How to properly install suspended ceilings. Do-it-yourself installation and dismantling of various types of suspended ceilings

Currently, stretch ceilings, developed in Europe for interior decoration, are in fashion. Multi-colored, glossy, matte, fabric or PVC film - they can truly decorate a room. Moreover, in modern world anyone can do the installation suspended ceilings with your own hands in a matter of hours.

Features and Benefits

Stretch ceilings are a combination of materials made from fabric or vinyl and metal profiles that decorates the ceiling, hiding any unevenness and other defects that were made during the construction stage. These ceilings can be stretched in any room: living room, kitchen, bathroom, hallway or work office.

Stretch ceilings have their undeniable advantages:

they will help to create an ideal and even ceiling of various colors and textures in a very short period of time;
huge scope for imagination and design approaches;
strength, resistance to moisture and dust, environmentally friendly materials;
there is no need to clean the room for a long time after installation;
they give you a chance to experiment with lighting in your living space;
ability for additional sound insulation and improved acoustics.

However, such canvases have some disadvantages:

ceilings can tear under a single mechanical impact, so they require careful use and care;
can lower the ceiling level by at least 3-5 cm or more;
if there are temperature changes in the apartment, then such ceilings (most often polymer) will sag or wrinkle - this fact is especially noticeable in places where there is a draft.

Also, these ceilings have other properties that depend on the fabric used and their design, which is very important to take into account when creating a project, ordering and installing the ceiling. Therefore, you need to understand what types of ceiling structures there are.

Types of structures

There are several types of tension fabric designs:

Single-level. This classic look. They are very economical and suitable for both large and small rooms. To connect several canvases at the same height, there are dividing profiles that have an intermediate decorative plug or backlight.

Multi-level. They are used to create several different zones in a room or to cover obvious ceiling irregularities. They can also give scope for design creativity. But multi-level canvases are only suitable for spacious rooms with high ceilings, and installing them is several times more difficult than the option described above. For them, it is better to use transitional level profiles, which will help ensure a smooth joint and height difference. Do not forget that the bead fastening system is not used when installing structures with multiple levels.

Soaring ceilings. They are a kind of modification of suspended structures with a built-in strip of LEDs, the light from which is soft and diffused, which creates the effect of a “floating” ceiling. In such cases, the lighting is placed along one wall, along the entire perimeter of the ceiling, or around its individual parts. Creating floating ceilings requires special baguettes, which, in addition to recesses for installing fabric, have a special niche designed for LED strip. Also, this variety requires special profiles: wall and ceiling, dividing and for level transitions, because they can make the location of the lighting more convenient.

Preparation

This is the first and very important stage, without which you cannot install the tension fabric yourself. It is divided into several points that must be completed.

First of all, you should remove all furniture and equipment from the room., where it is supposed to stretch the ceilings, since the space should be as free as possible so that the installation takes place quickly and without the possibility mechanical damage canvases. If it is impossible to remove some objects from the room, then they need to be moved to the center of the room and covered with protective film.

Then you need to remove the old plaster from the ceiling, as it can fall off and leave unsightly marks on the canvas.

Pre-treat the walls and ceiling with a disinfectant and antiseptic to avoid the appearance of mold, mildew and unpleasant odor after installation of the structure. Also, the surface on which the fabric will be stretched must be coated with a primer, preferably in several layers.

It is best to glue the joints between concrete walls with fiberglass tape along with PVA glue. If there are already cracks in the ceiling, they can be filled and smoothed out cement mortar, and for large depressions - with polyurethane foam or plaster. This is necessary so that there are no holes on the canvas after shrinkage.

Laminate or parquet should be laid only after installing the ceiling surface. But if so delicate floor coverings already installed, they need to be covered with thick cardboard so as not to damage them with a stepladder.

It is necessary to prepare the walls in advance before installing the canvas: plaster, hang wallpaper - do all the “dirty work”. It is not advisable to do this after installing the stretch ceiling - dust may settle on the fabric.

Select the number of levels, designate in advance the number and location of lamps.

Calculations

After preliminary preparation you need to calculate and mark the lowest point of the structure, because it is from here that the installation of the profile with which the canvas will be attached will begin. It is necessary to set aside approximately 6 cm from the base - this distance will be considered the minimum height of the tension structure.

If the ceilings have many levels, it is best to make calculations and markings for each position individually. It is very important to observe the strict geometry of the room and its plan, since this is a crucial and difficult moment at the marking stage. When installing a ceiling with several levels, the distance from the initial base should increase.

In addition to marking the lowest point facing material, it is necessary to calculate the size of the tension fabric.

There are several important advice, with the help of which even a beginner can install the ceiling.

Measurements should only be made using instruments that provide the most accurate results. A laser meter or tape measure works well for this.
The measurements need to be displayed on a drawing that will show the room from above and have a convenient scale that reflects the proportions of the room in centimeters in the drawing.
Mark the corners of the room on the drawing and name them with clear and simple symbols, for example, Latin letters.
The perimeter and diagonals should be measured as close to the ceiling as possible and these results should be recorded in the drawing.

Only after these steps should you go to purchase the canvas.

Materials

Stretch ceilings can be divided into two categories depending on the type of material used.

Fabric seamless. These ceilings are made of polyester. The fabric is not entirely dense, but resembles a mesh in structure. Because of this, such ceilings can “breathe”, that is, they allow air to pass through themselves, thereby creating a cozy microclimate in the room. To ensure that the canvas holds its shape well, it is impregnated with a polyurethane mixture at the production stage. Such canvas is made in 5-meter rolls - for this reason, during installation there is no need to fasten the canvases to each other.
Vinyl. Tensioners PVC ceilings manufactured at special machines canvases up to three meters wide. They are waterproof, very cheap and easy to clean. However, they have some disadvantages: they can be damaged by any sharp object, and they are also not resistant to cold weather.

Some people prefer to install plasterboard ceilings, but they, unlike suspended ceilings, have a number of disadvantages.

To achieve the desired ceiling color, you must paint the drywall yourself.
In a plasterboard ceiling there are many more visible seams that are unpleasant to the aesthetic eye than in stretched sheets.
Drywall is not a moisture-resistant material, so it will not save you from a flood that neighbors upstairs might accidentally cause.

Stretch ceilings are treated with an antistatic agent, so dust does not settle on them. They are also able to repel fat and do not absorb odors, while plasterboard ceilings do not have such properties.
Standard drywall does not have good sound insulation, which stretch fabrics can offer.
Installing drywall is a very complex and labor-intensive process that can take more time, involve several people and special, expensive tools. The same cannot be said about stretch fabrics. Such ceilings can be installed by one person, and the installation procedure itself takes only about 2 hours. In addition, complete with fabric you can get a set for self-installation stretch ceiling.

Tools

Professionals in the field finishing repairs having a set special tools, can stretch ceilings in just a few hours. But this does not mean that installation of canvases cannot be done a common person, who does not have the specific skills of a repairman.

To do this, you just need to have a set of certain tools for the job.

One or two stepladders. They are very convenient to use when you need to do work at height. In addition, there is a small platform on it that allows you to hold necessary tool at hand.
Extension. It is used when you need to connect an instrument to convenient location, far from the outlet.
Hammer. Necessary when preparing holes for dowels. It is important to remember that the holes in brick wall are being done impact drill, and concrete can only be drilled with a hammer drill.
Laser roulette. It is needed for accurate measurements.

