Not a single high-quality renovation bypasses the finishing of the ceiling. To give the ceiling an individuality, a luxurious look, many use seamless fabric stretch ceilings. Consider their features and installation technology. Fabric stretch ceilings are a modern alternative to whitewash, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. The volume of production of fabrics for the ceiling is growing, because the demand for them is constantly increasing. And this is not just a tribute to fashion. This type of surface finish has some advantages over obsolete technologies, but also has some limitations in application and special installation principles.
Advantages and disadvantages of fabric stretch ceilings
All the positive and negative aspects of fabric stretch ceilings are explained by the technology of their production and the characteristics of the materials used. It is based on synthetic fabric or fabric of natural origin, which is impregnated with polyurethane.
Polyurethane, in turn, is widely used. It is used in almost all industrial areas as a sealant, rubber substitute, impregnation, which improves the strength characteristics of the base material. The operation of polyurethane products is limited by the temperature range - from -60 to +80 degrees.
The advantages of fabric stretch ceilings are obvious:
- Increased heat resistance. Thanks to this characteristic, fabric-based stretch ceilings can be installed even in rooms that are partially or completely unheated. The product is not deformed or destroyed by significant temperature changes.
- Lack of connecting seams on the ceiling. The width of fabric canvases for stretch ceilings reaches 5 meters. Therefore, the ceilings in rooms, the width of which does not exceed this length, are seamless.
- The increased strength of the blade provides protection against mechanical damage. During operation, the ceiling does not sag.
- Durability. The service life is at least 10 years.
- Moderate elasticity of the material facilitates the installation of the stretch ceiling.
- Ceiling fabrics have micropores that allow air to pass through them, so the ceiling surface will breathe. This, in turn, in some cases prevents the development of the fungus.
- No thermal equipment is used during installation, therefore the installation of fabric stretch ceilings is a simpler process compared to the installation of stretch ceilings made of PVC film. All work is carried out without the formation of construction waste. Installation speed - quite high, for example, installing a stretch ceiling in a room with an area of 25 m2 carried out in 3-4 hours.
- The material of the fabric for finishing the ceiling can be painted, photoprinted on it, thereby changing the appearance of the room. Three-dimensional drawings that look incredible on the ceiling are very popular.
- Environmental friendliness. This characteristic is due to the use of safe, non-toxic materials in the production of cloths.
- Saving space. Stretch ceilings steal only 3-4 cm in height, while suspended ceilings - 10 cm or more. This small space is enough to hide electrical communications and defects in the plane of the main ceiling.
The disadvantages of fabric-based stretch ceilings are as follows:
- The material of the fabric stretch ceilings is strong enough, but if a small area is damaged, then the entire structure will have to be changed, sometimes together with the fasteners.
- If the dimensions of the room are more than 5 meters wide, then one canvas will not be enough. In this case, it becomes necessary to join the fabric canvases; for this, a special baguette is used. Thus, the joints will be very noticeable, but they can be beaten with the help of extraordinary design solutions.
- The fabric base of stretch ceilings absorbs odors, therefore it is not recommended to install such ceilings in sanitary rooms and kitchens.
- Unlike film stretch ceilings, fabric ceilings are available only in matte finish. The range of colors is also small.
Fabric stretch ceiling manufacturers
The main producing countries of stretch ceilings are Germany, Switzerland, France and Russia. The most demanded fabric stretch ceilings are Cerutti, Clipso and Deskor, the high quality of which is confirmed by numerous certificates. Ceiling manufacturers are constantly improving technology, bringing the latest developments to life.
French stretch ceilings made of Clipso fabric
As a basis for the production of Clipso stretch fabric ceilings, synthetic knitted fabric is used, which is impregnated with a polymer composition. Such canvases are considered safe for human health; during their production, all sanitary requirements are observed, as well as fire safety standards. Therefore, the manufacturer allows the installation of fabric ceilings in bedrooms and children's rooms.
The characteristics of the material of Clipso fabric stretch ceilings make it possible to use the canvas in several planes, i.e. bend it, giving the desired relief, fix it on the slopes.
When installing fabric ceilings, a special profile is used, produced using a patented technology. It is almost invisible after the completion of the work. The use of this profile makes it possible to dismantle the ceiling and re-install it in another room.
In the production of Clipso ceilings, great attention is paid to creating a uniform color of the canvas. The thickness of the threads is the same. During the production process, the fabric is tested for uniform tension of both longitudinal and transverse threads. Due to this, during installation, the web is evenly stretched onto the stretch ceiling frame.
Clipso offers an acoustic underlay for fabric stretch ceilings to create suitable room acoustics and eliminate echoes. This characteristic is in demand, for example, in cinemas, conference halls.
German fabric ceilings Descor
Descor fabric stretch ceilings are produced in Germany. This type of finish is distinguished by increased fire resistance due to the fact that a special non-combustible Trevira CS fiber is used in the production. The solutions used for impregnating the base improve the characteristics of strength, elasticity, and increase the water-repellent properties of the canvas.
