Stretch ceilings arean attractive and simple design that allows you to hide an uneven surface without much effort. A polymer or textile fabric is mounted on the base ceiling using a special system. The fabric is located slightly below the ceiling, i.e. all irregularities, yellow spots on whitewash, cracks and other defects are covered. The result is a beautiful and perfectly smooth glossy or matte surface, it can have any shade.
Installation of a suspended ceiling must be carried outextremely carefully, because the slightest carelessness can damage the fabric. It is quite possible to do this if you follow the instructions. Of course, it is best to entrust such work to professionals, since the fabric can be damaged during installation, and this is unacceptable. The fabric must be stretched evenly so that it does not tear. A heat gun is used to install some models, so it is important to follow safety precautions.
Preparatory work for the installation of stretch ceilings in the apartment
Self-installation of stretch ceiling- the process is not the most complicated and time-consuming, but it requires attention. You need to work at least two people, since it is problematic to handle the canvas alone. It is not only the weight of the canvas, but also the heating with a heat gun. Many experts recommend entrusting such installation to professionals if you have no experience and confidence in your abilities.
Types of stretch ceilings.It is worth noting that the walls should be ready before work, i.e. covered with plasterboard or plastered. The base ceiling does not need to be leveled, but if there are places with large cracks, peeling whitewash and paint, they should be cleaned and covered with a layer of putty. Everything that will interfere should be removed from the room, especially objects that cannot withstand strong heating. It is necessary to provide a place for installing a heat gun and a gas cylinder, unpacked canvas. The next stage of preparation is the collection of tools and materials that will be needed to perform the installation. The list is as follows:
- packing with fabric of the chosen type;
- profiles for the frame, which will be attached around the perimeter of the walls;
- Fixing elements, allowing to fix a fabric on a baguette or a profile;
- Finishing linings for masking fastening points;
- heat gun;
- Gas cylinder, which must first be checked for integrity;
- building water level;
- a padded cord or ruler and a simple pencil;
- punch (required for frame installation);
- dowels;
- roulette;
- drill.
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Installation of stretch ceiling
What is so good about a stretch ceiling? The advantages include:
Tools for installation of stretch ceilings.
It is carried out by two people, since it is difficult for one person to copedifficult. Installation should begin with marking. For this, use a regular water building level, a metal ruler and a simple pencil. First, the lowest point is determined, 30 mm is measured from it, and a line is drawn along the perimeter of the walls. Instead of a simple pencil and ruler, it is easier to use a special paint chalk line, which leaves a perfectly even thin line. As a result, there will be no problems with fastening, and the ceiling will be smooth. The next step is to install a baguette or profile made of duralumin. The baguette should be pre-drilled in those places where the fasteners will be. The frame is attached to the surface of the walls using dowels, while the joining should be done accurately so that the ceiling surface is smooth and neat. Next, special embedded parts are required for lighting fixtures and cornices. They are made from pieces of thick plywood or ordinary edged board. The choice depends on the weight of the lamps and the design of the cornice.
Stages of installation of a suspended ceiling.The packaging with the fabric is carefully opened. If a heat gun is to be used, all items that can be damaged at high temperatures must first be removed from the room. The room itself is warmed up before unpacking. The fabric is carefully unfolded, its first corner is fixed in the profile, the rest must be fixed in a different order. The diagonally opposite corner goes first, then the other 2 on the sides. The fabric is heated with a heat gun to 50-80 °C. Next, you need to quickly but carefully fix the fabric to the baguette. This is done independently, the fabric must not be damaged. After the entire fabric is strengthened and stretched, it is necessary to put rubber or plastic inserts covering the fixation points. To install the lamps, you will need to make cuts in the fabric. To prevent it from breaking, special plastic rings are used. Return to the table of contents</a>
Security measures when installing stretch ceilings
When working with stretch ceilings it is necessaryobserve certain safety precautions. Heat guns that operate from gas cylinders are used to install the fabric. Before turning it on, you need to check the cylinder, make sure there are no leaks, and that the service life is still valid. The cylinder itself is filled only at specially designated stations; in no case should this be done at regular gas stations or service stations. If there are signs of damage on the surface of the cylinder or tap, it cannot be used. The hose and valve must be securely fastened; there should be no leaks. When using the cylinder, it must be placed in such a way that the gun is not directed at it, since it can explode when heated. Carefully make cuts in the fabric for installing lamps and cornices. Special plastic rings are purchased; they are glued to the surface of the fabric in the place where the cut will be made. Stretch ceilings are an attractive design that can be installed with your own hands. There is nothing complicated in such work, but it requires compliance with all stages and utmost accuracy. It is important to follow safety precautions when using a heat gun.</ ul>