Cordless screwdriver. It is used when you need to screw in self-tapping screws, and they are used in large quantities during installation.
A special spatula for mounting canvases. The raw material for it is usually stainless steel. Such spatulas have various shapes, length and angles of inclination to the rod. They are also very durable and do not bend under mechanical stress. It is worth noting that ordinary spatulas will not be suitable for such a responsible task.
Availability of a thermal gas gun and a balloon to it - this is a very important point in stretching the canvas. Without this tool, it is impossible to install vinyl canvases. The price of the device is extremely high, so it is best to rent this device.

Most often, during the installation of ceilings, special guns with a power of about 10 kW or more are used. They are fed liquefied gas from the cylinder. Also during self-installation stretched fabrics, a room heater is used to heat the space, and a hot air hair dryer is used to smooth out wrinkles and folds on the fabric. It should be noted that soldering sheets even with a gas gun at home is impossible. This process is carried out exclusively in production conditions using special equipment.

Detector for measuring gas level. It is used to control the gas level in a room during operation of a heat gun. It is necessary to follow the rules to maintain your own safety when using gas-powered devices, since it may leak from the cylinder through a damaged hose.
Metal detector. Used to find electrical wires, metal profiles and hoods that may be damaged when drilling.
Breaker thread or cord. It is used when it is necessary to mark the lines along which guide profiles should be fixed. It is a small box of paint that needs to be applied to the thread. Then the thread is washed out and secured at the required level.
Clamps - fastenings for fixing the canvas. They help to temporarily secure the canvas in the required position. Such devices are most useful when a person works alone.

Manual hole punch. The tool is designed to punch holes in aluminum moldings. Holes can also be made with a drill, but they will have burrs and look completely careless, but with a hole punch you can make the same type and neat punctures.
Miter box- this is a device necessary for cutting baguettes at an angle of 45 degrees to join them in the corners of the room.
PVC mounting rings or mortgages. They are characterized by high heat resistance. They are used to strengthen canvases around pipes, lamps and other utilities. They also make special mortgages for cornices.
Also, to stretch ceilings it is necessary availability of pliers, a good hammer, a high-quality laser or water level, circular saw, masking tape, files for metal and wood, drill bits for a drill or hammer drill with a diameter of 3 to 6 millimeters, self-adhesive insulation, electrical tape and a diamond needle file.

Installation

The procedure for stretching the ceiling is a rather complicated task, but if you follow all the rules, you can install the canvas with your own hands.

First, you need to understand what methods of fastening panels exist.

Fastening method using glazing beads. This type of installation was invented by Russian craftsmen and is used most often in Russia, as well as neighboring countries. This is a very economical method of installing a stretch ceiling, as it does not require any special production or special technical devices. With this installation, the distance from the ceiling to the canvas itself will be minimal and will be about 1.5 cm. In addition, the use of fasteners of this type frees you from the need to make careful calculations.

Exists big number Disadvantages in such a system for fastening tension fabrics:

after inserting the glazing bead, the canvas undergoes deformation, and after this the fabric cannot be dismantled and hung again;
the ceiling may sag greatly, and the seams may be curved, because the installation itself is carried out only approximately, without precise measurements;
After some time, the glazing beads may begin to shrink and fall out of the structure.

You can also install suspended ceilings using a harpoon. First, the canvas is cut out exactly to the size of the room, but by 7-10% less area ceiling. In this case, it is very important to make the measurements correctly. After this, you need to weld a harpoon to it. HDTV machines are designed specifically for such purposes.

Assembly is carried out using a specific spatula or spatula for installation. They begin to assemble the structure from the ceiling corners: insert one corner, then the one that lies diagonally on the opposite wall, and do the same with all the others. At the moment when all the corners are tucked into baguettes, the middles of the walls are placed. After stretching, you just need to install a decorative insert, and the ceiling will be ready.

If this fastening system is used, the canvas will sag minimally, since it is initially cut out to be slightly smaller than the area of the room. It is worth noting that the fabric can be repaired, unlike the one where glazing beads are used. However, this pleasure will cost more.

In addition to the two methods listed above, there is a third - this is a clip fastening system, which is used only for fabric ceilings. The difference is that in this case there is no need to make a decorative insert and use a gas gun. Fabric panels are inserted into a baguette using the “clothespin” principle. The fabric baguette is made of durable and strong plastic to ensure that the clamp is secure.

Here, too, there is no need to accurately measure the dimensions of the ceiling, because the canvas is cut out with a margin of 20-30 cm. The canvas is tucked into a baguette with a spatula for installation. The fabric is inserted and the excess protruding pieces are cut off - now the ceiling is ready. A pleasant bonus is the fact that in this fastening system, as in the first case, between the ceiling and the canvas itself it turns out minimum distance. But the clip system also has all the disadvantages of the bead fastening method.

Below are step-by-step instructions that will tell you how to properly stretch the canvas. By observing strict order and consistency in steps, you can achieve a successful result - a flawlessly stretched ceiling.

Step #1

It is necessary to find the location of the lowest point of the stretch ceiling, and then calculate the required level at which it will be convenient to install light bulbs. Then you should mark the height line using a pencil or a plumb string. After this, the baguette must be fixed.

On the other hand, the baguette needs to be sawed at the points where it should come into contact with the corners. After this, fix it with self-tapping screws, having previously driven plastic dowels into the walls near the ceiling, with an interval of 20 cm from each other - if the walls are strong, or from 8 to 10 cm - when the walls are unstable. The joints should be sealed with masking tape.

Step #2

At this stage, wiring and mountings for single lamps are installed. To secure the mounting rings to the ceiling, it is necessary to use metal hangers; they are also used during preparation frame structure for plasterboard ceilings. After this, you need to mark the location of the lamps on the ceiling, install boxes for the branch and run the wires.

To prevent the wires from rubbing against each other and causing a short circuit, you need to pull them through corrugated tubes. After this, you should attach the mortgages to the ceiling along with the wires, having previously hammered glazing beads into the holes and secured the hangers from the second edge. The height of the lower suspension line must correspond to the level of the stretch ceiling.

Then the wires should be placed in a loop just 10-15 cm below the laying platform, and a cut should be made from the bottom, which will divide it into two equal parts. Then you need to clean, insulate the wires from each other and sort them by color. Before this, you need to install the terminal blocks. You need to do this so that the insulation is slightly covered by the plastic platform and there is no short circuit. Then you should lay the wires with terminal blocks on the mounting ring - after this manipulation it will not interfere with the tensioning of the panels.

Step #3

A chandelier needs to be mounted in the center. To install it you will need a mortgage big size, as well as screws and metal hangers. We must not forget about the height of the structure - it must coincide with the level of the stretch ceiling. Then you should mark the future location of the chandelier, draw the wire from the branch box and pull it through the corrugated pipe. After this procedure, you need to strip and wrap the ends of the wire with insulating tape.

Step #4

Now you need to install the cornice. To do this, it is worth preparing mortgages in advance.

You can do this as follows:

Drill holes and insert dowels;
Secure straight hangers with self-tapping screws;
Stretch a vertical cord from one wall to another so that it matches the height of the stretch ceiling;
Measure the required length of the wooden beam and mount it at the location of the cord, secure it with metal hangers. In order for the wood to last a long time, it is recommended to impregnate it in advance with a moisture-repellent composition.