All Descor products are certified, which confirms their high quality. Descor stretch ceilings are anti-allergenic, do not accumulate static charge, therefore, dust does not linger on them. The manufacturer's warranty for the product adds confidence in its high quality.
Fabric stretch ceilings are produced in rolls of various widths, which allows you to choose the most suitable option and save money. The maximum width of Descor ceilings is 5.1 m.
Cerutti fabric stretch ceilings
The Alden Group produces fabric stretch ceilings Cerutti ST. All materials and installation technologies are original, they are developed by the company's specialists and patented.
In production, a multi-layer fabric is used, which is processed in several stages by various means on both sides. The final layer is a waterproof matte varnish, which adds waterproofness to all the advantages of fabric stretch ceilings. Canvases from other manufacturers do not withstand prolonged water load, which can lead to leaks, as well as discoloration of the fabric ceiling.
The cut fabric is attached to the baguette with a cord. At the end of the installation, a decorative insert is installed, hiding small gaps.
The Alden Group guarantees the highest possible material strength. If a puncture appears on the ceiling with a sharp object, then the gap will not increase in the future. The special anti-dirt impregnation protects against the appearance of various stains. The manufacturer's warranty reaches 10 years.
The company's specialists have developed a special detergent, ideal for cleaning Cerutti ceilings, taking into account all the features of the branded fabric and impregnation. Cerutti ST Fabric Ceiling Cleaner does not contain caustic alkalis and acids. Apply the product to the canvas for 20 seconds, then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth.
Installation of fabric stretch ceilings and their operation is allowed in medical institutions due to their hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials used in the production.
Varieties of fabric stretch ceilings and their characteristics
Fabrics for ceiling decoration are classified depending on the properties of the materials and the functions performed. However, several functions can be combined in one product.
Consider the types of fabric stretch ceilings and their characteristics:
- Standard fabric stretch ceilings … These are classic white ceilings that suit any decor. They have improved strength characteristics. It is convenient to apply various patterns and photo printing on a standard white canvas.
- Colored ceilings … They have unobtrusive pastel colors. Only natural dyes are used in the production.
- Acoustic stretch ceilings … They are created using a special impregnation with sound-absorbing and anti-noise properties. It is also possible to use special pads. An example of this type of ceiling finish is the Cerutti Next acoustic sheet.
- Translucent stretch ceiling … It is based on a light-scattering fiber that refracts light rays, which is impregnated with a matte varnish and a finishing polymer characterized by increased light transmittance. Light fixtures are installed in the inner space of the ceiling, the light rays are refracted, resulting in the impression of a weightless ceiling.
- "Starry sky" … A special type of translucent ceilings. A technology for creating a romantic atmosphere at home or in a restaurant using fiber optic fibers.
- Antimicrobial ceilings … Suitable for medical institutions. The main fabric is impregnated with the antibacterial preparation "TINOSAN" using ultraviolet radiation.
In addition, they distinguish moisture-resistant and antisplash fabrics for fabric stretch ceilings.
Preparatory work before installing fabric stretch ceilings
Before installing fabric stretch ceilings, make preparatory measures: clean the ceiling surface from dust, remove unnecessary protruding elements of the main ceiling, lay electrical wiring and additional communications, install the lighting fixtures provided for by the design.
The durability of the structure directly depends on the quality of the profile and its installation. The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Mark the horizontal level of the future ceiling around the entire perimeter of the room, for this use a laser or ordinary water level. Correct markings are the key to an ideal stretch ceiling plane. Determine the lowest corner of the room, step back from it from 2 to 10 cm (depending on the dimensional parameters of the provided lighting equipment), draw a line.
- Fasten the baguette along the markings using self-tapping screws. If the walls are made of drywall sheets, then the installation of baguettes will not take much time. If the walls are reinforced concrete, then the process becomes somewhat more complicated: drill holes in the right places using a puncher, fix the baguette using a dowel-nail fastener.
- Carefully adjust the baguette seams in the corners.
Installation of fabric on the ceiling
To properly install fabric stretch ceilings, use the following diagram:
- First, point the canvas in the four corners of the room with clips. Start at the corners of the narrower wall.
- Next, observe the order of the point fastening in the middle of each wall: first on the first wall, then on the third, second and fourth opposite to it.
- And in the middle of each intermediate section in the same sequence. If the wall is long enough, fasten the canvas from the middle of the wall towards the corners of the room every 50 cm. At this stage, maximum tension is not required.
- At the final stage, the web is stored from the center of each wall to the corners. Observe the same order of walls as for point fixing. Tighten the belt carefully. Creases formed during transportation can be easily smoothed out with a hair dryer.
- Install decorative trims, if provided.
If the room is L-shaped, then conditionally divide the room into two separate sections. Start installation work from a larger area according to the above principle. Then cut off the excess of the canvas in the area of the corner that protrudes, so that it is convenient to unfold the remaining canvas in the second part of the room, observing the rule "from the center to the corners".
How to install a fabric stretch ceiling - watch the video:
Fabric-based stretch ceilings will last a long time if they are installed by a qualified professional. However, if you follow the principles and sequence of actions, it will not be difficult to install a fabric stretch ceiling with your own hands.
