How to properly install a stretch ceiling. How are stretch ceilings installed? Do-it-yourself stretch ceiling: photo

Many of us would like to know how professionals install stretch ceilings in order to do the installation of such ceiling structures at home with their own hands. Our article will help you acquire such knowledge.

Briefly about stretch ceilings and their advantages

To understand how stretch ceilings are installed, you first need to figure out what they are and why they are so popular. Stretch ceiling structures consist of a mounting kit and the stretch fabric itself made of a film or fabric made of impregnated synthetic threads. The material is attached to the structure around the perimeter of the room and stretched. Film webs are stretched after preheating using a heat gun, and fastened without heating.

Advantages of stretch ceilings:

1. High aesthetic values. A wide range of colors and textures allows you to choose a canvas for your interior. And thanks to photo printing on the panel, it is possible to achieve originality and even greater beauty of the ceiling.
2. There is no need to prepare the base ceiling. The installation itself is quick and easy, without a lot of debris. Furniture during installation is not required to be taken out.
3. PVC film can withstand large volumes of water, which will save your apartment from being flooded by neighbors.
4. Coatings can be mounted in any room (bathroom, kitchen, living room or bedroom), humidity does not matter.
5. Ceilings can be installed after finishing the room without fear that your wallpaper or panels will be damaged.
6. Cloths do not attract dust, do not support combustion, are harmless to humans.
7. The stretch ceiling can be washed and cleaned with detergents.
8. The durability of fabrics. The service life of such a ceiling leaves 15-20 years.

Ways of fastening stretch ceilings

When answering the question of how stretch ceilings are installed, it is impossible not to mention the various ways of attaching canvases. There are the following mounting options:

• harpoon;
• clip-on;
• wedge.

The differences in the method of fastening are in how the canvas is fixed in the wall fastener - baguette. Moreover, a certain type of fastener is suitable for certain types of canvases.

Harpoon mount

Using a harpoon mount, stretch ceilings made of pvc film are installed. This is due to the fact that only on PVC films can a small thickening around the perimeter, called a harpoon, be made at the factory. For installation by this method you will need:

• aluminum or plastic profiles for wall mounting with a groove for a harpoon (baguettes);
• pvc canvas with a harpoon at the edges.

Fastening takes place as follows: first, baguettes are attached to the walls along the perimeter of the room at the desired height. Then a harpoon on a film is inserted into the groove of the baguettes and snapped into place. It turns out a reliable fixation of the canvas. By the way, the baguette can be mounted on drywall constructions.

Clip fasteners

Do you want to know how fabric stretch ceilings are installed? Yes, using a clip connection. The difference between a clip-on baguette and a harpoon fastener is that it is a single element without additional clamps. Plastic for such a baguette is very durable. It is able to withstand heavy loads. The method is named in the same way as the well-known brand of Clipso canvases, for which the baguette was invented.

The canvas is inserted into the fasteners and securely fixed thanks to the clip lock. Such a fastening scheme has one indisputable advantage - the canvas can be inserted into the fastener and pulled out as many times as necessary. This is especially useful for fabrics. After all, they are mounted without heating, which requires a good stretch and straightening of the panel.

wedge fastener

To understand how stretch ceilings are installed using a wedge connection, take a look at the photo below. For fasteners we need:

• U-shaped baguette made of aluminum;
• wedge;
• wooden or plastic fixing bar.

The essence of the method is as follows: the canvas is inserted into the groove of the baguette and fixed there with a wedge. Then the excess web is cut off, and the groove with the wedge and the baguette are closed with a plastic insert. This insert performs additional fixing functions. This installation method is the easiest and most affordable for self-execution.

Taking measurements

Before stretch ceilings are installed, measurements of the room are performed in order to determine the required dimensions of the canvas. To properly perform this procedure, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. If your room is rectangular in plan, then you need to measure not only its length and width, but also any of the diagonals of the room. This is necessary for the reason that the angles in the room are not always equal to 90 degrees.
2. If the room has a complex polygonal shape, then in addition to measuring the lengths of the walls, the distances from any corner to all other corners in the room are measured.
3. Before installing curved stretch ceilings, they build a diagram of the room on paper. There are two options for drawing a diagram. 1st: the ceiling is broken by a conditional grid with the same cells. Then, on these squares, a curved ceiling line is drawn on paper on a scale. 2nd: conditional chords are built to the curved ceiling line. Then all sides of the resulting triangles are measured.

Taking ceiling measurements

Tip: if the room has a very complex shape, it is better to measure distances not from one corner, but from several. Thus, the diagram will turn out to be a room divided into many triangles with measured sides.

Surface preparation

Although we wrote a lot about the fact that before installing stretch ceilings, preparation of the base ceiling is not required, there is still something to be done:

1. Remove loose plaster from the surface of the old ceiling so that it does not damage the new stretch ceiling after falling.
2. If stretch ceilings are installed in rooms with high humidity, it is better to treat the base ceiling with an antiseptic solution. This will prevent the formation of fungi.
3. Take care in advance of the new wiring for the lamps, as well as places for their attachment.

