend the aluminum profile a little. So, to release the glazing bead. Using a screwdriver with a curved end, pull out the glazing bead. It is extremely important not to damage the canvas and not deform the baguette, so the hacksaw tip must be blunt. The installation of the canvas takes place in the reverse order.
With a wedge it is a little easier, having removed the insert, we bend the profile with our hands to release the wedge and the web. We also shoot from the corner to the middle of the room. The success of dismantling and subsequent installation in such fastening systems will depend on your skill and whether the installers left you an allowance of several centimeters. It is very important. Since for the subsequent installation you will need to stretch the canvas, and if it is not enough, then it will be very difficult to do this. For example, if the holes for lamps or other communications are overstretched, they will “leave” their place.

Dismantling of seamless fabric ceilings.

Such high temperatures are not necessary for this type of stretch ceilings. With a bead and wedge system, they are dismantled in the same way as PVC. The difference when dismantling is that you need to start from the middle of the wall, moving into a corner. Installation is similar. Success in the removal and subsequent installation of such a canvas depends on your careful and unhurried actions.

True, the success of re-stretching fabric sheets will depend on how conscientious the installers of this fabric were. If during installation it was cut into a “butt”, it will be very difficult, and in many cases impossible, to achieve the perfect tension again. Yet the fabric does not stretch as much as PVC film. But if the ceiling was mounted by specialists, then they left a couple of “extra” centimeters. Then pull the canvas to turn out without problems.

And one more nuance with fabric canvases, or rather with clip-on baguettes. Partial dismantling is not possible; with such an attachment, you will have to remove the entire canvas. If this is not done, due to the unreliability of this type of fastening, the canvas may pop out of the clips. This is already fraught with its complete replacement.

During the entire time of dismantling, and then installation, do not forget to warm up the canvas. If after assembling the ceiling there are small irregularities, it's okay. Heat it up with a heat gun and they will even out. Because it's still plastic, don't blow hot air too close to the film. May warp or melt.

This is not a tricky dismantling process. Now you know how to remove the stretch ceiling yourself. The main thing is not to rush and work consistently, then you can do without calling specialists. Below is a video on how to remove the stretch ceiling.

Stretch ceilings have long won the trust of consumers due to the convenience and ease of use. Of course, their practicality, versatility and aesthetics are gaining more and more admirers every day. But, unfortunately, every building material someday becomes unusable, and stretch ceilings are no exception.

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If you have damaged the stretch fabric or you need repairs in the niche behind it, you need to dismantle the stretch ceiling.

It is best to call a specialist from a stretch ceiling installation company to perform this procedure. Thanks to his skill and experience, the ceiling will be easily released from the canvas, which will make it easy to solve the problem. But if you think you can do it yourself, it would be useful to know how and in what sequence to remove the ceiling covering. The tricks of dismantling stretch ceilings will be described further.

Reasons for dismantling

There may be several reasons for removing the tension web:

The ceiling was flooded by the neighbors from above, and all the water accumulated on the PVC sheet (a fabric stretch ceiling, as a rule, does not hold back the influx of water). This problem is very common, so you need to know what to do in this case.

The ceiling itself was damaged. The stretch fabric is considered one of the most durable and reliable finishing materials, but careless handling can severely cripple it. In the event of mechanical damage, the stretch ceiling is difficult to restore, and in some cases almost impossible. Therefore, it must be replaced.

If it is planned to reconstruct the building, its components, whether it be the ceiling, walls or other components in contact with the ceiling, it is necessary to dismantle the stretch ceiling with your own hands.

Communications hidden by a stretch ceiling are damaged. If pipes, risers or electrical wiring on the ceiling require repair or replacement, you will need to partially or completely remove the stretch ceiling in order to gain access to them.

One of the possible reasons is that the pattern, composition or texture of the ceiling is boring. Human nature often requires changes in life, which is why finishing work is so in demand. If you are tired of the look of your stretch ceiling canvas, you can easily replace it with another one.