Step #5

After installing the curtain hanger, you should start stretching the fabric. Before doing this, you should hang clamps specially designed for such purposes in the corners. Thanks to this, the canvas will not slip off during installation, and a special gasket will protect it from defects. After completing these steps, you should place it indoors heat gun and prepare a spatula with rounded corners in order to insert the canvas into the groove. Then you need to unwind the burner sleeve and connect it to electricity.

Step #6

Unpack the canvas and inspect it from all sides - it is important to ensure that it is completely intact, without cracks or tears. Then you need to attach the edges of the fabric to clothespins previously secured in the corners. Secure the canvas at some points with clothespins and insert it into the baguette using a rounded spatula. Fill the panel, strictly following from the periphery to the middle of the ceiling, and continue heating it with a heat gun.

Strips of fabric that will hang down must be carefully separated with a sharpened knife. Before doing this, it is better to make sure once again that the tensioners are firmly secured.

After successfully filling the corners, you should warm up the canvas and fill the middle. At this time, the temperature in the heat gun should reach 60°C. It must be brought to the panel at a sufficient distance. After some time, the clamps need to be removed. When installing, you should hold the canvas with one hand while tucking it into the baguette to avoid slipping. It is also best to involve an assistant - this way you can complete the task faster and better.

After stretching and fixing the canvas with baguettes, you need to start circling the pipe, if there is one on the ceiling.

This happens as follows:

First, mark the place where the incision will be located. To do this, you need to select a point where the pipe passes through the ceiling. The canvas is pressed very tightly against it without forming folds.
They cut following the direction where the pipe comes closest to the wall. It is better to make the cut with scissors or a knife.
After this, useless pieces of fabric need to be hidden behind the suspended ceiling and the ends tucked in, heading towards the pipe.
Then, in the place where the pipe is visible, they put decorative overlay made of plastic, which can hide these small defects, and make this fragment of the ceiling pleasing to the eye.

Step #7

On the panel you need to find the points where the mortgages for future lamps are installed. It is worth taking rings that are resistant to high temperatures (they are also called thermal rings), specially designed for these purposes, and coat them with strong glue used in installation work. The use of simple glue can render the fabric unusable. Thermal rings are inserted into the designated points, the glue sets and fixes the rings in the right places.

After this, you should cut the fabric construction knife in such a way that with inside rings appeared round holes. It is worth doing this procedure with other future light bulbs as well. Then you need to pull out the insulated wires connecting to the lighting fixtures. Do the same with the lamp cord in the center.

Step #8

After this, lighting fixtures should be installed. For a stretched ceiling, they can be LED, energy-saving or halogen bulbs. It is helpful to follow these guidelines.

The lamps should not be more powerful than 40 watts, otherwise the panel will become unusable within a year due to overheating. Single lighting fixtures must have a rim made of plastic or metal and cover the thermal ring. Best to buy led light bulbs with a small protrusion that extends beyond the rim of the light bulb and has a wide lighting angle. When selecting light bulbs for a tension structure, it is important to focus on the presence of a grille, which promotes cooling and maintains the longevity of the radiator. At the end of installation of all lamps, they should be checked for operation.

Step #9

The last stage of work is the installation of a protrusion for curtains and decorative inserts. Mask the gap that may form between wall panels and stretched canvases, stands with the help of a plinth for the ceiling. It will look perfect in rooms with any layout. It is necessary to fix the plinth only along the walls of the room, and not to the stretched fabrics, otherwise ties may form on the fabric, which are unpleasant to the eye.

In addition to the baseboard, flexible tape is also glued to the ceiling to mask the seams. This device can be simply inserted and removed from the groove. Also, masking tapes have a large number of color options, so they can satisfy anyone, even the most picky person. Additionally, you can insert the cornice onto a pre-prepared wooden beam, hang the curtains and enjoy your own achievements.

At this point, the installation of tension fabrics with your own hands is over.

Even if your home has been impeccably renovated, taking into account all fashion trends, and the ceiling remains bent and crumpled with uneven whitewashing, the entire aesthetic appearance of the room will approach the “zero” rating. By installing suspended ceilings, you will get rid of the annual obligation to whitewash them, and they can also become temporary insurance against a small flood caused by neighbors above. It is quite possible to implement the installation of suspended ceilings with your own hands, without hiring specialists for this.

Preparatory stage before installing suspended ceilings

Before starting work, it is necessary to carefully examine the ceiling. Anything that crumbles or can crumble or fall off must be removed in order to avoid deformation of the new coating in the future. Unlike fixing ceilings in an apartment, their installation in private houses can be complicated by the presence of wooden floors, which can cause some unevenness. To prevent the suspended ceiling from inflating and the wind from blowing through it, all holes and cracks should be sealed with polyurethane foam. Also carefully check for empty spaces between the ceiling and walls; if they are present, they also need to be eliminated.

The ideal conditions for installing suspended ceilings are an empty room without furniture. If it is not possible to completely vacate the premises, then it is necessary to remove at least small household items and household appliances. Make access to the walls as free as possible by moving furniture closer to the center. Everything that remains must be covered with a protective film. We place sheets of cardboard on the floor to avoid scratches.

The wiring must be attached to the existing ceiling so that it does not touch the new one.

Before warming up the room (required when installing a PVC ceiling), it is advisable to remove the slope corners from the plastic windows (if installed).

Necessary tools and components for installing ceiling coverings

These include:

screwdriver;
perforator;
measuring device (roulette);
level (laser or water);
heating device (heat gun or special hair dryer intended for construction work);
shoulder blades (angular and straight);
ceiling sheet and profiles (plastic or aluminum).

Additional components for suspended ceilings: decorative inserts (can be different color); special clothespins; glue, plastic rings for lamps, various fasteners.

So, let’s go directly to the question: “how to make a suspended ceiling.”

Installation technology for suspended film ceilings

Using a level, we make markings, immediately applying a special thread. Thus, smooth lines should be formed around the perimeter, to which pre-drilled profiles are applied. When choosing a material for profiles, you should give preference to aluminum, as they will last longer.

Next, we make marks on the wall, focusing on the drilled holes in the attached profiles. Using the marks, we begin to drill holes with a hammer drill (drill diameter is 6 mm). Then we attach the profiles using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws.

basic installation steps

Then the film for suspended ceilings is carefully unpacked in a preheated room (40-50 degrees). At the same time, make sure that there are no sharp objects nearby that could damage it. There is no need to panic if you see creases on the film; in a maximum of six months they will straighten out and disappear. The ordered canvas must already be adjusted to the size of the room; it must have a so-called base angle, from which the installation of the ceiling begins. We hang the canvas on hanging clothespins-clips pre-installed in the corners. It is important to ensure that the clips do not damage the film, for example, you can wrap them in some soft material.

We aim at the hanging ceiling warm air from a gas gun, heating it to 70-80 degrees to make the vinyl film more elastic. Then, one by one, removing the clothespins, we fix the canvas in the profiles in the corners of the room using a special spatula. Only after the procedure described above do we begin to secure straight sections along the walls. To ensure that the installation process proceeds evenly, it is recommended to first fasten the areas with seams, then divide the remaining unfixed areas in half and again attach them to the profiles. All that remains is to tighten and secure all the other pieces. We complete the process by attaching a special decorated rubber insert to the profile or by gluing a foam molding to the wall.

When the ceiling is installed, glue a plastic ring to the place where the chandelier (or other types of lamps) will be installed and carefully cut a hole in it.

