How to dismantle and remove the stretch ceiling. Full and partial dismantling of the stretch ceiling: video, price, do-it-yourself Stretch ceilings to remove and pull again

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, a heat gun is needed, as with 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 it will have to be changed, 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.

Many are worried about whether it is possible to remove the stretch ceiling, and then install it back. The need to remove the tension flow coating can arise for various reasons. For example, if you have planned a move to a new place of residence and want to dismantle the stretch fabric in your old apartment so as not to spend money on buying new material. In addition, contaminants may appear on the surface, to eliminate which it is necessary to dismantle the entire structure. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to remove the stretch ceiling, and then hang it, remains relevant. Before answering it, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of various types of this material in more detail. This will allow you to understand in which cases you can remove and re-fix the product.

Main varieties

There are two main types of surfaces:

Film. Such products are made from a durable film made of polyvinyl chloride. The main advantage is water resistance, durability and unpretentiousness to operating conditions. They can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and ordinary detergents. In this case, the surface will not be damaged and will not lose its original appearance. One of the most important advantages of such products is that, if necessary, they can be dismantled from the ceiling and reinstalled. If you are concerned about the question of whether it is possible to remove the stretch ceiling and stretch it again, you should choose film coatings.

Fabric. Products made from shrink fabric are as popular as film ones. They have an attractive design and a pleasant texture, in which the fibers of the fabric are visible. During installation work, the product does not have to be heated, therefore, during the repair, there is no need to take plastic structures out of the room, which can melt under the influence of high temperature. Interested in whether it is possible to remove the stretch ceiling and install it back? It depends entirely on the mounting technology you choose. If you want that there are no visible seams at the joints of the stretch ceiling and walls, you can use the harpoonless technology, in which the edges of the material are cut close. But in this case, the re-installation of the coating after its dismantling will be impossible. This can be done only on condition that the installation is carried out using harpoon technology, in which the edges are not cut off, but hidden in special grooves.

How is dismantling carried out?

The procedure includes several steps:

Removing decorative inserts First of all, it is necessary to remove the decorative rubberized inserts that are located between the wall and the ceiling. Removing them is quite simple - you just need to find the places where adjacent fragments of the inserts are connected to each other. Such places are securely camouflaged so as not to spoil the interior of the room, so finding them can take a lot of time.

Warming up the room. You can remove the canvas only at a certain air temperature (about 40–50 degrees), otherwise it may be damaged. To create such a temperature in the room, you need to use a thermal gas gun. She should warm up not only the room, but also the canvas. Lastly, it is the section of the material that is going to be removed first that warms up.
Removal of the cover. After the room is warmed up to the required temperature, you can proceed to the removal. This is done with ordinary pliers. It is advisable to remove the rectangular cover from the corners (for ceilings of irregular geometric shape, this does not matter - they can be dismantled from anywhere). In order not to damage the material, it should be removed with pliers from the profile with gentle movements. It is important to ensure that the area that you are dismantling is heated with a gas gun. At the final stage, it remains only to remove the fasteners that hold the profile from the walls.

Dismantling can cause certain difficulties for an unprepared person. If you have never done such work and have only a superficial idea about it, you should not risk doing amateur work, because in this case you can accidentally damage the canvas. As a result, you still have to call the masters who will bring the work they have started to the end, having done it efficiently and competently. To use the services of specialists, just contact our company.

Why choose us?

If you want the installation or dismantling of the stretch fabric in your apartment to be performed at the highest level of quality, use the services of our company. This will provide a number of benefits:

Saving. We offer competitive prices for building materials and construction services. You don't have to spend a lot of money on repairs.
Quality work. Our specialists have rich experience, deep knowledge and professional equipment. This allows you to efficiently and efficiently cope with even the most complex types of installation work.

Free consultation. Do not know if it is possible to remove the stretch ceiling and hang it again? Having difficulty choosing a material? Ask your questions to the manager of our company.

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 fastening. 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 sheets 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 be deformed.

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.

Video - Stretch ceiling repair (wedge fastening)

Although such ceilings look extremely attractive, most people do not dare to “hang” them at home, that is, install them, worrying about how much does it cost to remove a stretch ceiling, if the need arises.