How to install stretch ceilings: sequence

After we figured out the fasteners, it remains to find out how stretch ceilings are installed, or rather the exact sequence of actions. As you already understood, there is some difference between the installation of fabric sheets and PVC film sheets. The most difficult installation process occurs with pvc films, since their preheating is required.

To install the ceiling, you will need the following tools:

• heat gun;
• gas cylinder;
• drill;
• screwdriver;
• laser level;
• roulette;
• putty knife;
• square.

Stretch ceilings are installed in the following sequence:

1. First you need to decide on the place of attachment of the baguette. To do this, it is necessary to indent from the base ceiling at a certain distance (for fabric sheets 1.5 cm, for PVC film sheets 4-5 cm). We work with a laser level.
2. Then, along the marked lines, baguettes should be fixed for the fastening method we have chosen. To do this, we drill holes along the line on the wall and hammer dowels into them. We fasten the baguettes with self-tapping screws. We install fasteners every 20 cm.
3. Do not forget to lay the wiring and make the attachment points for the light sources.
4. Next, we lay out the canvas in the center of the room and, using special clamps, fasten one of its edges in any corner of the room.

1. In the same way we hang other corners of the canvas.
2. Warm up the heat gun. The canvas should warm up to 40 degrees.
3. After that, they begin to insert the canvas into the baguettes. Stretch ceilings are installed from the middle of the baguettes, moving towards the corners.
4. When the canvas is completely fixed in the baguette, ceiling plinths are mounted, which cover the installation site of the baguette.

How to install the canvas

Interesting information: a canvas with a harpoon mount in a rectangular room can be installed in 2 hours. It may take 6 hours to install a fabric web in a large room. The installation time of a two-level ceiling may be longer, because the amount of work is significant.

Cutting the canvas

Rules for fastening baguettes

How to install stretch ceilings, we have already figured out. However, there are some nuances that will be useful to you in the process. In addition, our tips will help you during the installation of profiles:

1. When choosing between aluminum and plastic profiles, give preference to a more durable aluminum baguette.
2. If you want to get the minimum distance from the base to the stretch ceiling, you can mount the baguette to the ceiling. Otherwise, the mounting profile is mounted on the walls.
3. If you want to install built-in lighting fixtures, then at least 7 cm should be retreated from the base ceiling.
4. The largest allowable pitch of self-tapping screws when attaching a baguette to solid walls without plaster is 20 cm. If the walls are thin and have a thick layer of plaster on them, the pitch is reduced to 80 mm.
5. Since the cooled pvc sheet gives a load on the walls of 70 kg / r.m., you should not fasten baguettes to thin partitions. In this case, you should choose a ceiling mount.

Rules for mounting canvases

Usually, before stretch ceilings are installed using a heat gun, flowers and animals are taken out of the room. This is due to the fact that the air warms up to 40 degrees. In addition, during installation, you should adhere to the following rules:

1. For mounting canvases with harpoon fastening, it is convenient to use a special spatula or spatula with rounded corners.
2. During the installation of PVC, the canvas must be constantly heated with a heat gun. Otherwise, it will quickly cool down and lose its elasticity.
3. Stretch the PVC fabric from the middle of the baguettes to the corners of the room.
4. When installing fabric sheets, a heat gun is not needed.
5. Fabric canvases are inserted into the baguette from the corners to the center.

Rules for installing luminaires in stretch ceilings

How stretch ceilings are installed, you already understood. But what ceiling will do without lamps? The process of installing lighting fixtures in a stretch ceiling is as follows:

1. On the base ceiling, places for fixing fixtures are pre-made.
2. After that, reinforcing rings are glued to the film in the area of ​​​​the places where the fixtures are attached.
3. The canvas is neatly trimmed along the inside of the rings.
4. The wires are taken out into the resulting hole and connected to the lamp.
5. Then the lamp is fixed on the site and adjusted.
6. Heavy lighting fixtures are mounted on special hooks in the base ceiling.

For high-quality installation, knowing how to install stretch ceilings is not enough, because one inaccurate detail can ruin the whole thing. A certain experience and skill in handling a gun is needed, which give knowledge of many nuances that are useful in this matter. However, with our tips and helpful tips, you can act like an experienced craftsman. So, before installing stretch ceilings, take into account the following tips:

1. The cylinder for the gas gun used in the process of installing a stretch PVC ceiling must be with an unexpired expiration date.
2. Make sure that the heat gun does not blow into the place where the cylinder is.
3. Do not fill the cylinder more than 80%.
4. Give preference to translucent composite cylinders. It is easy to see the gas level in them.

An interesting video on how stretch ceilings are installed:

T Now you know how stretch ceilings are installed. However, if there is some self-doubt, choose fabric canvases for installation. They are denser due to the texture of the fabric, so they are more difficult to damage for inexperienced craftsmen. In addition, the installation of fabric sheets is carried out without the use of a heat gun.