Features of installation of seamless fabric ceilings

A seamless ceiling, as you already understood, is characterized by the absence of seams on the canvas during installation. A huge advantage of this type of installation is that there is no need to warm up the room. When installing a seamless ceiling, high-strength profiles are used, which are installed in the same way as for film ceilings.

Installing a fabric ceiling is slightly different from installing a film covering. If it is advisable to start stretching a PVC ceiling from the corners, then a seamless ceiling, on the contrary, starts from the middle of the wall. Thus, first a kind of cross should be formed, guided by which, it is necessary to pull the remaining pieces - from the center to the corners. When stretching, you need to use a special spatula. Cut off the hanging edges with a knife.

Advice: If wrinkles have formed on the canvas, they can easily be smoothed out with a hair dryer.

Video: instructions for installing a suspended ceiling in an apartment

Procedure for dismantling a stretch ceiling

Good reasons for temporary withdrawal ceiling covering This could be due to faulty wiring, accumulation of a large volume of liquid as a result of a flood “from above,” or damage to the canvas.

Dismantling the ceiling with your own hands will not be difficult. You just need to be extremely careful if you want to reuse the material. Before removing the ceiling itself, it is necessary to remove the decorative plinth.

To remove a PVC ceiling you will need a familiar device – a heat gun. With its help, again, we warm up the film. Then carefully and slowly use pliers to pull the harpoons out of the profiles, starting from the corner. The film coating will have to be heated all the time in different areas while the dismantling process lasts, so that it does not lose its elasticity and does not tear.

Dismantling a fabric-based ceiling is simplified by the fact that there is no need to maintain a high temperature in the room. But difficulties may arise with directly “pulling out” the canvas from the profiles. Since the adhesion of plastic beads to the profile will be much stronger than in a PVC ceiling.

At proper care suspended ceilings will serve for a very long time, satisfying all the aesthetic whims of the owner of the house.

Video: installation of a stretch ceiling of complex shape

The first thing you need to learn is that without preparatory work it won't work out. However, if you plan to ruin the canvas, and at the same time finishing walls, furniture and other contents of the room, we are not able to prohibit.

If such a development of events is not included in your plans, we suggest proceeding as follows.

1. Be sure to remove furniture from the room- it can be damaged when heating the air with a heat gun;
2. Carry out preliminary work on the walls. Depending on the finish you want, level and plaster them or install plasterboard.
Attention: In the latter case, the corners at the top of the room should be smooth, not rounded.
3. Carefully clean the ceiling from the old finish: remove whitewash or traces of wallpaper, remove dirt and dust.
4. Required treat the floors with primer- it will prevent the development of fungus and mold even in case of high humidity in the room.
5. Conduct electrical wiring.

Careful adherence to all recommendations will allow you to quickly and efficiently install a suspended ceiling without spoiling anything. Once you're sure the space is ready, make a list and head to the hardware store - it's time to stock up on tools!

Selecting Tools

It is best to take care of everything you need in advance - there is less chance that something will be forgotten and you will have to quickly look for the item in nearby stores. To perform stretch ceiling installation work, we use the following tools:

Roulette;
Pencil;
Hammer;
File;
Hammer drill with vacuum cleaner (read more about it below);
A screwdriver (or better yet, two);
Hand mount holder;
Spatula;
Hacksaw (or grinder);
Passatizhi;
Ladder;
Laser axle builder with a rod on which it is attached;
Hangers for the ceiling canvas (“crocodiles”);
Thermal gun (+ propane cylinder).

Draw your attention to: You can replace the gas heat gun with an electric one. Focus on which device is most convenient for you to work with.

We’ve decided on the tools, now let’s study the installation of suspended ceilings from “A” to “Z” in our step by step photo instructions with video explanations.

Stage 1. Applying markings

If you want to get a smooth canvas, then you cannot do without this item. Marking is a preliminary outline with a pencil of the desired level of the stretch ceiling. We suggest using laser axle builder- it is the most accurate and practically eliminates errors. Shall we begin?

1. First of all, decide where you plan to place the baguette. Everything is quite simple here, if you take into account two nuances:

The minimum height of the laser from the ceiling should be 5 centimeters. If you leave less, then working with a hammer drill will be difficult.
Step back one centimeter from any of the protruding ceiling elements. In our case, this is a junction box.

2. Set up a sting maker to a certain height.

You can do without telescopic rod. For example, your partner will hold the axle builder, and at this moment you will trace the laser beam with a pencil. But, frankly speaking, this method cannot be called convenient and accurate.

Having finished with the markings, we begin the next stage of work.

Stage 2. Installation of baguette

It can be called one of the key ones - if you make a mistake in installing the baguette, or fix it unevenly, the canvas will become deformed or even tear.

Let's look at an example on an external corner:

1. First, take a measurement with a tape measure.
2. Set it aside for aluminum profile.
3. Using a hacksaw or grinder in a special way cut the baguette. Watch how exactly to do this in this video.

Note: The inner corner should have one undercut, and the outer corner - three, with a distance of 10 mm from the measurement line in both directions.

4. We clean all cut edges with a file. This is necessary to preserve the canvas.

5. Bend the corners. In the end you should end up with something like this:

Advice from an experienced: A hammer drill paired with a vacuum cleaner is a truly practical and very convenient solution for repairs. Simultaneous drilling and suction of construction dust will save you a lot of time on cleaning and your health.

7. All that remains is to drill the holes, insert the dowels there and use screwdrivers and self-tapping screws to secure the baguette itself.

8. We continue to work in the same spirit, installing a baguette around the perimeter of the room.

We pay special attention to the joints, they should turn out as smooth as possible, like in the photo:

Attention: Before starting work, you must decide on electrical wires. You need to understand exactly where they are. Typically, wiring runs strictly vertically along the walls to sockets from the floor, and to switches from the ceiling.

But there are exceptions. Therefore, in places where you assume that you have wiring, the baguette should be made approximately according to this model:

One little secret: If you are unable to secure the baguette in the standard way, then you can resort to a trick that will help you press it to the wall. Attach a small strip (10-15 centimeters) to the ceiling, perpendicular to the baguette. Then carefully attach it to the joints.

In order not to damage the ceiling fabric during tensioning, seal all joints with tape as follows (see photo below). You will need a spatula. Carefully apply the adhesive tape to the joint, and then level it with the flat side of the spatula, removing the smallest air bubbles. We tuck the edges under the baguette.

Let's look at the result of the second stage. You should end up with something like this around the perimeter:

The high flexibility of PVC baguettes complicates installation;
They can become deformed when the canvas is heated with a heat gun;
If the profile is rigid, then there is a risk of breakage during installation;
Durability is questionable: if an aluminum baguette will serve you for 20 years, then the PVC will have to be changed along with the canvas after 5 years.

Stage 3. Preparation for lighting installation

After fastening the baguette, we proceed to installing platforms for chandeliers or lamps. Plastic platforms look like this:

And you need to make the following structure out of them:

To do this, you will need so-called pawns, which are often used in the installation of plasterboard ceilings.

We drill a hole with equal indentations and secure the platform.

When you have installed all the structures, it’s time to move on to the most important thing - installing the stretch ceiling.

Stage 4. Stretch the fabric

You should start by installing “crocodiles”, which are hung on the four corners of the room,

to attach the coating to them.

