Stretch ceilings: the pros and cons

Tensioning surfaces are the most modern and demanded ceiling coating, with the help of which the interior of apartments and houses acquires individual style and beauty. Such ceiling coverings have both the pluses, and minuses.

Stretch ceiling coatings have excellent properties, which are manifested in the quality of materials, a variety of colors (especially for PVC film canvases), and the number of design possibilities for apartments and houses.

Among the advantages of these coatings are the following positions:

• products comply with fire safety requirements;
• paintings give the interior of any room style and comfort;
• material is eco-friendly and durable (warranty from 15 to 25 years);
• Products are practical in operation and do not require labor-intensive care costs.

The annual struggle for the demanded market of the manufacturer of stretch ceiling coatings with the advent of new technologies gives excellent results in the emergence of a variety of materials of excellent quality and texture. An integral part of the production results is their greater affordability.

The installation of the tension ceiling cover in its duration takes from 2 hours to 2 days depending on the complexity of the configuration, the number of levels of the ceiling to be mounted, as well as the shape of the room being repaired.

Depending on how the lighting is arranged, the installation of stretch ceilings is made at a distance of 3 cm from the old surface, which favorably marks them compared to suspended versions, the device of which reduces the height of the ceilings from 10 cm and higher.

The ceiling is fixed on a special frame that is mounted around the perimeter of the room, and its configuration depends on the configuration of the room, the multi-level model of the mounted ceiling and other design solutions.

A feature of the installation of PVC canvases is heating up to 60-70 degrees.

The ease of installation of the ceiling cover is deceptive, since various problems arise during the installation process. therefore, in order for the work to be done with high quality, it is recommended to trust professionals.

Fabric stretch ceiling coatings do not require a special temperature regime during installation and are therefore simpler to install.

It is worth noting some positive aspects of the use of such ceiling coverings:

• very beautiful;
• the size of the canvases is usually limited to 5 m, which allows you to perform work with one canvass;
• Beneficial benefits compared to traditional ceilings in quality, color and texture of fabric;
• diverse choice: with a picture, photo wallpaper, a picture;
• special chic in modern design gives gloss, possible only with PVC ceiling ceilings;
• harmoniously combined with almost all materials when creating a stylish interior design for any room;

• environmental friendliness;
• visually expand the room and increase the illumination due to the gloss;
• practical in operation, as they do not require special care;
• durable - warranty ranges from 15 to 25 years;
• do not reduce the height of the ceilings of the room compared to the suspended structures;
• allow you to install multi-layer ceilings of fantastic styles and forms that amaze the imagination;

• choice for every taste, colors, colors, structure of the material and panoramic images;
• do not allow moisture, and in the case of the Gulf of the apartment retain a large mass of water;
• hide all construction deficiencies of ceilings;
• create additional noise insulation;
• quickly installed - from 2 hours to one day;
• have an affordable price.

The disadvantages of such coatings include the following items:

• PVC ceilings are better to install with the help of experts, due to the peculiarities in their installation;
• in case of problems with heating in the room, stretch film ceilings should not be installed due to sensitivity to temperature changes (not below +5 degrees and not above +50 degrees);
• PVC film is also sensitive to increased humidity (bubbles and wrinkles are formed);
• products without a certificate may contain dyes and other toxic impurities;

• with a rare airing in rooms with PVC ceilings, air exchange may be disturbed;
• 1 time in half a year PVC film in the presence of spray stains (in the bathroom) must be washed;
• Some of the PVC ceilings do not withstand a large amount of water entering during flooding, and require replacement;
• exposed to mechanical pressure;
• require a certain professionalism in the installation of lighting and lighting device.

Below are the types of suspended ceilings, depending on the material of manufacture.

• Film (PVC). Made with the help of specialized machines for the selected project after measuring the ceiling of the room at the customer. Their production is made by gluing pieces of PVC film with a width of 1 to 5 meters. During the installation process, the PVC coating, which is ready for use, is heated to 60 degrees and stretched onto the manufactured profile.

PVC film is diverse, but the most popular are glossy, matte and satin options.

Glossy stretch PVC products have an extensive range of colors.They look great due to their mirror surface. The specularity of PVC ceilings visually increases the space of the room and decorates it. Such a surface is effective when dividing rooms into functional zones. It is recommended for use in a room with a small amount of furniture.