Indeed, in the event of, say, a flood, or a desire to change the fixtures, call the craftsmen, wait for them and pay for partial or complete dismantling, few people want to. These moments scare away very, very many from this ceiling design option.

But, in fact, there is nothing difficult in to remove the stretch ceiling with your own hands, or - part of it, remove or replace the "light", or carry out any other manipulations.

In what cases it is necessary to remove the stretch ceiling

Is it really so often that there is a need for dismantling procedures? Removing the ceiling material is not necessary as often as it seems, but to carry out its hauling, even complete, you just need to know exactly how this design is arranged, that is, the baguette itself, and imagine the properties of those materials that are used to create.

The most common reasons for the complete removal or partial adjustment of the structure are:

deformation of the appearance, various sags and more;
damage to the canvas - flooding, mechanical damage, stains, etc.;
bacteriological causes - the appearance of black or gray mold, "mossy" growth spots;
the desire to change the appearance, "refresh" your ceiling;
cosmetic "refreshing" repair;
the need to replace electrics or add new wires;
the desire to install, or vice versa, remove point or diffuse lighting devices.

In the event that it is necessary to carry out any manipulations behind the canvas, but its appearance and condition are ideal, it can always be removed and then returned to its place, regardless of what was on top - film or woven material.

Dismantling the ceiling (process)

Before, how to dismantle stretch ceiling, be sure to prepare a "workplace", that is, remove:

all furniture, all items that make up the decor of the furnishings or interior that may interfere or be damaged by the action of a heat gun, if its use is planned;
be sure to take out all aquariums, even closed ones;
ensure the isolation of the dismantling site from all pets;
close the stationary floor covering with something or remove the “floor”, in cases where it is possible, the carpet, for example, needs to be taken out, and the parquet should be carefully “hidden” under a protective layer.

The work preceding the dismantling of the canvas itself, that is, already carried out "at the top", is:

removal, decor or - removal of masking tapes;
removal of external (not "internal") lighting fixtures.

Without fail, before you start working, you should check whether everything you need is at hand. A canvas from the ceiling, these are not wallpaper rolls, you won’t be able to leave behind forgotten pliers or a knife.

For work you will need:

the most comfortable staircase;
for those who have a ceiling covering made of vinyl - a heat gun;
"crocodiles", that is, clamps used to hold the canvas in limbo;
spatulas, spatulas and hooks;
construction and breadboard knives;
pliers and wire cutters;
screwdriver, screwdriver and fasteners;
adhesive tape for construction and installation.

In addition to having everything you need and preparing the room, you should brush up on the way the ceiling was fixed. This is spelled out in the contract, if it, of course, was concluded.

The canvas can be fixed by one of the following methods:

harpoon;
glazing bead or - wedge-shaped;
clip-on.

The order of its removal directly depends on how exactly the canvas was once fixed.

The most used, and, accordingly, the most common of the stretching methods is harpoon. The order of removal will be as follows:

warm up the canvas completely, starting from the center and moving towards its borders - for film products, the fabric does not need to be heated;
choose a place where the harpoon is available and there are no joints on the canvas;
squeeze and pick up the harpoon, smoothly remove it from the groove of the baguette;
fix the position and do the same in the other part of the wall;
stretch the canvas, for convenience, or, if necessary, placing it on weight with the help of "crocodiles";
remove the harpoon itself that held the material.

After the termination of all necessary actions, the ceiling can be returned to its place, there are no problems with this if the material has not been damaged or stretched.

The canvas, fixed with bead wedges, is removed in the same way. Dismantling starts from the corner. The difference from the harpoon system is that when removing, the wedge itself is first pulled out, at the same time you need to very carefully support or immediately hang the material.

Fastening with clips is, in essence, a plastic profile, very similar to an ordinary clip. The difference with others when removing clip-on ceilings is that:

you need to start working from the center fragment of the wall and move to the sides;
with no “reserve” of material left, it will be quite difficult to put the canvas back without damaging it.