When unpacking the canvas, pay attention to the location of the harpoon (a hard strip around the perimeter of the canvas that will be attached to the baguette). It must be located bent into the room.

After that we begin to heat the room, using a heat gun - this is done to stretch the canvas, and also to soften the harpoon (which is also made of PVC, only denser).

When the room is warm enough, use a spatula to begin insert the harpoon into the baguette.

Attention: you need to start from the corners (!), and then go along the perimeter.

This technology for fastening suspended ceilings is called harpoon-baguette.

Let us clarify that in addition to this, there is another type of installation - beading, when the strips are initially made larger than the ceiling area. In this case, preheating is not necessary, but...

1. If the master did not tighten the canvas during installation, after six months the coating may wrinkle.
2. Operation of the ceiling. In the baguette-harpoon technique, you can always remove the ceiling to get to the same soldered box or wipe the stain after a flood from above. In a glazing bead, if you remove the ceiling, you will have to buy a new sheet. More differences can be read in this.

As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated. Let's move on to the final stage.

Stage 5. Final work.

After the canvas is stretched and secured, you only have to deal with two points:

cut through holes for chandeliers or lamps;
place a decorative insert around the perimeter of the room (we are not talking about the ceiling plinth, but about masking tape, which allows you to hide the joints at the walls).

Let's start with lighting. To make a hole in the ceiling you will need special plastic rings that need to be glued to the canvas.

For this:

1. find the center of the hole of the previously fixed platform;
2. coat the surface of the ring with glue;
3. and glue it so that the marked place on the ceiling is exactly in the center of the ring.

When the glue dries, cut a hole around the inner perimeter.

Important: Keep in mind that rings and platforms can be of different diameters. Their choice depends on what type of chandelier or lamp you want to hang.

All that remains is a decorative insert around the perimeter. There is nothing complicated here - carefully lay it along the joints using a construction spatula.

The only thing I can add here is: It wouldn't hurt to glue the corners of the insert with white silicone. This will ensure reliable adhesion to the canvas.

By the way, you can see the entire process described above in this cool video. Be sure to check it out.

Features of installing fabric stretch ceilings

Fabric sheets have a different structure and, accordingly, this affects their installation technology.

If we talk about what is the difference between the installation process of fabric stretch ceilings and PVC, there are a number of features here:

Clip fastening system. Fabric stretch ceilings are attached to special plastic profiles - “clothespins” or “clips”. These profiles have a narrow groove into which the web is inserted using a special spatula. At the same time, after refueling there are always excess ends of the “fabric” that are cut off. A caveat: if you need to remove such a canvas, you won’t be able to install it back.
The canvas is stretched without using a heat gun or any heating of the room. On the contrary - fabric ceiling shrinks when heated. Therefore, it is better to have a hair dryer on hand. It can be useful for straightening out small wrinkles that sometimes form in corners during installation work.
Refueling procedure. Unlike PVC fabric the canvas is first tucked in the center of the wall (usually the one near the window), carefully straightened and secured in the center opposite wall. This technique makes it possible to center the canvas, which is especially important if it has patterns or photo printing. The process of maximum tension itself may involve repeated “tightening” of the canvas (during installation, and not subsequent operation).
Since plastic rather than aluminum baguettes are used under the “fabric” in most cases, it is recommended to additionally glue them with liquid nails before installation.
Cutouts for lighting fixtures can be done without reinforcement (strengthening) with glue. This ceiling is an order of magnitude stronger than PVC in terms of the rigidity of the stretched surface. Products from Descor (cheaper, Germany) and Clipso (more expensive, France) have proven themselves particularly well.

Preparatory stage, marking and fastening baguettes - all these actions are carried out according to the same principle and the order that we described above for PVC ceilings.

How to install fabric stretch ceilings yourself is clearly shown in this video.

Security measures

Despite the ease of installation of suspended ceilings, it must be taken into account that working with a heat gun requires increased caution. Especially if you decide to choose a gas model.

On each gas cylinder you will find two dates. The first is the date of its manufacture, the second indicates when the cylinder needs to be taken for inspection. This can be done at most repair services for such equipment. Remember that violation of these deadlines is fraught with an emergency.
Before starting work, check the integrity of the connection of the cylinder, hose, terminals and heat gun. This must be done to prevent gas leakage into the room.
If refueling is necessary, under no circumstances do it yourself - contact special workshops where this will be done in compliance with all technical standards.
Check the serviceability of the equipment. At the slightest suspicion of a breakdown, it is better to take it for inspection.
Important: Never leave gas cylinders near heating sources or point a heat gun at them.
Even if you do not have enough hose length, do not try to increase it yourself - this may compromise the tightness of the structure. It's better to spend the extra money and buy a new one.

We are confident that our visual instructions helped you figure out how to install a suspended ceiling with your own hands - there’s really nothing complicated about it.

If you still have any questions or want to read about the installation of structures more complex than a single-level canvas, study this.

It couldn’t be easier to learn how to install suspended ceilings: just look once at how professional installation teams do it. However, this is not always possible, and visualization does not always provide a comprehensive idea of the solution to a particular issue. Therefore, if you have a desire to install such ceilings at home with your own hands and save a lot of money without resorting to the services third party specialists, pay attention to our material - especially for you, we reveal the nuances of all stages of work, supporting this matter with meaningful photos and videos.

Advantages

quick installation;
small amount of dust and dirt, waste from materials used;
wide decorative possibilities.

How much time will it take?

The exact answer to the question depends on the specifics of the room in which the installation is planned, as well as on a number of other factors. However, the approximate installation duration, which will serve as a guide for you, can still be derived without any problems. We have reflected it in the form of a compact and quite clear table:

The duration is also influenced by the following factors:

quantity lighting fixtures, planned for installation on the canvas;
ceiling height;
strength of wall structures;
additional installation of ceiling cornice;
the presence of pipes and alcoves;
nature of the design;
presence of hood.

Some facts you need to know

if the ceilings in your room are more than 3 meters high, then the installation time increases by 2-3 hours;
installation of one lamp automatically adds 15-20 minutes to the installation time;
Installing multi-level stretch ceilings in an average-sized room takes more than 10 hours.

What will you need?

roulette;
level for precise marking;
dowels;
perforator;
screwdriver for fastening profiles;
self-tapping screws;
metal detector for detecting pipes in wall structures;
heat gun for heating the canvas;
spatula for fixing the canvas to the profile;
fastening profile for the entire perimeter of the room;
PVC mounting rings for lamps;
ladder;
U-shaped baguette.

Three methods of installing suspended ceilings are widely used:

harpoon- with fastening the profile around the perimeter and subsequent fixing to it a panel with already welded plastic harpoons, this method is considered the most common and reliable, but it has an objective disadvantage - the installation time increases significantly due to the need to secure harpoons along the edges of the sheet, and in the case of fabric canvases, it loses its relevance;

clip-on- the technology of installing fabric stretch ceilings with the active use of a clip lock is difficult for beginners; no additional elements are welded to the canvas, but exceptional convenience similar method lies in the fact that the canvas can be removed from the fastener and inserted back as many times as desired;

wedge- professionals install suspended ceilings in this way quite often: the wedge flawlessly fixes the canvas in the groove and is covered with a plastic insert. When choosing this method, you will need a U-shaped aluminum baguette with a corresponding groove.

Work order

In order to know exactly how tension bars are installed ceiling structures, you should take all the information below seriously, paying attention to the sequence of work. You should also pay attention to some features technological process, which objectively influence general progress works in general.