Matt canvas will fit into any interior and decorate it with a perfectly smooth surface. This is the most budget and demanded option, which resembles a qualitatively plastered perfectly smooth surface. It blends perfectly with the classic interior design and creates comfort in the room.

Satin PVC ceilings will give the room a height of its whiteness and smooth texture, which enhances the reflection of light from the ceiling and gives it a stylish mother-of-pearl shade. The satin ceiling looks like a painted surface with a slight shine and has the reflective effect of soft specularity. This option due to its ability to give the room comfort is often installed in the bedroom. The important quality concerns all advantages of sateen cloths: it is very easy to look after it. To do this, occasionally wipe the ceiling with a dry cloth.

• Fabric (seamless). It is made of a fabric based on polyester yarn impregnated with polyurethane. This fabric is similar to the fabric of women's stockings - it is light, well "breathes" and has an excellent look. The color of the fabric imparts the corresponding polymer with which it is coated in the manufacturing process. Moisture resistance is acquired due to the lacquer coating.

Such a gapless ceiling is light in weight, safe, well breathable (“breathes”) and looks great on the outside.

When ordering a seamless fabric cloth, it is released by a roll in the desired footage and fixed in the prepared frame without additional processing and heating.

According to the form there are the following types of stretch ceiling coatings:

• Flat gapless ceilings in a drywall box - a classic that allows you to hide irregularities in old ceilings, differences in height, cracks, poor-quality painting. Flat ceilings are arranged both parallel to the floor and tilted, transforming the space.
• Multi-level ceilings. The number of levels in the mounted ceiling depends on the wishes of the customer and the proposals of the designer. Multi-level designs allow you to stylishly divide the room into functional areas and have the ability to transform the space of the room. Many choose these varieties.
• Arched plasterboard ceilings - this is the formation of a vaulted ceiling by smooth transitions from the walls to the ceiling surface, the curvature of the arches can be performed in any radius. A feature of these ceilings is the ability to hide the necessary communications in the corners of the arches.

The beauty and style of any interior determines the type of ceiling, its design and quality of performance.

The variety of types and materials of stretch ceilings, as well as the possibilities in constructing structures, the combination with almost all materials gives designers tremendous opportunities in the implementation of talented fantasies, the realization of ambitious projects, striking in their beauty.

Stretch ceilings are used in the following rooms:

• Living room. The design of the ceiling in the living room is so diverse and effective that it will give any home its own exceptional personality. The installation of tension products in the living room will save the owners from costly repairs to cleaning and leveling old ceilings, while creating additional visual space and raising their height.

Stretch ceiling coverings make it possible to aesthetically designate the living room zones - just select the material and design you like. The style of the living room will determine the device of suspended ceilings., ranging from stylish fashionable photo printing to complex multi-tiered works.

• Kitchen. The most suitable stretch ceiling coverings for kitchens, due to the cooking processes that take place there, are PVC film ceilings. The decisive color for kitchen ceilings will be a shade that is in harmony with the color of the furniture and tiles on the walls.A cheerful mood of bright colors or a panel of flowering plants will create a wonderful mood for the household.

• Stretch ceiling in the bedroom. The functionality of the bedroom rightly determines the style and color range of the stretch ceiling - these are pastel shades in a clean design or in paintings of delicate tones. Gentle colors define the appropriate material for the ceiling - it can be in satin or matte finish.

The seemingly boring set of tones of the bedroom can be painted with the help of the correct design solution with an unobtrusive cascading design of the ceiling and stylish lighting. Designer proposal for a bedroom ceiling covering is also considered a suspended ceiling. in the style of the starry sky with small diode lamps - it will create a relaxing and romantic mood in any bedroom.

• Stretch ceiling in the bathroom. Ceilings from PVC film are simply created for this room.Their impregnation from microflora makes it impossible to develop mold, from which plaster crumbles during the first year after repair. On the ceiling of PVC film, condensate from moisture will not collect, and the main advantage of this stretch coating will remain its unchanged quality look for many decades.

With the choice of color with its variety for the design of the design in the tone and style of the bathroom there is absolutely no problem. To increase the practicality of the stretch ceiling and reduce the time for its maintenance. It is recommended to choose a satin or matte film, instead of glossy. But this recommendation should not affect the desire of the buyer.

• In the hallway and corridor. Hallways and corridors in residential areas do not have a large area and often have a narrow space and an uncomfortable look. Mirror PVC ceilings with glossy shine transform the interior of gloomy corridors beyond recognition, visually expanding the space and creating the effect of height and airiness.

