Ceiling panels: features of choice

Today, the construction market offers the widest range of materials for headlining. The most popular among consumers are suspended structures, and among them the palm, of course, belongs to the ceiling panels.

This material has pressed the drywall, which has been customary and loved by many: more and more Russians prefer to use stylish and ergonomic plates. They are easy to install, have a long service life, and its external qualities are excellent.

High demand for panels as a finishing material for the ceiling is due to the exceptional performance characteristics of these models:

• the possibility of creating a perfectly smooth coating without spending a lot of time and effort;
• mounting on the surface with height differences, as well as with small defects, not requiring prior alignment;
• ease of mounting fixtures of all types;
• it is easy to hide communications under the panels;
• products are lightweight, much lighter than plasterboard ceilings;

• high sound and heat insulation;
• reduction of labor costs: installation of the ceiling of the panels does not require sanding, putty, priming and other procedures;
• the absence of any “wet” production processes; after installation, there is no need for general cleaning of the premises;
• high hygroscopicity and resistance to mold and fungus;
• convenient to use, they are easily cleaned with standard detergents;
• A wide range of different shapes, sizes and shades make it possible to decorate the ceiling in rooms of any type, purpose and style;
• products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly;
• Only flammable materials are used to create panels, they do not ignite and protect ceilings from the effects of fire;
• plates can be repeatedly mounted and dismantled.

However, the panels have a drawback - they are never used for the installation of complex multi-level structures.

The choice of ceiling panels is so great that the average consumer literally “runs up”. Let us dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of finishing coatings.

Ceiling panels are conventionally divided into different categories according to a variety of features: by fastening method, by shape, by materials used, by the presence of fasteners, and more.

By type of fasteners ceiling plates are of three types.

• For cassette ceilings - This is a frame of guides, in square cells of which plates are mounted directly. Traditionally, they have typical parameters of 60x60 cm. Among such models, Armstrong ceilings, well known to Russian consumers, are the most common.
• For suspended ceilings - narrow and elongated plates, equipped with fasteners, thanks to which they are mounted to the frame and between themselves.
• With tongue and groove system - they can either be mounted on the frame, and immediately stick to the ceiling. assortment list of such options is quite wide. On sale you can find a variety of options: and polystyrene square plates, and panels with a length of 1 to 3 meters.

The type of mounting largely determines the choice of one or another panel. If the ceiling is low, and you do not plan to lay additional communications, then you will fit the panels that are glued to the base. And if the ceilings are high, then we can consider lath and frame structures. The same option should be preferred when installing additional lighting equipment and conducting elements of electrical wiring.

The basis for the production of panels are a variety of materials, so their choice according to this criterion is also very wide.

Suitable for rack and cassette coatings, as a rule, they are made of aluminum, but more budget modifications of nickel-plated steel or galvanized iron can be found on the market. The thickness of such plates is in the range from 0.3 to 0.7 mm.

Optimal for cassette options when the panel is simply attached to the rails. And it can also stick if the base has no significant irregularities.

They are the undisputed leader in their segment, they are used for ceiling structures of various types. Enjoy the confidence and demand of Russian consumers. Their advantages are obvious: plastic is a pliable material, respectively, the panels can be given any shape and textureIt can be made in a wide variety of colors.

Photo printing technology has significantly expanded the horizons of the design of panels until the creation of three-dimensional 3D drawings. At the same time, the material is characterized by high moisture resistance, resistance to temperature fluctuations and direct exposure to sunlight. Plastic does not tarnish over time, does not crack and does not deform throughout the entire period of operation. And the prices for this material are invariably at the level of the average threshold, so the finishing work can be performed not only quickly, but also at a low cost.

It is worth mentioning the minus of plastic panels - they are not characterized by special strength, with any mechanical effect, the material easily cracks and breaks.

In addition, plastic under the influence of temperatures above 60 degrees begins to melt and release toxic substances into the air, so the scope of the material is limited to the interior decoration of residential premises.

A modern composite material, it can be used both for walls and for the ceiling, is produced from wood-shaving raw materials by pressing with the addition of paraffin, can be covered with laminate. In recent years, MDF firmly pressed the usual fiberboard and particleboard, has become one of the leaders in the market of wall and ceiling panels of the economy segment.

They are made of acrylic or silicate glass, used for installation of cassette ceilings.

They are very popular due to the ease of installation - they simply stick to the surface using special adhesive compositions of high strength.

Habitual and loved by many material used to create ceilings of two or more levels. This is a light, environmentally friendly substance, distinguished by plasticity and flexibility, due to which it is possible to realize almost any design solutions on the surface.

Received a significant spread in recent years in the wake of the popularity of green housing. Houses made of natural materials are currently in trend, so wood is very popular in the construction market. Wood panels look quite stylish, especially carved coverings of bamboo and cork.

Bamboo panels Originally from Indochina. Purely visually, they represent a mat made of thin pressed bamboo slats. This design is characterized by high strength and hygroscopicity, while it is quite plastic and has a small weight. Mounted such plates cassette method.

Balsa wood slabs - have an unconventional design, this coating is 100% "for the amateur", and not every home is suitable. Cork tolerates moisture, is considered a good sound insulator, has a long service life.

Separately, it should be said about the category of unusual panels, these include:

• acoustic - they are notable for their exceptional sound absorption, they are good at damping shock sounds, therefore, they are optimal in new buildings, where repair sounds are constantly heard or in homes with small children;
• infrared heating panels - light plates that have a stylish design and serve as a bright element of decor, and in addition, they can warm or cool the room.

