The main features of the installation of siding ceilings: the specifics of the selection of materials, installation instructions for different types of frames, sheathing technique, general recommendations. Siding is considered to be a material for facade cladding. It is resistant to moisture, ultraviolet rays and easily tolerates temperature extremes. But due to its high performance characteristics, it is also often used for interior decoration, in particular for ceiling sheathing.
Pros and cons of using ceiling siding
This material is not in vain so often used for installation in the kitchen, terrace, balcony and in the bathroom, because it has the following advantages:
- Moisture resistance … Under the influence of steam and moisture, any wallpaper or MDF panels will quickly become unusable, while siding will not even lose its original appearance.
- Rigidity … Before attaching the siding to the ceiling, you do not need to make a frequent frame, because the material is quite tough and durable.
- Ease of installation … Cladding can be done during the day, even without special skills.
- Practicality … Because of this characteristic, siding ceilings have become very popular for kitchens. Soot and grease can be easily removed with a damp sponge. In addition, the material is sufficiently resistant to chemical attack that it can be cleaned with almost any detergent without abrasives.
- Durability … The service life depends primarily on the operating conditions, but it is more than a dozen years. At the same time, high-quality sheets do not darken, do not rot, do not attract insects and do not fade in the sun.
- Wide model range … Ceiling siding is available in a wide range of colors, which will allow you to choose the most suitable option for you.
As for the shortcomings of the material, they are also available:
- Limited use … For finishing the ceiling in the bedroom and living room, this is completely inappropriate. The material looks budgetary, and the seams are visible to the naked eye. But it is well suited for the kitchen, bathroom, balcony, terrace.
- Low temperature resistance … Although siding does not support the combustion process itself, it melts when exposed to high temperatures.
- Lack of environmental certificate of use for interior cladding … It is considered a material exclusively for external use. But although there is no environmental safety certificate, the product is made from polyvinyl chloride. The same raw material is used in the production of metal-plastic windows, sewer pipes and even for cable sheathing.
Siding installation technology on the ceiling
To finish the ceiling with siding, you need not only to properly build the batten and attach the panels. It is also important to prepare the surface, to choose the material and components correctly. Only in this case the coating will be durable, strong and neat.
Selection of material for attaching siding to the ceiling
Before trimming the ceiling, you need to choose the finishing material itself and accessories for installing the battens. There are many varieties of siding according to the type of material used in the production, thickness and size. For interior work, vinyl products are best suited. They are lightweight and practical, but can also be wall or ceiling. Contrary to the names, both options are suitable for lining the ceiling. They are smooth (no perforated coating), perforated in the center, perforated completely.
At the same time, wall panels have more profile options (block house, herringbone), and therefore are suitable for creating embossed surfaces. Whereas the installed ceiling is very similar to the usual lining.
When purchasing siding, you should pay attention to the quality of the products. The color should be uniform, the coating should be uniform, and the sheet itself should be without deformation, cracks, or roughness. The product must not emit an unpleasant synthetic odor.
In addition, you need to stock up on guides and ceiling profiles, fasteners. For rooms with a high level of humidity, it is advisable to select galvanized products. They are much more resistant to corrosion.
But wooden bars for the lathing are not recommended. They are too influenced by external factors. However, if you still want to use them, then choose carrier rails with a section of 4 * 4 cm, and guides - 4-6 cm.
At the same stage, you need to think about the type of lighting and purchase lamps, since their installation is carried out in parallel with the installation of sheets. Solve the issue with the wiring: is it necessary to replace it or will the old one remain. Do not forget about the plastic corrugated sleeve, in which you will definitely need to put the cable.
Note! All materials are worth buying with a margin. The next batch of siding panels may differ in shade or other parameters.
Preparatory work before installing siding ceilings
Before sheathing the ceiling with siding, you need to prepare it. To do this, follow the instructions below:
- We take out all furniture and accessories from the room, remove chandeliers, cornices.
- We clean the ceiling from the old cladding.
- Removing loosely anchored elements.
- We cover large gaps and gaps with a cement-based putty. Siding does not require perfect leveling of the surface, the coating will hide all the potholes.
- We remove stains of rust, mold and mildew, if any.
- We prime the coating with acrylic compound.
If you are using wooden battens, allow them to adapt to the temperature and humidity conditions in the room for several days before attaching them to the ceiling.
Drawing and marking siding ceilings
A well-designed scheme is almost half the battle. This process requires the utmost care, focus and responsibility. According to the correct drawing, it is easy to apply markings, and, accordingly, fix the frame elements.
In the process, we adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- We measure the length of each wall and the height of each corner in the room.
- We transfer all the data to the drawing.
- Mark the distance between the base ceiling and the siding. This distance depends on the number and type of communications that will be placed in the interceiling space, but cannot be less than 6 cm. Please note that when installing spotlights or laying insulating materials, a larger indent is required.