Installing stretch ceilings is not a very difficult process if you have instructions on how to install stretch ceilings. Stretch ceilings - a modern design of the ceiling surface, characterized by a variety of options. They are a specific design, including canvases made of fabric or polyvinyl chloride. With a large number of advantages, such ceiling coverings are increasingly used in interior design.

In order to save money, many people want to independently master the technology of installing stretch ceilings. At first glance, the process seems laborious, with a lot of nuances. In fact, if you know all the main points, it will not be difficult to install stretch ceilings in an apartment with your own hands.

Stretch ceilings as a ceiling surface finish are very popular due to the following advantages:

• Beautiful appearance.

• A wide selection of colors and textures. Using the method of photo printing on canvases allows you to solve the most complex design ideas.

• Do not require preliminary preparation of the surface of the draft ceiling.

• Mounting them is much easier than suspended structures. Thus after work there is no dust and dirt.

• A PVC film is able to hold large volumes of water, which will help out when the neighbors from above lose their vigilance and forget to turn off the taps.

• Such coatings are not afraid of moisture, therefore they are suitable for installation in any type of premises.

• Long service life (about 20 years).

How to install stretch ceilings: mounting options

The time for installation of a stretch ceiling depends on the type of coating and the chosen method of fastening:

• Harpoon - used for installing PVC film ceilings. Along the edges of the canvases, hooks are welded, similar in appearance to harpoons. During the installation of the canvas, these hooks are inserted into a baguette attached to the wall, which holds the main load during the tension of the canvases.

• Clip-on provides fastening of fabric ceilings. Clips are installed along the edges of the canvases, which fix the fabric to the baguette.

• Shtapikovy - an alternative to the harpoon method. However, the products included in the design are of lower quality. In connection with which, over time, the fasteners weaken, and the ceiling begins to sag.

How a stretch ceiling is mounted: features of the tension of the canvases

Stretch ceiling structure is represented by a set, which includes fasteners and the main fabric. The structure must be placed around the perimeter of the room, then a material is attached to it, which is subsequently stretched, creating a perfectly flat and smooth surface.

Stretch ceilings are divided into two types:

But the fabric can be dyed in any shade, apply a pattern. Also, such materials breathe well and are environmentally friendly.

Important! The manufacture of stretch ceilings is carried out on the basis of a customer's order after measurements of a particular room.

Installation of canvases on the frame is carried out by one of two options:

• Hot way. Designed for PVC film and involves the use of a heat gun that heats the coating to the required temperature. The stretching of the film occurs as it cools.
• Fabric coverings are mounted in a cold way. They are attached to baguettes and stretched, after which the seams are decorated with ceiling plinths.

How to install stretch ceilings: measurements

Before mounting the ceilings, it is necessary to measure the room and order canvases and materials.

The room must be measured in the following ways:

1. For a square or rectangular room, measure the lengths of the sides and one diagonal (from corner to corner).
2. A polygonal room of complex design requires measuring all walls and diagonals from one corner to other corners, both internal and external.

Accurate calculations will not only save financial resources for paying for the ceiling covering, but will also become a guarantee of the durability of future ceilings.

How to properly install a stretch ceiling: features of the process

Mounting a stretch ceiling begins with the installation of a baguette (profile) that holds the entire structure. This stage is considered to be the most responsible, since it is he who ensures the reliability and durability of the future ceiling.

Mounting the profile when installing stretch ceilings includes the following sequence of steps:

• With the help of a hydraulic level, points are marked around the perimeter at a distance of at least 3 cm from the ceiling surface. To do this, you need to determine the lowest corner of the room and take it as a basis. If it is planned to install large-sized lighting fixtures, the distance between the draft ceiling and the canvas is increased to the required level.
• At the marked points with an upholstery cord, horizontal lines are drawn around the entire perimeter of the room.
• The mounted baguette must first be fixed in the most “naughty” and uncomfortable corner of the room. At the same time, the joining of profile elements in the corners is prohibited, since the sharp corners of the material will easily tear the stretched film or fabric. To avoid this, in the corners of the room, the baguette is sawn along the back wall, leaving the front wall intact. Next, the profile is bent along the sawn place. The profiles are attached to the wall with self-tapping screws in increments of 20 cm. Self-tapping screws are screwed into loose walls at a distance of at least 8 cm from each other.
• After mounting the first bar, move on to the second. It is fixed to the wall close to the previous one, while the joint must be aligned on a horizontal plane. This is done until the entire perimeter of the ceiling is surrounded by a baguette.
• To soften the sharp edges of the profile, they must be covered with masking tape.

2. Installation of canvases on the frame

Before starting to fasten the canvas, you need to make sure that there is no peeling of the plaster on the rough surface. Otherwise, falling parts of the old finish may damage the canvas or create an additional load on it, causing the stretch ceiling to sag.

Also at this stage, it is necessary to mount the electrical wiring under and check the operation of the electrical system.