Measurements

An integral part of the installation of suspended ceilings, allowing you to determine exact amount material for installation. There are important nuances in this matter:

in a room with right angles, in addition to the length and width, you also need to measure one of the diagonals of the room - the declared right angle does not always turn out to be such in practice;
in a polygonal room, be sure to measure the distance from any corner to all the others;
in rooms with a large number of corners, it is advisable to divide them into several triangles - in this case, the measurements will be more accurate.

Preparing the ceiling surface

The exceptional convenience of suspended ceilings lies in the fact that you don’t have to tinker too much with the base surface: the film will reliably hide all the imperfections of your ceiling base. However, there are a number of specific points that simply cannot be ignored:

if peeling of old plaster or whitewash is observed on the ceiling, then it is necessary to remove the outdated layer in order to avoid the risk of damage to the already stretched canvas;
do not forget to treat the ceiling base with an antiseptic if the room in which you plan to install suspended ceilings is different high humidity- this way you will protect yourself from the appearance of fungus;
think over places for future lamps, and also provide the necessary wiring.

Preparing the premises

If there is enough furniture in the room that could potentially interfere with installation maneuvers, it makes sense to temporarily move it to another room. In the case where the dimensions are not particularly modest, it is enough to just move the furniture away from the walls and cover it with film.

Marking

determine the lowest point of the ceiling and at a distance of 2 centimeters;
make a mark - this is how you determine the zero level;
draw a straight line around the entire perimeter.

Profile installation

make holes in the aluminum profile in increments of 50 centimeters;
in the case of using a plastic profile, the step is significantly reduced - up to 10 centimeters;
apply the profile to the wall and mark the fixation points;
Using a hammer drill, we make holes in the wall with a diameter of no more than 6 millimeters and hammer in the dowels;
We carry out direct installation of the fastening profile.

Installation of tension fabric

The most important stage, which essentially does not differ in any increased complexity. But after it, you will already know exactly how ceilings are installed and why anyone can do it.

using a heat gun or construction hair dryer the room warms up to 40 degrees;
the canvas prepared in accordance with the measurements is unfolded and heated by the same gun to 60 degrees;
you need to start from one corner and continue with the opposite one, then move towards the remaining corners of the room, thus stretching the canvas diagonally;
depending on the chosen installation method vinyl material tucked into the profile with harpoons “welded” to its edges or inserted into the groove of the baguette and secured with a wedge/clip;
the correctness of the final installation - without sagging and dents - depends on whether you can maintain the set temperature in the room when performing the above manipulations;
installation of suspended ceilings in large rooms requires the installation of additional stiffeners - to make the structure more reliable and prevent collapse;
After stretching the ceiling, you can begin installing lamps, the placement of which over the entire ceiling area had to be prepared in advance (read the article about

Stretch ceilings are a popular type of decoration both in private homes and in city apartments. If you follow the installation technique, you get a smooth and durable coating, maintenance-free. To reduce costs, many people choose to do the installation themselves. Below we will conduct a master class in which we will show you step by step how to make suspended ceilings. A detailed guide will help you understand all the nuances and stages of installation.

What kind of suspended ceilings can you make with your own hands?

There are two types of suspended ceilings:

Film.
Fabric.

The main difference is the material of the canvas. In the first case, a thin polyvinyl chloride film is used, in the second, a synthetic fabric made of polyester impregnated with polyurethane. Each material has both pros and cons.

The main advantages of PVC film:

waterproof - when flooded, the suspended ceiling retains water, and after the liquid is drained, it returns to its previous appearance;
many color variations - more than 250 shades of various textures are available (glossy, matte, satin, textured, with patterns or photo printing);
the ability to carry out wet cleaning - thanks to this, the ceiling is easy to care for and remove even the most stubborn stains.

Advantages of fabric sheets:

frost resistance - polyester can withstand negative temperatures down to -50ºC without losing properties;
large width of the canvas - 5.1 m versus the maximum 3.2 m for film, which allows you to seamless ceilings in almost any room;
durability - withstands an accidental blow or a flying champagne cork;
breathability - thanks to microscopic holes in the structure of the material, the canvas does not interfere with air exchange in the room.

The disadvantages of film ceilings include low strength - PVC breaks from contact with sharp objects and does not tolerate negative temperatures. The main disadvantages of fabric canvases are: high price and a modest selection of colors - only about 20 shades of mostly pastel tones.

Installing a suspended ceiling with your own hands is possible for both options, but there is a difference in installation technology. PVC film is preheated so that the material becomes elastic and stretches. For this, a gas heat gun is used. After cooling, the film stretches and forms a flat surface. The polyester fabric does not require heating and immediately after installation it has a finished appearance.

We have previously described in detail, in this article we will look at how to stretch PVC fabric.

The principle of installation of suspended ceilings

The technology of the device is as follows: the design is a canvas stretched over a frame made of aluminum or plastic profiles(baguettes), which are attached around the perimeter of the room. PVC film is tucked into the frame and securely fixed. Due to tension, a flat ceiling surface is formed.

Installation occurs in stages. The installation procedure is as follows:

First, the room is measured. Then a sketch of the future ceiling is prepared with the locations of the lighting fixtures. Based on the drawing, the PVC film is cut.
If necessary, the base is prepared for stretching the fabric.
After this, markings are made to attach the frame and the profile is mounted.
Next, the fixtures for the lamps are installed and the electrical wiring is laid in accordance with the installation diagram.
Then the PVC film is heated with a heat gun, stretched and fixed in a baguette.
After this, lighting devices are installed and connected.
On last stage the installation gaps that remain at the junction of the walls and the suspended ceiling are masked.

2 Preparing the base 9 Masking joints

The cutting of PVC film is done in production, so it is better to entrust the measurement and preparation of the drawing to professionals.

The fact is that the canvas is cut exactly to the size of the room, taking into account the stretching of the material. It is important not to make mistakes in the calculations, since it will not be possible to correct the error during the installation process. The film will sag, wrinkles will form, or it will simply not stretch to the required width. The remaining steps are easy to complete on your own, the installation technology is simple, any home craftsman can do it.

General installation rules

Film ceilings retain their properties only at positive temperatures, therefore they are installed exclusively in apartments or houses for permanent residence. PVC is equally suitable for utility rooms and living rooms. It is especially recommended in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, since the film is not afraid of moisture, protects against leaks from above and is easy to clean compared to other types of materials.

It is recommended to install a stretch ceiling at the last stage of repair, when all finishing and construction works have already been completed. An exception is wallpaper, since when installing baguettes they will most likely get dirty, and it will be quite difficult to remove dirt, especially from textured surfaces.

There is no need to level and prepare the rough floor before installing the stretch ceiling. But if the plaster is old and crumbling, you need to remove everything that could subsequently fall onto the canvas, and then strengthen the surface.

Attention! During the process of stretching the PVC film, the room warms up to +40ºC, and next to the gun the temperature reaches +70ºC. Therefore, it is better to remove furniture, paintings and other items that may be damaged by heat.

Technology of fastening suspended ceilings

To fix PVC film, special baguettes are used, which are mounted around the perimeter of the room at a short distance from the base ceiling. There are different ones. They differ in the material of manufacture, design, fastening system and installation method.