Stretch ceilings have a huge color variety,which is divided into warm and cold tones.

Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are well used in rooms with windows facing north. They will create a warm atmosphere in the house and will favorably affect the mood of family members, encouraging them to be active. Such coatings are often used for hallways.

In the bedroom, as already described earlier, it is better to select calm tones of white, soft green or blue.

The cool colors of the glossy finish (black, blue, purple) have the ability to visually expand the room and increase its height.

Light gray tone stretch ceiling emphasize the refined interior and stylish expensive furniture.

On stretch ceilings of all kinds, any photo printing is performed using a wide-format printer, which allows you to unusually decorate the ceilings of the room with drawings, ranging from bright butterflies to famous paintings - there is no limit to designer fantasy.

With all these recommendations, you should take into account the taste of the buyer., as well as the possibilities in the design of the ceiling surface to combine incredible colors that allow you to transform an apartment beyond recognition and strengthen the family’s sense of love for life.

For technical specifications. Depending on the material, suspended ceilings have some differences:

• Fabric ceilings are made of polyvinyl chloride with a density of up to 230 g / m2 and a layer thickness of up to 0.5 mm, and film versions are made of polyester, followed by polyurethane. The latter have a slightly higher density per square meter - 230 g / m2 with a thinner layer thickness - up to 0.2 mm. The thickness of the layer of both types depends on the brand and manufacturer (in comparison the maximum thickness of the canvases is indicated).
• The ability to stretch in fabric paintings is 220%, and in film - 120%.
• Light absorption in fabric stretch ceilings is from 5 to 95%, in film ceilings - the maximum value up to 90%.
• The coefficient of sound insulation in fabric cloths is 0.4, in film canvases it is almost 1.5 times higher and corresponds to a value of 0.6.
• Fabric ceilings have a technical specification of reinforcement on stretching 30 N and a limit pressure level of 100 kg / m2.

• Water-resistant fabric fabric 100%, and the film - partial.
• Air permeability in both types of canvases is 100%.
• Both types of cloth are not subject to burning (good quality for fire safety).
• The temperature within which the operation for fabric cloths is guaranteed and recommended is from -5 to +50 degrees, for film - from -50 to +100 degrees.

It is necessary to decide which species will look better, for example, in the “Khrushchev”. Today, ideas such as wood, wave, or you can add space to the perforation.

The lighting device in suspended ceilings is complicated by the characteristics of the material.

PVC fabric has insufficient strength to hold cables and lighting equipment. In other words, it is impossible to attach a lamp to PVC fabric, as it will tear under its weight.

Also, the melting point is not high enough to provide the necessary requirements of the resistance of the fabric of the ceiling to the heating indicators of the lighting lamps. This applies to incandescent and halogen lamps. - their power should not exceed respectively 40 watts and 60 watts to ensure fire safety (the lamp can burn through the fabric of the ceiling).

An excellent solution in this case remains LED spotlightswhich have a low heating temperature and are installed in special sockets. It is recommended to use outdoor type LEDs.

In the ceiling, you can install a hook for the chandelier (perhaps it is already installed) and ensure the ceiling is lit from modern designer chandeliers with the phased inclusion of the lamps. To do this, you need to prepare a hole in the ceiling sheet for the wires that need to be connected to the chandelier and hidden under the lid, which is part of the chandelier itself.

Well proven on stretch ceilings device LED strip for fixing which creates a second level. In the composition with spotlights, LED strip enriches the lighting with a variety of colors and lighting zones, which designers certainly use to create an extraordinary festive atmosphere.

The reflecting ability of ceilings and spot lighting of luminaires enable the device of zone lightingThat can not be done when using incandescent bulbs. A well-chosen chandelier will only complete the created ensemble of the play of light, color and glare with the lighting device in the stretch ceilings.

For each room of the apartment with the help of modern lighting equipment, an individually selected technique is applied, which will visually expand the room and present it favorably. For example, narrow and long corridor You can visually change with the help of bright spotlights along the ceiling, directed light down strictly down.

This technique will help visually shorten the corridor and make it more comfortable. In the event that the corridor is very small in area, then, on the contrary, the luminous flux of spotlights must be directed upwards, which will give the room a visual dimension (expand it).