Dismantling types

There are two types of dismantling: full or partial. Depending on the reason, the stretch ceiling can be removed completely or fragmented in the area that needs repair work. With partial removal, profiles, decorative elements and the main part of the structure remain in place, while with complete dismantling, the ceiling is freed from all components of the stretch ceiling.

The procedure for partial removal of the stretch fabric is typical when the neighbors flood the ceiling. In this case, the PVC panel only needs to be slightly detached from the baguette so that water can spill out into the opened hole.

When locally repairing communications, walls or ceilings, you will have to partially remove the stretch ceiling with your own hands, temporarily disconnecting the canvas from the baguette in the repair area.

The complete dismantling procedure is necessary in case of serious and extensive damage to the panel, when it is impossible to repair the film. It will also be necessary when changing the type of ceiling finish to another, for example,.

What you need to know about the ceiling covering before removal?

Before proceeding with the self-removal of the stretch ceiling, find out a few points. First, you need to accurately recognize the composition of the stretch ceiling, because the dismantling of PVC sheets is different from the dismantling of fabric ceilings. Secondly, it is necessary to establish the type of fastening of the canvas to the profile, if you did not install the stretch ceiling. The dismantling technology will directly depend on these categories.

There are several types of fastening:

wedge mount so named because of the specific technology of fixing the panel in the grooved hole of the baguette using a wedge. This type of fastening is dismantled easier and faster than other types of weeks.

Cam mount- is a clamping of the panel with the help of a special movable “cam”, which, under the influence of a stretched film, presses its edge more strongly. The most difficult thing is to remove the stretch ceiling, installed in this way.

Harpoon mount- consists in a special factory design of the edging of the hook-shaped panel, firmly clinging to the "insides" of the baguette. The harpoon mount is easy to install and dismantle.

Mounting type

What tools are useful for removing the ceiling?

The set of tools varies depending on the material of the installed ceiling. If your ceiling is made of polyvinyl chloride composition, then its dismantling will not do without a heat gun. You will also need a small, smooth, serrated pliers and a special knife. For seamless ceilings made on the basis of polyester, a heat gun is not needed.

In order not to damage the fragile canvas, tools - a spatula and - should not have sharp edges. Suitable for grinding them. If you have reinforced tape on hand, it will be useful to wrap it around the uneven, angular surface of the tools to avoid the possibility of spoiling the ceiling film. It is advisable that you have an assistant in dismantling, especially if you plan to remove PVC sheets using a gas gun.

Ceiling after dismantling

Instructions for removing the PVC ceiling

Let us dwell in more detail on how to dismantle a PVC stretch ceiling, depending on the type of fastening. The first step is to rid the structure of the decorative rubber insert. The second obligatory step will be the heating of the cloth using a powerful gas heat gun. The place of dismantling should be warmed up with special care.

The wedge mount is the easiest to dismantle. After the decorative fixing plinth is removed, the wedge weakens its strength. It is only necessary to slightly widen the edges of the groove hole with a blunt spatula or a hacksaw, and the wedge can be easily pulled out along with the edge of the panel. Start the process of dismantling PVC ceilings should be from the corner.

With the cam version of the fastener, you need to insert a plastic spatula for mounting the web into the self-clamping mechanism, press on the “cam” and pull the film panel out of it.

When fastening the harpoon type with pliers or a flat screwdriver, we hook the edge of the harpoon edging and slowly begin to pull it out. The main rule is to do everything carefully and at a slow pace, so as not to damage the film.

You can dismantle yourself

Dismantling of fabric stretch ceiling

Most often, when installing a seamless ceiling, fastening with clips is used. But is it possible to remove a stretch ceiling with such a mount? It is possible, but with clip-on fastening, partial dismantling is completely excluded. This is due to the fact that with incomplete dismantling, the fabric web may not withstand stretching and detach from the clips that fasten it to the baguette, which excludes the further use of such a web.