Fastening systems

For film ceilings, two methods of fixing the canvas are used:

Harpoon. Recognized as the most reliable. To attach to the edge of the PVC film after cutting, a curved plastic edge(harpoon). During the installation process, the edge is inserted into the baguette and clings to a special protrusion in the profile structure. The canvas is securely fixed and held on like a harpoon, which is why the fastening received its name. The remaining gap is closed with a special masking tape. There is also a gapless profile, but its installation requires perfectly smooth walls.
Beading(wedge). The film is measured with a reserve. The canvas is tucked into the profile and secured with a special plug in the shape of a wedge or glazing bead. The excess film is then trimmed, and the gap is closed with a decorative insert.

The technology for installing ceilings with harpoon fastening requires accurate calculation of the dimensions of the canvas, otherwise there will not be enough film or the ceiling will sag. But installation is quick and easy, since the tension is calculated during cutting; you just need to insert the harpoon into the baguette. Additionally, this fastening system allows you to easily remove the covering and re-install it. This is necessary, for example, to drain water after a flood or to repair the electrical system behind the ceiling.

With glazing bead fastening, the cutting of the canvas is done approximately and mistakes are not so terrible. But adjusting the film tension manually is much more difficult and can only be done by experienced specialists. In addition, this method is non-separable. After dismantling the coating, you will have to purchase a new film.

Thus, for self-installation of a suspended ceiling from PVC is better choose a harpoon mounting system.

Profile types

Baguettes are made of plastic or aluminum. Metal ones are more expensive, but stronger and more durable. In premises of more than 20 square meters It is recommended to install aluminum ones. If the room is smaller, plastic ones will do.

Based on the place of attachment, baguettes are divided into wall and ceiling. Which one to choose depends on the height of the structure and the condition of the sub-ceiling. The minimum distance from the ceilings is achieved by the ceiling profile (2-3 cm). But in such cases it is impossible to install built-in lighting or. And the rough ceiling must be perfectly flat and strictly horizontal, which is extremely rare in practice.

When attached to walls, more height in the room is lost, but under the canvas you can hide embedded lamps, power supplies or engineering Communication. Also wall profile allows you to easily set the horizontal level, even with strong differences in the roughing flow.

On practice ceiling molding It is rarely used and is used only in cases where there is no alternative. For example, there is no access to the wall due to a wardrobe or the material of the partitions does not allow the profile to be securely attached.

Preparation of tools and materials

To make a suspended ceiling with your own hands, you will need the following tools:

ladder;
laser or water level;
roulette;
pencil;
chop cord;
hammer drill (it is convenient to use a tool with a built-in vacuum cleaner, but a regular one will do);
drill;
screwdriver or screwdriver;
grinder or hacksaw;
file;
construction or stationery knife;
a special curved spatula for tucking the canvas into a baguette;
heat gun and propane tank.

From Supplies required:

fasteners (if the walls are made of foam concrete or wood, use 5x40 screws, for concrete and brick walls - 5x50 dowel-nails);
aluminum or masking tape;
plastic plates for bypassing pipes;
special Cosmofen glue for installing thermal rings and contours (the use of ordinary glue is not recommended, as it can damage the fabric);
cable and terminal blocks for connecting spotlights.

You can rent a heat gun; the easiest way to order baguettes and others is in a specialized online store.

The cutting and trimming of the fabric is carried out in production. You won’t be able to do this on your own; you will need to order it from a company that installs suspended ceilings. The PVC film will be cut to size, an edge will be welded for the harpoon fastening, and the finished canvas will be delivered.

It is worth considering that the width of the film does not exceed 3.2 m (depending on the manufacturer and texture). If the dimensions of the room are larger, the parts of the canvas are joined by welding on a special high-frequency machine, resulting in a barely noticeable seam. If desired, for an additional fee, you can order seam centering so that the film patterns are positioned symmetrically.

Step-by-step installation instructions

Let's consider the process of installing a simple tension flow at the same level with built-in spotlights and pipe bypass. We will use aluminum wall moldings with harpoon fastening as a frame. Below is a detailed step-by-step instruction for installation of stretch ceilings made of PVC film. It is important to follow the installation sequence and proceed to next stage, only when the previous one is completed.

Preparing the base

The rough ceiling will be covered, so no leveling is required. But falling pieces of plaster or paint can damage the film. For this reason, all parts of the old coating that do not adhere well, including dirt and dust, are removed from the surface.

Then the ceiling is impregnated with an antiseptic primer. This action has two purposes:

strengthening the base (so that nothing falls off it);
prevention of mold.

There is no need to plaster or paint the surface.

Marking

First of all, you need to determine. For recessed lamps, a distance of at least 7 cm from the base is required. In other cases, the ceiling can only drop by 3-5 cm. But the smaller this distance, the more difficult it is to work with a hammer drill. Sometimes utility lines (air ducts, pipes, etc.) are hidden behind the tension fabric, then the film is stretched even lower.

Then you need to measure the difference in the height of the ceiling and find the lowest point. The selected distance is plotted from it. Using a laser level and a pencil, the indentations are transferred to the walls and marks are placed in the corners. Then the tapping cord is applied and pulled to connect the marks. As a result, along the entire perimeter of the room you will get straight line with the required distance from the draft ceiling. The marking must be strictly horizontal.

Fastening baguettes

Before starting work, it is necessary to determine the location of the electrical wiring; usually it runs vertically from the switches to the ceiling. Installation of baguettes begins with any internal corner.

The work order is as follows:

The profile is applied to the wall so that the bottom edge falls on the marking line.
Using a hammer drill, holes are drilled in the wall in increments of 12-15 cm. The places where the electrical wiring is supposed to pass are skipped.
Then plastic dowels are inserted.
The baguette is pressed against the wall and secured with universal 5x50 screws.

The joints must be perfectly level. The maximum permissible gap between baguettes is 3 mm. And so that the sharp corners and edges of the profile do not damage the PVC film, they are carefully processed with a file and sealed with aluminum tape.

Important! This is the most critical stage on which the reliability of the entire structure depends. The profile must be firmly fixed.

If the baguette is loose, you need to screw in one or more screws to secure the structure. Sometimes this is not enough; in such cases, a spacer is made from a piece of profile, one end of which is attached to the ceiling, and the other presses the molding to the wall.

Installation of internal and external corners

There are some nuances here. One baguette must be used; there should be no joints in the corners.

Installation is carried out as follows:

Using a tape measure, measure the distance from the previous profile to the corner.
The measurement is placed on the new baguette and a cut is made in this place with a grinder or a hacksaw. Cut from the back side (adjacent to the wall).
Then the profile is carefully bent and fixed so that there is no gap between the baguette and the wall.

Features: one cut is made for the inner corner, and three for the outer corner, with a distance of 10 mm between them, after which the cut parts are removed with pliers.

Installation of embedded parts and wiring for spotlights

Next, preparations are made for lighting installation. Mark on the ceiling where the lamps will be located. It is advisable to mark the projections on the floor. Then, after installing the stretch ceiling, it will be easier to find mounting locations for lighting fixtures.

Then mortgages are made. For installation you will need:

universal platform made of thermoplastic (suitable for any lamps with a diameter from 50 to 115 mm);
flexible metal hangers;
short “bug” screws 9-10 mm long.

Installation occurs in this order:

Before starting work, a ring of the required size is cut out; it should be slightly larger than the diameter of the lamp.
The suspension is bent in the shape of the letter “P” or cut in half and screwed to the platform with short screws (two on each side is enough).
Then the mortgage is applied to the ceiling and places for fastenings are marked.
Holes are drilled using a hammer drill and plastic dowels are inserted.
The mortgage is attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws 51 mm long.