- We draw the diagram taking into account the pitch of the ceiling profiles (beams) - 0.8 meters, as well as the step of fastening the guides with self-tapping screws - 0.3 meters.
- In the lowest corner, measure the distance from the top point to the planned suspension structure.
- We mark with the help of a level points in the same plane at all corners.
- Between the points we beat off the line with a paint cord.
- We transfer the scheme of fastening the bearing profiles from the sheet to the ceiling using a tape measure, a level and a chopping cord.
If possible, use a laser level instead of a water level. It is much easier and more accurate to use, and therefore work can be done much faster.
Installing a frame under a siding ceiling
The metal profile is more rigid and reliable, and therefore it can be made not cellular, but longitudinal. This will be enough for the installation of a reliable structure. In this case, the ceiling profiles should be placed perpendicular to the siding sheets. Galvanized metal profiles are more practical and durable, therefore they are more often used when installing siding ceilings with their own hands.
We carry out work on the installation of a metal frame in the following order:
- We fix the guide profile on the wall along the marking line.
- In the corner we make an incision at an angle of 45 degrees, bend the product and attach it further.
- We attach the ceiling profiles to the coating according to the markings applied.
- We fix the edging profile on three walls around the perimeter.
In addition, a wooden lathing can be installed under the siding. You can start working after the wood has adapted and the primer coat on the base coat is dry. To attach the siding, the wood frame must be cellular, so that the entire structure does not bend. We carry out the work according to the following instructions:
- We drill holes in increments of 0.4 meters for fasteners.
- We fix the bars on the walls of the room according to the applied markings using dowel nails.
- We attach the slats to the ceiling with mounting brackets.
- We aim at the covering of the intersection of the bars.
- Along the perimeter of the rails, we fix the starting profile on three walls.
Please note that it is not recommended to bend the remains of fasteners over the wood when fixing the mounting brackets. This can make the skin uneven. It is better to use screws with caps to fix the 4 * 4 cm blocks, since the nails may not support this weight.
Features of attaching siding to the ceiling
Before fixing the siding, the laying of the wiring in a heat-resistant corrugated sleeve, ventilation ducts, and cable must be completed. It is also necessary to pre-install the luminaire stands and fix insulating materials if necessary.
Next, we work in this order:
- We cut off the part of the desired length and width.
- We insert the sheet into the profiles. In this case, the perforated edge must protrude outward.
- We move the first element to the parallel positioned profile and push it into the grooves.
- We fasten the edge of the back side with self-tapping screws to the crate.
- In the same way, we install the second element and snap the lock at the junction with the previous panel. When attaching sheets, be sure to measure their parallelism with a level.
- We cut the last part both in length and in width. It is better to make the profile edging a little shorter in advance. This will make it easier to attach the last element.
- We install decorative skirting boards that will mask the joints of the walls and ceiling. Most often, PVC or polyurethane skirting boards are preferred for siding coverings. They can be fixed with special polymer glue.
- We wipe the new coating with a damp sponge to remove dust that has formed from drilling.
In order not to fix the base around the entire perimeter, and then the edging profile, you can immediately purchase an F-shaped baguette, which will perform the functions of both parts.
Useful tips when installing siding ceilings
A few simple recommendations will help you avoid mistakes when choosing and installing siding panels:
- If the ceiling is low, then the material for finishing it should be as light as possible.
- Traditionally, the shade of the ceiling is chosen several positions lighter than the walls.
- If you decide to attach the siding to a wooden crate, then pre-treat the bars with an antiseptic composition and a fire retardant to protect against rotting, insects and fire.
- Between the siding and the edging, you need to leave gaps of five millimeters on each side. This is necessary so that the material does not get damaged or sag from thermal expansion. For the same reason, the holes for the self-tapping screws should be made several millimeters wider, and the fasteners themselves should not be screwed in all the way.
- You cannot cut all siding sheets in one pattern. Each part must be measured separately and cut according to these marks. In almost all rooms, the walls are uneven, and every millimeter is important during installation.
- If you decide to insulate the ceiling, then give preference to roll heat insulators. At the same time, they must be fixed so that they do not create unnecessary load on the siding.
- In rooms with high humidity, only plastic dowels can be used, since they are not exposed to moisture, unlike wooden inserts.
- To fix the screws, stock up with a screwdriver in advance. For cladding, you may need to fasten about a hundred fasteners, and this is a very time-consuming manual process.
- For cutting and adjusting the material, the most suitable tool is a grinder. It does not break, crumbling or jagging siding.
How to attach siding to the ceiling - watch the video:
Step-by-step instructions and tips will help you figure out how to make a siding ceiling reliably and quickly. Even a person who does not have special installation skills can cope with the work. The main thing is to choose the right material and decide on the type of frame. Knowledge of professional secrets and features of each stage of work will help you achieve the desired result in a matter of days.