• PVC sheets are attached to the installed baguettes with a heat gun. Previously, the room is heated up to 40 degrees with it, which gives the film elasticity and pliability in work. Then the film is unfolded, hooks (harpoons) or clips are welded to the sides of the canvas, and fixed to baguettes in the corners of the room, heating the canvas to a temperature of 60 degrees.

The installation of the canvas begins from the base angle. Usually, manufacturers put a corresponding mark on the film, which is the first attachment point.

Installing stretch ceilings using the harpoon method, it is necessary to drive the harpoons with the corresponding grooves into the profile holes with a spatula until they click. You need to move from the corner to the middle of the room, constantly heating the film to maintain a temperature of 60 degrees.

With another method of fastening, the canvas should exceed the size of the ceiling surface, but the sequence of its tension does not change. The main difference is in the fastening elements (harpoon, clip or bead).

After installation, it is necessary to cut off the excess parts of the canvas. Cooling down, the film shrinks, stretching and becoming perfectly even and smooth.

• Installation of fabric stretch ceilings does not require its preheating. According to the mounting method, the installation of such a ceiling is somewhat different from. First, it is necessary to fix the canvas in the middle of the carrier profile, while its parts 5-7 cm long remain in the form of a margin along the edges. Therefore, a fabric web must be purchased for mounting a larger ceiling than the surface.

Important! Fabric coverings are inserted into the corners at the very end of the process, unlike PVC sheets.

The folds are straightened with a building hair dryer. To do this, crumpled places need to be heated with rotational circular motions. The temperature should not exceed 200 degrees, and the distance between the coating and the hair dryer should be 20 cm.

Upon completion of the installation work, the excess edges are trimmed and the plugs are fixed.

After the installation of stretch ceilings is completed, proceed to the installation of lighting fixtures.

Basically, installers use two methods of fastening - harpoon and clip-on. They enable the subsequent, in contrast to the glazing bead method.

Stretch ceiling installation. Detailed video instruction

In this step-by-step master class, we will tell you about the installation of a stretch ceiling. Let's take a closer look at an example with spotlights and a ceiling cornice. We will install a stretch ceiling with a vinyl sheet, using a gas gun for stretching.

Step 1: Marking the level and fastening the baguette

Before starting the installation of stretch ceilings, we carefully prepare the surface. We remove the old plaster, treat the ceiling with a primer with an antiseptic. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming under the non-ventilated area. Next, we do the markup. Using a laser or building level, we beat off the horizon. We find the lowest point of the ceiling and calculate the height that would allow us to install spotlights with all fasteners and wiring, but not less than 7 cm. The marking line can be applied with a pencil or use a painting plumb line. We fasten the baguette.

On the reverse side of the baguette we make an inscription in those places where it will adjoin the corners of the wall. It is preferable to choose a baguette made of aluminum than PVC. This design is stronger and after the installation of stretch ceilings is completed, the likelihood of material sagging is minimal. We fix the baguette with self-tapping screws, after driving plastic dowels into the wall. We do not recommend using wooden dowels, they dry out over time. Fastening pitch - 20 cm for solid walls, for all others - 8-10 cm. We seal the joints with masking tape.

Step 2: Wiring spotlights

Next, the wiring and mortgages for spotlights are mounted. Before you are embedded platforms made of resistant thermoplastic for lighting fixtures, matched to the diameter of the selected lamps. However, you can also purchase universal platforms that are cut to the desired size of the light bulb. For fastening mortgages to the ceiling, we use metal hangers used in the manufacture of a frame for plasterboard ceilings. We fix the suspensions with self-tapping bugs measuring 3.5 by 11 mm.

After assembling the mortgages, we make marks on the ceiling where the lamps will be located. One 35 W light bulb will be enough for 1 m 2. Install junction boxes for each group of luminaires. Route the wires to the places where the lighting fixtures will be mounted. To avoid friction and damage to the wires, pull them through the corrugated tubes. We fasten the mortgages with the wire to the ceiling, after hammering the chopsticks into the holes. We fix the second edge of the metal suspensions. The lower part of the suspension should be flush with the stretch ceiling.

We place the loop with the wire below the mortgage platform by 10–15 cm, cut it in half at the bottom. We clean and isolate the wires, connect them by color. We install terminal blocks for connecting wires. We do this in such a way that the insulation goes under the plastic platform a little to avoid a short circuit.

We lay the wire with the terminal block on the mortgage so that it does not interfere while stretching the suspended ceiling.

Step 3: Installation of mortgages under the chandelier

We mount a chandelier in the center. To install it, you will need a mortgage of a larger diameter, as well as metal hangers and self-tapping screws for fastening. Do not forget about the installation level, which should correspond to the height of the stretch ceiling.

We mark the place where the chandelier will be located. We draw a wire from the branch box, pull it through the corrugated tube. We clean and isolate the ends of the wire.

Step 4: Installing the Curtain Hanger

In our version, the curtains will be attached to the ceiling. In order to pre-make mortgages. We drill holes, insert dowels.

Using self-tapping screws, we fix direct suspensions. Then we stretch the paint cord from wall to wall at the same level with the stretch ceiling.