For seamless ceilings, a wedge mounting option is also used, only the sequence of actions is slightly different: you need to start dismantling from the middle of the wall. With a spatula, it is necessary to pry off the profile, hook the wedge and remove it together with the ceiling film.

First, remove everything from the room that might interfere with your work. If you plan to use a heat gun, ensure the safety of plastic items by covering them with fabric sheets or other textile items.

If a very small section of the PVC panel is to be dismantled, but there is no way to find a heat gun, then you can use an ordinary powerful female hair dryer. Just need to warm up the film more thoroughly so that it softens well.

If you are dismantling the ceiling in order to drain the water that has accumulated there, do not forget to de-energize the wiring - this will help to avoid a short circuit.

Having studied all the material presented on how to remove the stretch ceiling correctly, you will be sure of a successful outcome of your repair work.

Do-it-yourself stretch ceiling dismantling video:

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The question of how to remove a stretch ceiling arises for various reasons and sometimes becomes a real problem. Solving it on your own is quite difficult without damaging the canvas, and therefore it is recommended to entrust the work to the specialists who carried out the installation. At the same time, you can do everything yourself, but with great care and knowledge of the matter.

A stretch ceiling can please the eye for a long time, but there are circumstances when it needs to be temporarily dismantled. At the same time, the structure is in good condition and can last for a long time. In such cases, you have to decide how to remove the stretch ceiling with your own hands so as not to damage it and put it back after the completion of unforeseen work without additional costs for replacing the main parts.

Circumstance Analysis

Before starting a rather complex event, it is necessary to realistically assess the situation. It is advisable to carefully remove the stretch ceiling with the subsequent installation of the same canvas in the following circumstances:

Minor damage to canvas. Despite the fact that the ceiling is located high, there is a possibility of scuffing, punctures, cuts and other damage. The polymer and fabric web has increased mechanical strength and is able to easily endure such impacts. However, defects spoil the appearance, and there is a desire to correct the situation. A canvas with slight damage can be restored using adhesive tape or an insert of a similar material, but the inserts must be fixed on the reverse side, and for this the canvas must be carefully removed from the baguette.
Penetration of water into the space between the ceiling and the canvas during flooding from neighbors or through roof cracks. Liquid can accumulate in large quantities, which causes localized sagging of the web. In this case, removing the canvas allows you to remove the liquid, as well as dry it and the ceiling.
Spontaneous sagging and cracking of the canvas. Improper installation of the hinged structure can lead to such defects. When sagging, the web is required to be hauled, for which it must be temporarily removed and a high-quality installation made. If cracks appear as a result of improper operation, then their growth can be stopped by sealing with special adhesive tape on the reverse side.
The appearance of stains on the canvas or areas with mold. In the first case, professional dry cleaning often returns the attractiveness to the fabric. With the development of mold, antiseptic treatment is required not only for the canvas, but also for the ceiling under it. In both cases, it is necessary to dismantle the structure, and then carry out processing.

Analysis of the state of the tension system allows you to determine its future fate. If it can be restored for full operation, then dismantling should be carried out while preserving the canvas. A similar need may arise if it is necessary to remove the structure for reasons not related to the stretch ceiling: repair of the ceiling, insulation or sound insulation of the room, replacement of electrical wiring or installation of new lighting equipment, and communications.