And also there are heat-insulating panels, as well as plates with heater functions, perforated panels, designed to increase ventilation of the space, a sandwich and many others.

Ceiling panels have a wide variety of colors, sizes and textures. They can imitate wood or natural stone, and PVC elements have a matte or glossy surface.

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of sheet and slatted products, which can either focus on the composing appearance, or create the feeling of a perfectly flat, smooth, seamless space.

Depending on the method of applying a decorative coating, the following types of panels are distinguished.

• White with matte finish - these are the simplest plates without any finishing, they have the lowest price.
• Shiny models - to obtain a light glossy effect, the plates are covered with special varnishes, they allow you to realize stylish interior ideas, as well as visually lift the ceilings. Accordingly, their cost is higher.

• Colored plates - models of yellow, blue, pink and even black shades are obtained in two ways. The first involves transferring a transparent film with a picture to the material, the second - printing directly onto the panel using special technologies.
• SLR - made by sticking on the plate a special film, due to which the coating acquires a reflective effect. Mirror ceilings can be found in restaurants, sports clubs and exhibition complexes. In residential buildings, such panels are also relevant if they are mounted in combination with other materials.

Ceiling panels can be used in different rooms, depending on the type of panel and its manufacturer.

The active component of the products is stone wool, which is processed by a special method - clay is mixed with fibers, as well as astringent components: gypsum, starch or latex, waste paper is also included. The panels are notable for good sound insulation, they are resistant to moisture, therefore they are widely used in residential apartments and houses.

These panels belong to the budget options, they are designed for installation in office and commercial premises, as well as in places with high traffic, for example, at train stations. The parameters of the panels are 595x595 mm, and the thickness is 12 mm, the coefficient of resistance to moisture is in the range of 70-90%, and the sound insulation index is -0.1.

Products of the Danish company are made of fiberglass coated minvolokna. The manufacturer offers a wide range of color solutions and textures. The panels are characterized by hygroscopicity, flammability and exhibit tangible acoustic properties - they are well assembled in the bedroom.

The plates are made in standard size 60x60 cm. Their resistance to moisture is 100%, which means that the product does not deform with constant interaction with water, it is an unfavorable medium for mold propagation and the formation of fungus.This is what causes the use of such modifications - they are installed in rooms with high humidity: in showers and bathrooms, pools.

Products made in England are characterized by a rough surface, which is in perfect harmony with special lamps that have opaque diffusers. Such modifications are installed everywhere in medical institutions, gyms, cafeterias, offices and libraries.

If we talk about the materials from which the panels are made, this also affects the characteristics of use.

Glass ceilings in recent years are in great demand among Russian consumers, this is understandable, because if you place a source of light behind the back wall of the panel, then, dissipating and refracting, it will create a sunny day effect in the room and fill the space with a glow. The plates are easy to clean, they are resistant to the effects of a liquid medium, resistant to mold and mildew, therefore they are used to create ceilings in bathrooms, pools and in the kitchen.

Plates of aluminum can have the most different designs, there are products with a matte or embossed surface, as well as products decorated with a pattern. The undoubted advantages of coatings of this type include fire resistance, ease of care and resistance to mechanical damage. They are optimal for production and storage facilities, as well as where the ceiling has an increased load.

Panels with LEDs are not only beautiful, they serve as a lamp. The skeleton of such plates consists of aluminum, along the perimeter is mounted LED strips, their bulbs emit light into special lenses. They, in turn, scatter the light flux and redirect it down. The light becomes soft, diffused, without flickering eye irritating. That is why the panels are ideal for living rooms with low ceilings.

The manufacturer offers different sizes: 20x20, 30x30 and 60x60 cm, in addition, there are round panels - they are well combined with a plasterboard coating.

MDF-plates are widely used in residential buildings, they are low cost, easy to install and characterized by a long service life.Most often, they trim the additional rooms: hallway, corridors, balconies and outbuildings, as well as similar panels are widely used in country and country-house construction.

Heating models allow you to maintain the desired microclimate and temperature without drafts, and at the same time provide savings on heating, which reaches 40%. This makes popular use of products where large families live. German infrared water panels warm up incredibly fast and cool down just as quickly.

It is important to correctly select the panels for the ceiling. Regardless of which type of product you prefer, Experts advise to focus on several points:

• the surface of the product should not be uneven;
• stiffening ribs must be very strong, the more of these ribs, the stronger and more stable the whole structure will be;
• choose models with a clear pattern, a blurred outline with artificial lighting creates a feeling of carelessness and lack of cleanness;
• if the panel is squeezed - it normally should not be deformed and crack, a small dent is allowed to appear;
• When joining several elements there should be no gaps and voids.

Texture panels are ideal for embodying the ideas of unshakable classics in design, they create a feeling of luxury, grace and impeccable taste.

Rack panels can be a real highlight of a stylish extraordinary interior.

Mirror ceiling panels give the room a unique style, fill it with a sense of spaciousness and light.

Panels can be a real find for restaurants, hotel lounges, waiting rooms and other public places.

Original and elegant look light panels.

Of course, nothing will emphasize the aristocracy of the premises and the high status of its owner better than wood panels.

In the next video, see the installation instructions for plastic panels on the ceiling.