We measure the desired length of the wooden beam and mount it strictly according to the level (paint cord), fixing it with metal hangers. To extend the life of wood, we recommend that you pre-treat it with a water-repellent impregnation.

Since our burs turned out to be a bit short, it is necessary to saw off the desired length and grind a piece of wood.

We take measurements and connect the sawn timber with the one already fixed on the hangers. To avoid such errors, calculate everything several times.

Step 5: Preparing to Stretch the Ceiling

Only after the suspension for curtains is mounted, we proceed to stretch the canvas. We preliminarily hang special clothespins "crocodiles" in the corners.

Thanks to these clips, the canvas will not slip off at the initial stage of stretching, and a special gasket will protect it from damage. Then we take out a gas gun, a spatula with rounded corners for embedding the canvas in the groove. We unwind the burner hoses and connect it to the mains.

Step 6: Unpacking and stretching the ceiling with a gas gun

We unpack and inspect the canvas from all sides, making sure that there are no damages on it. We hook the edges on pre-fixed clothespins in the corners. Additionally, we fix the canvas in several places with clamps and insert it into the baguette using a rounded spatula.

We fill the canvas from the corners to the center, continuing to heat it with a gas gun. We carefully cut off the hanging strips with a sharp construction knife, making sure that the tension is strong. If you install a fabric stretch ceiling of the Clipso type, then the installation takes place according to the principle of stretching the material on the hoop. A gas gun will not be used in this case; use a building or household hair dryer to smooth out irregularities.

After the corners are completely filled, we continue to warm up the canvas and fill the middle. When stretching the canvas, the gas gun must be heated to 60 ° C, brought to the canvas at a remote distance.

We gradually remove the clamps. When doing work, we try to hold the canvas with one hand, and fill it into a baguette with the other so that it does not slip off. We connect an assistant, so the work will go faster.

Step 7: Cut holes for connecting lighting fixtures

On the stretched canvas we find the places where the mortgages for the lamps were mounted. We take these thermal rings and coat them with special super glue. In our case, this is COSMO CA 500.200 glue. The use of ordinary glue can ruin the canvas.

We apply thermal rings to the marked places. Glue sets in minutes. After that, we cut round holes on the inside of the ring with a sharp construction knife. We do this with all the mortgages for the lamps.

We take out the insulated wires of spotlights to connect them with lighting bulbs.

We do the same with the wire of the central chandelier.

Step 8: Bulb Installation

We install light bulbs (LED, energy-saving, halogen). It is desirable that their power does not exceed 40 W, otherwise the canvas may deteriorate due to overheating in a year. Spotlights must have a plastic or metal rim covering the thermal ring.

We advise you to purchase GX53 LED lamps with a small protrusion beyond the rim of the lamp and a wide glow angle. When choosing lamps for stretch ceilings, also pay attention to the presence of a cooling grill and the strength of the radiator. After completing the installation of all the bulbs, we check the fixtures in action.

Step 9: Installing the Stretch Ceiling Plug and Attaching the Cornice

The final touch of the work is the installation of the plug and cornice. In order to mask the gap formed between the ceiling and the wall, we apply, which will go well with any interior. It must be fixed exclusively to the wall, not to the stretch ceiling, otherwise screeds may form. Instead of a ceiling plinth, you can install a flexible masking tape. This design is easy to insert and remove from the groove, have a large palette of colors.

On this, the installation of a stretch ceiling with your own hands is completed. It remains on pre-made mortgages (wooden burs on metal hangers), hang curtains and enjoy the result.

The principle and rules of installation: what tension surfaces are made of and what they are attached to

The general view of the interior of the room depends on the quality of the lining of the ceiling surface. Smooth, beautiful ceilings give the room a well-groomed look, and decorated with the use of colored or textured material, multi-level structures with lighting, create a special atmosphere of luxury and comfort at the same time.

Consider what is the technology of installing stretch ceilings, which are the best finishing option. We will analyze the nuances of mounting various types of canvases, and find out how much we can do this work on our own.

What is a stretch ceiling

Fixation principle

It is with this question that I would like to start our article, because for sure many have seen this design already in finished form, but not many people know about all the intricacies of the process and about what it is still made of.

In fact, a stretch ceiling is a sheet of durable vinyl or fabric stretched parallel to the floor slabs. The stretching of ceilings takes place, in the language of professionals, "hot". Thanks to this, a smooth and even surface is obtained without any drops.

It should be noted that today stretch ceilings are increasingly replacing complex ones, they are much lighter, cost much less and are easier to care for. In addition, they are much easier to mount, and in order not to be unfounded, we suggest watching how the video ceilings are stretched.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated here, and a little lower we will describe in detail this process with all its subtleties and nuances, but for now I would like to prioritize and find out what is the secret of the popularity of stretch ceilings.

pros

So:

• If we compare the final cost of tension and suspension structures. Then the price of a stretch ceiling, even with a print, will be much lower.
• Installation takes only a few hours, and you do not have to destroy half the room.
• The whole process is quite clean, and it is enough just to cover the furniture with a film from dust, while not removing it completely from the room.
• The surface can be mounted at a minimum distance from the floor slab, the loss in height will be only 3-5 centimeters, which is especially important for houses with initially.