Design Analysis

The procedure for dismantling a stretch ceiling depends on its design features. The following factors must be taken into account:

Canvas material. It can be made of PVC film or polyester, knitted fabric. In fact, dismantling is installation in the reverse order, and the principles of installation of these types of canvases differ significantly. The stretching of the polymer film is carried out by heating the material, and the fabric is stretched mechanically without heating. Accordingly, the removal of the web is provided with or without heating. It is important to consider that do-it-yourself re-installation of the fabric web after its complete dismantling is possible only if a sufficient supply of fabric is left at the edges during installation. If the edges are cut off without a trace, then you can’t do without the help of specialists.
Fastening system. The fastening of the ends of the canvas in the baguette is carried out by different methods, this is possible, since special fasteners are located in the baguette profiles. They provide stretching of the web during installation and its strong fixation. For PVC film, a harpoon is most often used. It does not stretch the film, but only holds it. Self-tensioning is provided by shrinkage of the heated polymer on cooling. When the web is heated during the dismantling process, the fastening relaxes, and the web is removed easily. The fabric web is usually installed with clips. The release of tissue is quite simple.

In addition, a wedge (glazing bead) method is used.

It applies to both types of ceilings. It is extremely difficult (almost impossible) to remove the ends of the web from such a mount without damage. The wedges are tightly driven into the channel of the metal profile to ensure tension, and therefore it is not possible to remove them without a special tool. At the same time, in case of edge damage to the canvas during dismantling, its reverse installation is impossible.

The design of the tension system determines the order of work and the very principle of dismantling. Before removing the canvas, it is necessary to clearly understand the design and outline a plan.

Scope of work

Depending on the reasons, the dismantling of the ceiling can be provided in different volumes:

Complete dismantling. It involves the removal of the entire canvas. Such an event is necessary for a full-fledged restoration, dry cleaning, work in the middle part of the canvas or ceiling, insulation or soundproofing of the ceiling. If necessary, baguette profiles can also be removed to replace individual elements or change the height of their location on the wall.
Partial dismantling. Sometimes it is enough to remove part of the canvas. Such a volume is typical for repairing small damages in the near-wall zone. If you remove the corner of the canvas, then through it you can pour the accumulated water even in the center of the ceiling, respectively directing the flow.

It should be borne in mind that it is much easier to provide reverse tension during partial dismantling. However, the required amount of work should be determined based on a complete analysis of the situation and the design of the ceiling.

How is dismantling carried out

After studying and analyzing the problem, you can proceed to dismantle the ceiling. When do-it-yourself work is planned, the step-by-step instructions are different for each type of stretch fabric. The preparatory stage includes the preparation of the working area for unhindered access to the baguette.

Particular attention is required when carrying out work to eliminate the consequences of the flood.

Features of dismantling the plastic sheet

The main feature of removing PVC film is the need to heat it. In general, the work is carried out in the following order:

The entire room should be warmed up to a temperature of 30-35 degrees before starting work. Taking into account the elevated temperatures during dismantling, it is necessary to remove all plastic objects and other things that are not resistant to heat from the room. It is recommended to drape plastic windows with fabric.
With the help of a heat gun, a powerful building hair dryer or a thermal fan, the canvas is heated to a temperature of 60-65 degrees.
With harpoon fastening, the removal of the web begins from the corners. Here it is best to use a metal hook. Next, the edge of the PVC film is released, moving from the corner to the middle. To extract the edge of the web, pliers with elongated jaws are used. Hook and pliers effect on the harpoon. It is impossible to pull directly on the film, because the heated plastic is easily damaged.
Complete extraction of the canvas from the baguette is done by hand. You must wear rubber gloves when doing this. A bare hand will leave marks on the heated PVC.

When partial dismantling is sufficient, the repair work of the web begins after access to the problem area is provided, and the web is removed only in one or two corners. If complete dismantling is carried out, then it is released in all corners and is gradually removed around the entire perimeter. Laying the removed canvas must be done with extreme caution.

In principle, it is possible to remove the PVC film from the bead fasteners. To do this, you will need to carefully bend the wall of the aluminum profile of the baguette so that the glazing bead is released. This fastener is carefully removed from the profile using pliers and a screwdriver. After removing the canvas, you will have to dismantle the bent profile and return its wall to its previous position by straightening. If the plastic glazing bead has changed shape and size after its first use, then it will have to be replaced with a new one.

