Stretch ceilings are increasingly becoming an alternative to the usual design. They have a lot of advantages. They are easy enough to mount. In this case, you do not need to pre-prepare the base. The appearance of such structures is quite attractive. The interior with their participation looks fashionable and stylish.
However, there are certain features that a stretch ceiling has. The disadvantages and advantages of the presented structures must be considered before starting repairs. This will make the right choice whether to apply a similar method of interior decoration in a particular room.
Features of suspended ceilings
According to customer reviews, stretch ceilings have a lot of positive qualities. Like any other material, this design is not without certain drawbacks. Sometimes they are greatly exaggerated.
Today there are plastic and fabric stretch ceilings. Their disadvantages and advantages are similar. However, there are certain differences. To mount a ceiling made of PVC film, heating up to 60-70º is required. At the same time, the material stretches and even sags a little. For fixing, a special frame is used. A film is stretched on it.
For fabric ceilings, a special elastic fabric is used. To give it the desired color and protective functions, special polymers and varnish are used. They are also fastened with baguettes.
Durability
One of the main advantages is the durability that stretch ceilings have. Reviews, shortcomings, problems associated with these designs make it clear that this is not always true. Manufacturers claim that the materials of which stretch ceilings are made do not lose their appearance, do not fade for about 20 years.
However, this statement will be true only if the structure is used correctly. It should be noted that it does not tolerate mechanical influences. If sharp, heavy things are thrown to the ceiling, they will easily damage the stretched surface. Therefore, such systems do not always serve for many years.
With proper use, the stretch ceiling will be truly durable. If a nuisance occurs and its coverage is broken for some reason, you can call the wizard. He will be able to quickly solve the problem.
Appearance
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of suspended ceilings in the kitchen , in the room or in the bathroom, a few words should be said about their appearance. In most cases, the design looks stylish and aesthetically pleasing. Many options for textures and colors offer the modern production of suspended ceilings. This is especially true for tissue varieties. You can order a canvas with certain drawings or even paintings.
Also, the presented system hides the irregularities of the ceiling, the communications made through it. However, some property owners claim that after welding there are seams between the individual sheets of film.
If such unseemly elements are visible on the surface, then the manufacturer is to blame. After high-quality adhesion, as a rule, the seams are hardly noticeable. But this flaw can be corrected. Today on sale there are paintings up to 5 m wide. This allows you to stretch the ceiling seamlessly, even in the living room or bedroom.
Tightness
If the ceiling is mounted in an apartment, the tightness of such a design is a positive feature. If one day the neighbors from above forget to close the tap, the material will not let water into the room. This is true if, for example, a suspended ceiling is installed in the kitchen. Reviews (the disadvantages of tight coatings are characteristic only for PVC film) of users, however, suggest that this may be a negative design quality.
The fact is that artificial materials do not allow air to pass through, which practically does not enter the base. In this case, fabric structures can be installed. Breathable systems are only relevant for installation in wooden houses. If the ceiling is made of concrete, this material will not “breathe” even without tension films.
Therefore, when installing the presented systems in a bathroom or kitchen, it is better to give preference to plastic varieties of materials. In the bedroom or living room, fabric varieties will look better. They provide a wider selection of paintings.
Environmental friendliness
Studying the advantages and disadvantages of suspended ceilings , you should also consider such an indicator as environmental friendliness. Of all the design approaches used today, the presented option is recognized as the safest for human health. This is especially true for rooms where children are often.
Some buyers note in their reviews that after installing PVC sheets for a long time, an unpleasant smell is kept in the room. In this case, the mounted structure is unsafe for health. In the production of such a film, sanitary and hygienic and environmental requirements were not taken into account. Such products are produced by small organizations that do not have certificates for their products.
When buying a film for a stretch ceiling, you must require the appropriate documentation. This will protect homeowners from the adverse effects of the harmful components that are present in cheap, low-quality film. After installing certified polymers, the specific odor completely disappears after a couple of days.
Ceiling height
Stretch ceilings can be installed in rooms of various sizes. The advantages and disadvantages of such structures can also be considered in the context of reducing the height of the ceilings. When installing the canvases, about 3 cm depart from the base. This is an insignificant difference. So that the ceilings do not seem lower, light colors should be preferred. Also, it is necessary to provide high-quality lighting in the room.
The owners, who have suspended ceilings in the house, claim that over time the canvas can sag. This visually reduces the height of the ceiling. However, experts argue that such a phenomenon is quite rare, and the error can be no more than 1 cm per 10 m². Visually, the change will not be noticeable.
When stretching a seamless ceiling, special fixing technologies are used. Sagging of the canvas will not exceed 1 mm.
Cost
Different cost is characterized by the purchase and installation of the structure. On sale are various options for such designs. Quality varieties are more expensive. But it will be a fairly durable stretch ceiling. The disadvantages of such systems in most cases are determined only among cheap non-certified products of little-known manufacturers.
The final cost of installing a stretch ceiling will not exceed the cost of installing other coatings. Therefore, many property owners, as evidenced by the reviews, prefer this modern, reliable and durable method of decoration.
To mount a stretch ceiling yourself will be almost impossible. Therefore, the owners will have to pay more professional repairmen. They have all the necessary equipment for this. But the end result will exceed all expectations.
Fabric or PVC film?
You should also consider the characteristic features that a particular stretch ceiling has. Disadvantages and advantages are both in plastic and fabric.
Plastic film does not withstand mechanical stress and low temperatures. But it is easy to care for, not afraid of moisture and even a direct hit of a stream of water on the surface. It is preferable to install in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
Fabrics are more resistant to mechanical stress. They have a wide selection of stains. If you wish, you can apply a tone or pattern yourself. However, such canvases are capricious in care. Therefore, it is better to install them in the living room, bedroom, office.
Having considered what are the features of the paintings, everyone can choose the best stretch ceiling. Disadvantages and advantages are each decoration material. But it is worth bearing in mind one thing: stretch ceilings will last for a long time with proper operation.