Material Description

The canvas is made from polyester (polyester) threads, and to improve the performance properties it is impregnated with polyurethane. The coating is supplied in rolls of 3-5.5 m.

This coating is environmentally friendly, resistant to fire, sunlight and mechanical deformation.

The big advantage of woven ceilings are also:

• their seamless installation;
• the possibility of operation at negative temperatures;
• vapor permeability;
• installation of the structure without the use of heating the web.

Some disadvantage compared to film materials can be considered a meager collection of colors and finishes, the lack of glossy models. Although the use of glossy canvases on apartment ceilings has many negative reviews.

Types of fasteners for polyester ceiling

When installing fabric ceilings, wedge and clip methods are used:

• wedge mount

The technology for installing a stretch ceiling by this method consists in fixing the fabric inside the U-shaped profile with a special wedge (glazing bead). The baguette (profile) is fastened with self-tapping screws. The glazing bead or wedge clamps the material inside the profile and holds it under tension.

The insert, which acts as a , snaps into the profile and closes the junction of the surfaces of the stretch ceiling and wall.

The advantages of this design are a small profile height, and, accordingly, saving the height of the room, as well as the possibility of installation without taking perfectly accurate measurements.

However, fasteners have enough disadvantages:

1. the ceiling is almost impossible to dismantle without damaging the canvas, and install it back;
2. the mount is not suitable for installing multi-level structures, it does not withstand a massive canvas (in large rooms);
3. over time, there is a possibility of weakening the fasteners and falling out of the glazing beads.

• Clip fastening

The profile, made of hard, high-strength plastic, securely fixes the fabric material between two planes.

After installing the fabric in the profile, its excess is cut off, so it is almost impossible to reuse the material for installation. The clip-on method of mounting canvases does not require the installation of additional masking skirting boards, since there is no technological gap.

The installation step for fasteners for fabric ceilings is usually chosen to be 15-20 cm (depending on the recommendations of the ceiling manufacturer).

Film ceilings

Coatings from the most common in the construction of stretch ceilings.

Material Description

European products are produced in rolls with a width of 1.2 to 2.8 m (at present, Chinese manufacturers have appeared who have established the production of five-meter canvases). There are a lot of types of textures and color solutions for such ceilings. These are matte and glossy, translucent and mirror models, marble, suede, satin finishes, etc.

Film ceilings characterize:

• Budget price (depends on the texture of the material).
• Possibility of installation with your own hands.
• Resistance to moisture and fire.
• Antistatic.
• Possibility of dismantling and re-installation of the web and profiles.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• The coating does not withstand mechanical damage.
• During installation, and for several days after it, there is an unpleasant smell in the room where the film ceiling was installed.
• The technology for installing stretch ceilings from a film implies the obligatory heating of the material (the temperature rises to 70 degrees). Firstly, the installer should be able to handle heating devices (guns), and secondly, interior items may suffer from elevated temperatures. This should be taken into account and removed from the room in advance.

Important! The recently introduced "Cool Stretch" technology allows the installation of film coatings without the use of guns.

Depending on the size of the room and the width of the existing coating, film sheets can be welded. The seam, although not very striking, can be seen in certain lighting conditions.

Types of film coating fasteners

For the installation of film ceilings, two types of fastening are used:

• Glazing bead

This budget option for attaching a film coating is similar to that used when installing fabric ceilings.

A harpoon is attached around the entire perimeter of the canvas - a special hook, which is then inserted into the installed profile.

This fastening method does not require much time, if it becomes necessary to replace the coating, the old material is dismantled, a new canvas is installed in its place in the existing profiles.

Ceilings installed using harpoon mounts are more likely to sag in the center of the structure. Another disadvantage of such mounts is the higher price.

It is better to fasten film coatings every 10-15 cm. In addition to the type of fastening, baguettes also differ in their functional purpose.

Types of fasteners depending on the purpose

1. Depending on the surface used for mounting the baguette, the profiles are divided into wall and ceiling. Universal mounts are also available, suitable for installation on horizontal and vertical surfaces.

1. Profiles for mounting multi-level structures.

These elements allow for height differences. An example of such baguettes is shown in the photo:

1. Divider baguettes.

These angled, horizontal or vertical profiles are used to connect individual sheets in the same plane or to avoid various obstacles.

1. Profiles for the device of curvilinear structures.

For mounting the ceiling to a surface that has a curvilinear shape, special baguettes with cuts are used that can be bent.

In addition to profiles, elements for mounting chandeliers and lamps, bypassing pipes, as well as decorative inserts are used during installation.

Ceiling surface and fasteners

When installing tension coatings, special attention is paid to the strength of the surface to which it is planned to mount the profiles. She must be ready to withstand the tension created by the stretched canvas.