Features of dismantling the fabric

The dismantling of the fabric differs from the removal of the polymer film in that there is no need for heating. The release of the canvas begins in the middle part of the baguette on the wall with a gradual movement towards the corners. Removal of tissue is provided with pliers with long jaws.

In the process of working with a fabric web, it should be remembered that the clip-on fastening relaxes around the entire perimeter when the fabric is removed in one place. This circumstance does not allow for partial dismantling. To ensure high-quality subsequent stretching, in any case, it will be necessary to completely dismantle the web.

The ability to reuse a fabric ceiling after dismantling largely depends on the trimming of the edges during the initial installation. The fabric does not stretch well, and therefore, in the absence of a margin in length, it is extremely difficult to ensure its reliable grip in the fastener. This condition should be taken into account when installing a fabric ceiling.

Removing water from the ceiling

One of the main reasons for the temporary dismantling of a stretch ceiling is a flood "provided" by neighbors from above. There are several ways to remove accumulated fluid.

In any case, a preparatory stage is necessary. Before carrying out work, it is important to ensure complete safety and, above all, to exclude electric shock. To do this, you will have to remove all lighting equipment and turn off the electricity. You should prepare containers for water in advance, as well as take things out of the room that can be damaged if liquid gets on them. It is recommended to take measures to prevent flooding of neighbors from below. The floor must be covered with plastic wrap.

Getting rid of water is quite easy if there are chandeliers or lamps on the ceiling. After removing them, a hole opens in the canvas, where the water flow should be directed. Work is carried out with a partner. One person holds the container under the hole, while the other manually or with the help of a mop rolls the liquid, lifting the sagging canvas. If wrinkles remain on the polymer sheet after removing the water, then such an area is heated with a building hair dryer. Defects are smoothed out after cooling.

In the absence of any mounting holes in the canvas, partial dismantling will have to be done.

To do this, it is enough to remove the canvas in the nearest corner, bend it, and remove water through the resulting opening in the same way as the described case.

Tool

To dismantle the stretch ceiling, you should take care of the following tools and fixtures in advance: a stepladder, pliers with elongated jaws, a knife, scissors, a screwdriver, a hammer, a spatula. When removing the PVC sheet, you will need a heat gun, a building hair dryer or a heat fan, and the room should be warmed up with a household heater. If you need to dismantle and rearrange the baguette, you need a puncher and a screwdriver. If the consequences of the flood are eliminated, then water containers and a conventional fan should be prepared to dry the space between the canvas and the ceiling, as well as rags.

The need to remove the stretch ceiling may arise for various reasons. If it is in good condition, then dismantling should be done without damaging the web, which will allow it to be installed again in its original place. Such an event can be done with your own hands, but you need to correctly assess your capabilities. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is better to invite specialists who will carry out the dismantling and subsequent installation of the structure.

I like

Stretch ceilings (and they are also called French) are not only durable, but also durable - with proper care, the life of the canvas can be 15-20 years. Due to the installation features, such ceilings are practically immune to the displacement of the carrier plate or shrinkage of the house. However, life is an unpredictable thing, so sometimes it becomes necessary to dismantle the stretch fabric. There can be a lot of reasons - from failed electrical wiring to banal flooding by neighbors from above.

Stretch ceiling - a popular option for finishing the ceiling surface

If the ceiling is made of PVC and its condition is still quite tolerable, then the owners can remove it to, for example, dry it, and then install it back. But in order to dismantle correctly, without damaging the film or frame, you need to know about the basic nuances of the process.

Where to begin?

The dismantling technology largely depends on how the canvas is attached to the baguette. To find out, you need to study the warranty card (it is issued for all PVC structures), which should indicate not only the operational period, but also the method of attachment. From this we will build on. In the absence of such documentation, you can study the design features of the ceiling yourself.

A special fastening profile is one of the main elements of a stretch ceiling

There are 4 ways to fix the stretch film in a baguette, let's get acquainted with them.