In general, the process of removing and replacing ceiling (both film and fabric) canvases does not require the call of specialists, with the exception of complex multi-level structures with internal functionality (usually light) structures, with “home” ceilings it is not very difficult to manage on your own.

How to remove a spotlight from a stretch ceiling

Faced with how to remove stretch ceiling, sometimes resort to hiring craftsmen solely because they do not know how to remove a spotlight from a stretch ceiling. Indeed, looking at the scattering of light points, the process of their removal seems complicated.

But, everything is not as it seems, dismantling spotlights from stretch, both woven and film, structures is even easier than from “solid” ceilings. The dismantling itself is to:

squeeze the “wheel” holding the light device as carefully as possible;
carefully and very smoothly pull out the device, so that there is access to the latch, that is, to the latch;
press the clips of the “latches” of the latches and pull out the case.

The “light” will be removed, and its “nest” will remain behind the material, into which you can insert another device, simply decorate it, or, if the “points” are removed to change the canvas, after all the work, return the device removed with your own hand.

How to remove a plinth from a stretch ceiling

Faced with the need to remove the canvas from, most people are looking for information immediately about the dismantling process itself, although it would be more correct to start not with how to remove the front canvas, but with , how exactly remove the plinth from the stretch ceiling.

There are no particular difficulties in this either. What kind of tool will be needed and how (technically) the removal will take place, depends only on what kind of skirting board is available and how it is directly fixed. Usually, the skirting board is attached with:

glue;
adhesive types of putties;
carnations.

For dismantling the skirting board, you will need:

a hammer;
mallet;
nail puller;
chisel;
spatula, necessarily bending;
wedges, absolutely any;
knife - construction, mock-up or clerical type.

Properly removed skirting boards always remain ready for use, intact, do not lose their decorative effect and it is quite possible to “pull” them onto the base again.

The simplest thing is to dismantle the decor fixed with carnations, they just need to be pulled out. When attached to glue or any of the adhesive mixtures, the procedure will be more difficult:

carefully insert a knife blade between the wall and the baseboard itself;
cut the gap with the adhesive mass in the literal sense, around the entire perimeter;
the process can be started both from the middle and from the corners;
if the material of the canvas and decor is heat-resistant - the baseboard needs to be heated with a heat gun, as an option, you can take a good powerful hair dryer with the narrowest nozzle, directing the jet not at the body of the baseboard, but into the seam - the glue layer softens from heat and it becomes cut at times easier.

The only type of decor that is almost impossible to remove is gypsum. You can try to dismantle the stucco molding, but, as a rule, real (professional) finishers do not undertake such work.

How much does it cost to remove a stretch ceiling

If in that is it possible to remove the stretch ceiling who needs it, on their own, there are serious doubts, you can always resort to the services of specialists. Usually it is enough to contact the company whose workers were engaged in stretching the canvas.

If for some reason this is not possible, then you can always invite "third-party" specialists. However, when using the services of those who "set", as the builders themselves say, the ceiling, there are a number of advantages, the most important of which is that they know exactly how the ceiling is mounted.

The cost of labor of "mercenaries" depends on many factors, including whether it will be necessary to mount the canvas back. In general, the prices for such work, its main demanded stages, are within:

removal of the canvas - from 240 to 650 rubles per meter (linear);
cleaning chemical material - from 170 to 360 rubles per square meter;
drying the material - from 225 to 980 rubles per square meter;
draining standing water and subsequent work on site - from 430 to 2900 rubles, regardless of the footage.

From these basic points, offered by almost any firm or private brigade of finishers, it is clear that masters can be invited to perform any one stage that causes difficulties during self-removal.

For example, full-fledged dry cleaning is very popular among homeowners, especially for woven fabrics or their combinations.

With a slight flooding, a complex of cleaning and drying the canvas will help. The choice of professional services is quite large and, if desired, among them you can always find what is necessary for a particular case, or you can do everything yourself, besides, the dismantling process does not cause any special difficulties.

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 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 soundproofing 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 during 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 web 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, repair work on 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 fastening, when the fabric is removed in one place, relaxes around the entire perimeter. 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 such tools and fixtures in advance: a ladder-ladder, 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.

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