• Preferred materials for fastening profiles: metal, concrete or brick base.
• The installation technology on a wooden base (depending on its condition) may include the installation of additional elements around the entire perimeter that provide rigidity.
• To mount the tension structure on fragile surfaces (foam or aerated concrete), first a wooden beam is attached around the perimeter, which takes on the main stress.
• When installing ceilings on a plasterboard surface, special fasteners are used.

• For mounting a baguette to concrete or brick surfaces, dowel-nails are used, and self-tapping screws are used for wood.

Installation of stretch ceilings

For installation you will need the following inventory:

Stretch ceiling installation technology (step by step instructions). Installation of coatings occurs after the alignment of the walls and the completion of all work, the implementation of which is accompanied by the appearance of dirt and dust. , you can ̶ after.

In this case, everyone chooses for himself, as it is more convenient for him:

• Pieces of the old coating are removed from the surface, which may eventually fall and ruin the ceiling.
• The required dimensions are removed.
• A scheme for installing the coating is being drawn up.
• The points of installation of lighting devices are marked (luminaires built into the tension coating should not have a power exceeding 40 W).
• Places for installation of hidden wiring are applied near the installation work.

• For convenience, the furniture is removed - in extreme cases, it is moved to the center of the room.
• The lowest point of the base ceiling is determined, from it, taking into account the dimensions of the profile and fixtures, as well as the possible installation of insulation, the necessary indent is made and markings are applied around the perimeter. Ceiling baguettes will be installed on the ceiling itself.
• Profiles for the corner joint are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. The ends are processed with a file, otherwise the burrs can damage the canvas.
• A baguette is attached along the drawn lines. From the joints and corners, the attachment points should not be more than three centimeters.

Installation of film coating

• The temperature in the room rises to 40-50 degrees.
• The canvas is stretched first along one diagonal, fixed with clamps, then along the second.
• The film is heated up to 70 degrees. The material becomes elastic and stretches perfectly.

Important! When installing stretch ceilings in small rooms, a building hair dryer is enough for heating.

• Using a spatula with rounded ends (this is necessary to prevent damage to the film), the canvas is installed in a baguette. At the first stage, the film is tucked into a baguette at intervals of 8-10 cm, then it is fixed along the entire profile. If wrinkles remain, they can be smoothed out by heating the surface.

• If the wedge installation method was used, excess material is removed.
• If necessary, decorative caps are installed.
• In places where lamps and fixtures are installed, thermal rings are glued to the canvas. They are necessary to protect the material from the heat generated by lighting fixtures. The film inside the ring is cut out.

• Pipes are surrounded by glued plates.

Installation of fabric sheets

• The size of the fabric web should exceed the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ceiling surface.
• The canvas is hung with clips.
• Fastening the fabric into a baguette starts from the center of the room. The canvas is refueled in increments of 50-70 cm. Pulling it around the corners, you should achieve a uniform distribution. At the corners, the material is fixed at the end of the process. In case of wrinkling, you can slightly heat the fabric with a building hair dryer and straighten it.
• Excess material formed after installation by the clip method should be cut off. In the case of using glazing beads, all excess fabric remains in the invisible zone, and it should not be cut off.

• Decorative inserts are installed.
• Installation of lighting and pipe bypass is carried out similarly to the film version.

The result obtained should inevitably allow you to experience a sense of pride in your work and give the interior of the room a stylish and attractive look.

I would like to note that the installation of stretch ceilings should be taken with all responsibility, since the structure must withstand loads up to 100 kg / sq.m.

As you can see, the technology of a stretch ceiling device does not seem to be a completely impossible undertaking. If you have a tool, an idea of ​​​​the stages of the work, and, most importantly, a desire, everyone can cope with finishing.

Installation of stretch ceilings is a process that requires a high-quality and responsible approach at all stages of work. The appearance of the future structure, its compliance with expectations will depend on this.

Types of stretch ceilings and methods of fastening canvases

The technology of installation of stretch ceilings is determined by the types of coatings that are used in the decoration. There are two main types of canvases: fabric and film.

Fabric fabrics are made from polyester impregnated with polyurethane. The result is a fairly thin, but durable coating. It is completely safe for health, not afraid of sunlight and mechanical stress.

For this type of ceiling, the following methods of fastening are distinguished:

• glazing bead (wedge) - an economical and simple method, which consists in the fact that at the installation stage, the edges of the web are inserted into special grooves with which the mounting baguette is equipped, after which the material is compacted with the help of glazing beads (or wedges).

The peculiarity of installing fabric stretch ceilings using glazing bead technology is due to the fact that when cutting the canvas on each side, you need to leave a margin of at least 10 cm so that it stretches well. Excess material is cut off with a knife after installation is completed. The gaps between the surface of the ceiling and the walls are masked with decorative tape;

• Clip-on installation is also very easy. For this, a special fastening system is used. The edges of the canvases are tucked into latches-clips, which are located along the edges of the profile, and are securely fixed in them. This option involves holding the exact dimensions of the paintings, but does not require masking the joints between the wall and ceiling surfaces.