Harpoon mount. The easiest to use, and therefore the most popular option. In this case, a hard edge is welded along the edges of the canvas (in the form of a harpoon, hence the name), which, after entering the baguette, unbends and thus holds the canvas.
Cam(another name is clip-on). The film is fixed here by means of elastic plastics of the plastic profile, which put pressure on it. No decorative tapes and plugs are used with this installation method, and preheating is not required.
Glazing bead. This method of fastening involves pressing the canvas to the inner walls of the baguette by means of a longitudinal glazing bead.

Note! In the last two methods, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the film is in direct contact with the surface of the profile, which means that it can be damaged if handled carelessly.

Stretch ceiling prices

stretch ceiling

Features of working with their PVC film

Most modern stretch ceilings are made of PVC film (there are also fabric options, but about them a little later). This material is not only elastic and durable, but also environmentally friendly. Its other feature is the reaction to changes in air temperature. So, if the temperature rises to + 60 ° C, then polyvinyl chloride becomes more elastic and pliable, and when cooled, it hardens and decreases. For this reason, a special device is used for installation and dismantling - a heat gun. It can be purchased or rented.

Note! PVC film has a very high tensile strength, but it can be easily damaged by some sharp object, which, accordingly, will require a complete replacement of the sheet.

Dismantling the film stretch ceiling

The process consists of several main steps, but in order to do everything right, you need to be patient, get good tools and act in accordance with the instructions.

Stage number 1. We prepare everything you need

To remove the PVC film, specific devices and tools are needed, which are not found in every home.

So, first we prepare:

clothespins for fixing the canvas;
a heat gun (it is better to give preference to a gas device, since the electric one is very powerful, which means it can damage the wiring);
a spatula intended for stretch fabrics (small, up to 10 cm wide) with pre-rounded corners and sharpened edges; if the tool is not processed in advance, then you can cut the PVC film;
stepladder (in the absence of one, you can use the table);
high-quality screwdriver with a curved end;
pliers (their lips should also be curved);
construction knife.

When all the necessary equipment is prepared, we boldly begin the second stage - the preparation of the premises.

Stage number 2. We prepare the room

Before removing the tension fabric or one of its sides, we carry out appropriate preparatory measures, including:

removal of ceiling lighting fixtures;

Stretch ceiling kit prices

stretch ceiling kit

removal of plants, animals and birds from the premises (if any);
protection of furniture and appliances that can be damaged from high temperatures due to the operation of the heat gun (metal-plastic windows, computer, electronic clock, etc.).

Now that both the room and the tools are properly prepared, you can begin to remove the canvas.

Stage number 3. Filming

The dismantling technology directly depends on which of the listed types of fastening was used during installation. Based on this, we will disassemble the entire structure.

Note! The issues of removing the entire tension fabric and only one side of the surface should be considered separately, and with respect to each of the installation methods.

Harpoon mount

This option for attaching the film is easiest to dismantle. The reason is extremely simple: harpoon fixation in itself implies easy assembly and the possibility of multiple disassembly of the ceiling structure. In this case, we will start removing the canvas from the section of the wall located next to the corner.

The algorithm of actions is given below, for the convenience of visitors, the information is given in the form of a table.

Table. Dismantling of PVC stretch ceiling (option with harpoon fastening).

Steps, illustrations	Brief description of actions
	First, remove the masking tape (decorative insert) on one side or around the entire perimeter. This will open access to the places of fixing the canvas.
	We determine the places of fixation of the slotted inserts fixed between the canvas and the walls of the room. We remove these inserts.
	We warm the room with a heat gun to a temperature of + 70 ° C (this action must be performed without fail). As a result of heating, the dimensions of the web will increase, and the pressure exerted on the harpoon mount will weaken.
	We proceed directly to the removal of the film. To do this, we warm up the area from which we will begin the process (for curved ceilings, this can be any point of the structure, for even ones, one of the corners of the room). We climb onto the stepladder, hook it with a blunt spatula and raise the harpoon. We take pliers, grab the extracted harpoon hook with them and take it out of the profile.
	We pull the film towards ourselves.
	Further actions will not require much effort. Carefully remove the film from a special mounting profile (we are not in a hurry, otherwise we can damage the material), if necessary, heating new areas with a heat gun.