Note! The lower part of the platform should be flush with the tension fabric. To do this, a thread is stretched between two opposite profiles, along which the mortgages are aligned. If the platform protrudes, just bend the suspension a little.

The next stage is wiring. We will use cable brand ShVVP 2*0.75. It is quite enough to install 20 lamps. Electrical cables stretched to the mortgage. The same hangers are used to install the wire. This way the cable will not fall onto the canvas in the future. For additional protection(especially in wooden houses) corrugated pipe is used.

All lamps are connected in parallel to the circuit using terminal blocks of suitable power. Most often, a rating of 3-5 A is sufficient (for a power of 660-1100 W).

The ends are stripped of insulation and tucked into the terminal blocks. The wires are brought out 10-15 cm below the platform and are tucked behind the embed so as not to interfere with the fabric being stretched. After this, you can move on to the next stage.

Before starting work, all windows and doors in the room are closed to prevent drafts. The film is carefully unpacked and unfolded. Then special “crocodile” clothespins are attached to the corners of the room and the canvas is hung. The surfaces touching PVC are soft and without sharp edges, so they will not damage the film.

It is important to hang the canvas correctly; the strip of the harpoon connection should be directed with the curved part down.

After this, the room is heated with a heat gun to 50°C. It is directed in such a way as to warm up the canvas. The PVC film becomes elastic and stretches well, and the edge softens.

Then the canvas is pulled up and tucked into a baguette. To do this, use a special metal spatula with a curved surface. The edge of the harpoon is put on the tool and carefully inserted into the recess of the profile. Then the spatula is removed.

The installation procedure is as follows:

First, the film is fixed in one of the corners. Then - in the opposite.
After this, the fabric is tucked in the other two corners.
Next, moving from the center of the walls, the film is inserted into a baguette along the entire perimeter of the room.

There is no need to adjust the tension, as it is calculated during cutting. It is important to prevent the fabric from distorting, otherwise folds will form.

Pipe bypass

Often, heating or water supply pipes pass through the ceiling in rooms. In such cases, installation becomes somewhat more complicated. Will be required additional components, namely plastic contours, the size of which exactly matches the diameter of the pipe.

For ceilings made of PVC technology next:

The distance is measured from the center of the pipe to the nearest walls.
The dimensions are transferred to the canvas taking into account the shrinkage of the film. To do this, the resulting value is multiplied by 0.92.
Then the plastic line is cut off and fitted to the pipe. It should not fit closely to the profile; a gap of 4-5 mm must be left.

This completes the installation of the stretch ceiling. You can finish the finishing touches and move in the furniture.

Important: in case of using ceiling plinth, fastening is done only to the walls!

Is it possible to stretch the ceiling alone?

A conventional single-level structure can be installed alone. The basic principles of installation remain the same, although it will take longer. But installing a two-level ceiling or more complex shapes will require help.

If the work is done alone, when marking laser level installed on a platform stand or a special holder (a rod that is secured directly between the floor and the ceiling). During tapping, a screw is screwed in at the marking point and a cord is pulled from it. You can also attach the rope to tape.

The second likely problem is the installation of a large, heavy chandelier by one person. It is difficult to hold and screw such a lamp at the same time. If possible, it is better to choose something simpler and lighter (a compact chandelier or built-in lamps).

Nuances and secrets of installing suspended ceilings

In the process of work, beginners often encounter various difficulties. If you do not know the nuances of installation, mistakes can lead to irreparable consequences. Let's consider the most common problems problems that arise during self-installation.

How to properly heat a suspended ceiling

When stretching the fabric, the distance from the heat gun to the PVC should be at least 1 m. The heat gun is not directed at one point for a long time, but smooth swinging movements are made. Heating should be uniform. Otherwise, the film may be damaged.

If the installation of a stretch ceiling is carried out by two people, one person threads the canvas, and the second stands behind and warms it up.

How to tighten a suspended ceiling

Wrinkles may form during installation. To straighten the film, do this:

Carefully remove the harpoon on both sides of problem area(about 30 cm each).
Warm up the fold with a gun.
Fill the middle into the baguette.
Then - the centers of free areas.
Continue until the entire canvas is installed.

Attention! If it was not possible to remove the fold, the operation is repeated, but released larger plot films.

What to do when the canvas collapses

After installing a stretch ceiling, sometimes an unpleasant problem arises. When a door or window is opened, the film is drawn in and adheres to the base ceiling. The outlines of mortgages and other elements located behind the canvas become visible.

The reason for the collapse is the difference in air pressure. When air flows in the room, it rises, but behind the ceiling it remains the same.

There are two ways to fix the problem:

Seal all gaps between the film and the walls.
Install ventilation grilles. Then the air will quickly pass into the space behind the canvas, and the pressure will equalize.

In the first case, carefully inspect the ceiling to find all the gaps. The cracks are sealed with sealant.

The second method is more preferable, since additional ventilation will ensure ventilation of the inter-ceiling space, which reduces the likelihood of fungus. To locate the gratings, select inconspicuous places: in corners, behind curtains, etc. A hole is cut in the canvas. For this purpose, a protector ring under the lamp is used. Then stick a small ventilation grille so as to completely close the hole. The product can be matched to the color of the ceiling.

It is enough to install two grilles in opposite corners.

How to choose lamps for lighting fixtures

The film melts and turns yellow from high temperature. Therefore, traditional incandescent lamps are not suitable. For PVC ceilings, energy-saving or LED devices are used. They consume little electricity and are different long term services. When using halogen and incandescent lamps, the power should not exceed 35 W. The most popular are spots with base G5.3 and GX53.

Security measures

To heat the canvas, use a heat gun. But when working with it, there is a danger of explosion or gas leakage. Therefore, it is imperative to follow the safety rules:

Before starting installation, check the connection of the gas cylinder, hose and gun.
Make sure the equipment is in good working order. At the slightest suspicion, it is better to contact the experts.
View the date the cylinder condition was checked (indicated on the body).
Refueling or repairing equipment should only be performed in specialized workshops.
Do not increase the length of the hose yourself.
Do not point the gun at a gas cylinder or place it near a radiator, heating pipe or other source of elevated temperature.

An electric gun is safer to use, although it is more expensive. But it is more difficult to warm up a large room with its help, so it is recommended to use a composite gas cylinder.

Features of operation and care of the coating

Film ceilings are very easy to pierce with a sharp object; you need to be careful during installation. It is also important to take this property into account during further operation.

It is unacceptable to use abrasives or acetone for cleaning. They will damage the coating. It is also prohibited to press hard on the fabric while washing.

Modern film ceilings are treated with an antistatic agent, dust does not easily settle on them, but sometimes cleaning is still required (especially in the kitchen due to grease and splashes). Suitable for PVC wet cleaning. Take a soft sponge or rag, lightly moisten it and wipe it without unnecessary pressure. Suitable products include glass cleaning liquid, dishwashing gel or soap solution. Then the surface is wiped dry. Glossy ceilings are additionally treated with a weak solution ammonia, this increases shine.

Thus, installing suspended ceilings with your own hands is a relatively inexpensive and durable finishing method. If the correct installation technique is followed, the coating will last for decades. And if you have certain construction skills, the work can be done alone without the assistance of assistants.