Such canvases are installed more often, since they are cheaper, but have a wider range of textures and colors. The main disadvantage of the panels is that individual pieces of material have to be welded. As a result, the canvas is not solid, and there are seams on it. However, modern production is based on the use of high-tech processes, so the seams are almost invisible.

The peculiarity of the installation of such structures of stretch ceilings is associated with the use of special equipment. During installation, the canvas and the air in the room are heated with a heat gun or a building hair dryer. Due to this, the material becomes elastic, easily stretched.

Film coating options are installed in two ways:

• glazing bead, when the canvas is mounted by analogy with a fabric stretch ceiling;
• harpoon. In this case, a special mounting plate (harpoon) is welded along the perimeter of the canvases. With its help, the coating is connected to an aluminum profile. Harpoon stretch ceilings are mounted very quickly. Their main advantage lies in the possibility of dismantling the old canvas and installing a new one.

But this method is characterized by sagging of the material in the center, which is formed during the operation of the ceiling. Another disadvantage is the high cost.

Profile types

Depending on the design features of the stretch ceiling and the surface to which the profile will be attached, the following types of baguette are distinguished:

• wall - are used most often. They are fixed to the walls around the perimeter of the room with a step between self-tapping screws of 15-20 cm. The main advantage is that they take only 3-3.5 cm of height from the room;
• ceiling profiles are also widespread. Their fastening is carried out to the ceiling. This type of baguette is chosen in cases where it is not possible to install wall profiles. In this case, the room loses no more than 2 cm of height. The only inconvenience is the formation of gaps during installation between the walls and the ceiling, but they are easy to disguise with decorative tape;
• special purpose. Such profiles are chosen for complex connections, the creation of multi-level structures, curvilinear systems;
• dividing - used when installing suspended ceilings in large rooms, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich exceeds 60 m². They practically eliminate the sagging of the sheets during operation, allow the installation of complex ceilings formed from several types of panels.

When installing a stretch ceiling, specialists take into account the type of surface to which the profile will be attached. The panel weighs a lot, so the wall or ceiling must withstand increased loads. It is best to mount the baguette on metal, concrete or brick bases.

If it is planned to mount the structure on a wooden base, then additional elements are preliminarily installed around the perimeter to increase rigidity.

In the case of mounting the system on fragile surfaces, for example, aerated concrete, a wooden beam is first fixed on them, to which a baguette is screwed.

Dowels are used to fix the profile to a concrete or brick base, and self-tapping screws to a wooden surface.

The installation of tension structures always begins with the preparation of a draft ceiling surface. Despite the fact that the coating will reliably mask the flaws in the base ceiling, falling plaster can cause the canvas to sag, so you will have to carry out minor cosmetic repairs. For this you need:

• clean off the old finish;
• close up deep cracks and crevices with a composition of sand and cement, cover small cavities with plaster;
• cover the ceiling surface with a layer of antiseptic primer.

Now it is necessary to lay the wiring to the lighting fixtures, leave a few centimeters of wire for connecting to light sources, protect the rest of the cable with corrugations, and fix it to the ceiling base.

For both fabric and film stretch ceilings, first of all, the distance from the draft surface to the suspended structure is determined. It is calculated taking into account the dimensions of the lighting devices. Further, the perimeter is outlined by a straight horizontal line, which acts as a base for attaching the profile.

Baguettes for installation at corners are pre-cut at an angle of 45 °, the cut points are processed with a file so as not to violate the integrity of the canvas.

The profiles are installed along the perimeter, while the distance from the joints and corners to the fasteners should not exceed 3 cm.

The procedure will be as follows:

• the room is heated with a heat gun to a temperature of 40 ° C;
• carefully unfold the canvas, pull the coating along one diagonal, fix it with clamps, then also pull it along the other diagonal;
• the PVC film is heated up to 60°C with a gun;
• with a spatula fill the edges of the canvas into a baguette. The main thing is to use a tool with rounded edges so as not to damage the canvas. First, the material is fixed in increments of 8-10 cm, then it is completely set into the profile;
• after cooling, the coating will straighten and stretch. If wrinkles appear, they need to be additionally heated;
• mask the gaps with decorative plugs;
• cut holes for lamps, install protective thermal rings in places of cuts, mount lighting devices.

The fabric web is hung on the profiles with clamps. In this case, the material is first fixed in the center. The coating is set into the baguette every 60-70 cm, gently pulling the corners to evenly distribute it under the ceiling. In the corners, the material is fixed at the very end. If creases form on the canvas, they are slightly heated with a building hair dryer.

If the installation was carried out in a clip-on manner, the excess fabric is cut off after installation, decorative plugs are installed at the joints.

Lighting elements are mounted by analogy with the installation of devices on a film ceiling.

Thus, it is not difficult to install a stretch ceiling with your own hands. To do this, you need to purchase the necessary materials and tools, as well as act in accordance with the step-by-step instructions. Then you will be able to make a design without defects.

Video how to install a stretch ceiling