Fabric stretch ceilings are dismantled using a slightly different technology, because special glazing beads are used here to fix the material. We will consider this process in more detail later.

Video - How to dismantle a stretch ceiling yourself

Cam mount

If the stretch ceiling is installed using a cam-type mount, then its (ceiling) dismantling will be the simplest and easiest to perform. The fact is that in this case, even heating the room is not required. But special care is required, since the spatula will be in direct contact with PVC.

So, you can unhook the film in one of two possible ways.

Method number 1. We take two screwdrivers, insert one between the cams in the corner of the room, and the second - about 55-60 cm. Because of this, the pressure of the cams in this area will noticeably weaken, which will make it easy to remove the PVC from the fasteners. We carry out the procedure until we extract the required amount of canvas.

Method number 2. We take a spatula, insert it between the cams and wring out the one that is movable. Due to the tension, the material will freely leave the clamps. The remaining film is removed manually.

Note! On the surface of the PVC film, characteristic serifs may remain after clamping. These serifs can be guided during re-installation.

Bead type fastening

Here you will need to work:

spatula (such as described above);
screwdriver;
heat gun.

The algorithm of actions is given below.

Dismantling the glazing bead: remove the plinth, bend the profile, remove the glazing bead, remove the canvas

First, we warm up the room in the same way as in the previous versions.

We remove the masking tape (plug).

We take a spatula and wring out the outer wall of the baguette in one of the corners of the room. After that, pry off the bead with a screwdriver and remove it.

We intercept the glazing bead with our hands, remove it. We remove the canvas.

If, when installing the ceiling, a supply of material was left, then the canvas, if necessary, can be completely inserted back.

Prices for stretch ceiling "Galaxy"

Stretch ceiling "Galaxy"

Video - How to remove the stretch ceiling

Features of dismantling seamless fabrics

When removing the fabric ceiling, such strong heating is not required. If we are talking about wedge or bead type fasteners, then the dismantling process is no different from a similar action with PVC film. The only difference is that you should start from the center of the wall, gradually moving towards the corner. The installation is the same. The success of the event largely depends on the slowness and accuracy of the actions performed.

As for the re-installation of the fabric web, everything here depends mainly on the conscientiousness of the previous installers. If they cut the material "back to back", then we are unlikely to get the perfect tension when reinstalling. After all, polyester fabric is not as elastic as polyvinyl chloride. But if the installation was done by professionals, then in any case they left a few “extra” centimeters of the canvas. If so, then there shouldn't be much of a problem.

Note! Particular attention should be paid to fabric canvases installed using clip-on baguettes. Partial removal of such ceilings is impossible - if anything, you need to remove everything at once, otherwise the canvas may well pop out of the clamps due to the unreliability of this kind of fastening.

During removal and further installation, the ceiling must be heated regularly, albeit not as much as PVC. If after installation there are minor irregularities, do not worry - heat them with a heat gun and they will quickly level out. Try not to lift the heat gun too close to the canvas, because it is also, in fact, plastic, so it can deform.

In order for the dismantling work to be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible, we recommend that you adhere to the following important requirements.

It is advisable to find one or two assistants for work. In this case, the removal of the blade will be carried out carefully and, more importantly, safely.
When installing a stretch ceiling, give preference to exclusively high-quality materials.
Do not use tools with sharp edges. With such tools, you can easily damage the ceiling or finishing materials.

As you can see, the process of dismantling the stretch ceiling is nothing complicated. It is quite possible to cope with the work with your own hands, if you know about all the nuances of the process and follow a certain technology.