Lighting kitchens requires to be bright, but not blind, but only to illuminate the kitchen area with a soft light, to be effective and provide comfort. Here, both ceiling lights and lighting elements built into the furniture and walls of the kitchen are used. In the kitchen, the lighting is divided into zones: working and dining area. At the same time, there should be a single fashionable style.

For lighting bedrooms any lamps are suitable: from sconces and floor lamps to LED strips. If the bedroom is small, reception of the direction of light of the lamps upwards is used to visually expand the space, and a spacious bedroom to create comfort and dimming should be equipped with lamps with a stream of light down the wall.

For living room spotlights and LED lamps are used, with the help of which a stylish interior solution with a special “highlight” is created complete with the ceiling.

AT bathroom Lighting should be chosen so that objects do not cast a shadow, which is achieved by using fluorescent lamps with good technical characteristics for moisture protection.

Stretch ceilings are the most fashionable and stylish, they are quickly installed, and the price is affordable for most consumers.When choosing stretch ceilings, the possibility of financial costs and interior design plays a crucial role, but it is also necessary to know their properties and characteristics.

The most popular because of the variety of colors, possibilities and the final result are film ceilings. The type of a film is also various: zamsh, luster, sateen.

Another type of ceiling, as already stated, are fabric ceilings. When selecting them, it is also necessary to take into account the specific features of the structures to ensure durable operation.

Fabric products, as well as film, look beautiful, stylish and elegant. In contrast to the latter, they "breathe" (they let the air through), and therefore their cost is more expensive. In addition, fabric ceiling coverings are not afraid of sharp objects and have good heat resistance. Fabric can be painted with acrylic paints.

With all these differences, both types are durable - a guarantee of 15 years and very practical (they can be washed if necessary).

There are certain proposals for choosing stretch ceilings for rooms for various purposes:

• For the living room, it is recommended to give preference to matte canvases (the choice of satin will be appropriate) if the living room is sunny. If there is not enough sunlight, then you need to use glossy products to visually expand the volume of the room.
• Matt textures of pastel colors are perfect for a bedroom.

• Gloss is recommended for the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, which not only ennobles these rooms, but also allows them to be kept clean at all times without much effort.
• For offices, any kind of ceiling canvases are suitable, depending on the design chosen and the combination of construction materials.

These recommendations can not be a panacea when choosing, but only an assistant to determine the desired material and design. An alternative can always be found. For this, for example, worth trying to add a plinth to the ceiling, samples of which can be seen in the hardware store.

Stretch ceiling coverings are produced in a number of countries. Below is a ranking of manufacturers.

• French materials. They are famous for their excellent quality, high service life, which, respectively, is reflected in their value.

• Asian stretch ceilings differ in the acceptable price - their cost in comparison with the European producers is much lower. At the same time, they look good and are suitable for small apartments and other premises that do not require large financial expenditures. The disadvantage of these canvases is the smell of plastic products, which may appear over time, as well as a shorter service life compared to canvases of European manufacturers.

• German Ceilings are very popular, famous for good quality, high price and long service life. Famous brands of German manufacturers is Mattfolie, Pongs Textil and ECO fole.

• Dutch cloths are universal in the ratio price quality. They are distinguished by the unusual structure of the canvas, which conveys the texture of marble, leather or suede. The most famous Dutch manufacturer recognized Alkor Draka.
• Swiss stretch ceiling coverings have the same good qualities and are operated for 10 years under warranty. The most famous brand of Swiss fabrics is the company Clipso.

• Belgian stretch ceiling coverings are similar to European linens in quality and warranty period of operation. The most preferred manufacturer is the firm. Polyplast. You can also select a company Sofitowhich basically has only positive feedback.

With the help of stretch mirror ceilings with interesting artistic compositions in combination with other materials, an individual universal design of a multistage ceiling is created, worthy of this admiration. One of the techniques of this design is a photograph of large white roses against a burgundy surface, which are combined with a wall pattern.

The living room with ceilings imitating the sky, and illuminated around the figured perimeter looks airy and modern.

In this example, the device used a ceiling of the second level in the form of smooth lines, giving elegance to the style.The chic chandelier gives a special beauty and completeness to this coating.

Only with the help of stretch ceilings you can create a truly stunning beauty ceiling.

A talented ceiling design combined mirrored ceilings, multi-level reception and deep blue color, expanding the space and ennoble the room.

For information on how to choose a suspended ceiling, see the following video.