Everyone seeks to recreate a cozy interior in their home. It is important to correctly select finishing materials for walls, floors and ceilings. Initially, Armstrong ceiling was developed as a simple and inexpensive installation product for large areas. But thanks to its aesthetics, it began to be installed also in apartments.
In order to competently complete the finish, you need to take into account the basic rules for installing Armstrong ceiling.
Features
Tile ceiling Armstrong is considered one of the most popular types of suspended structures. These products are used for decoration of residential buildings, as well as shopping centers and business offices. They look great in almost any interior and style. The Armstrong ceiling device is as follows:
- suspension system made of wire and strings;
- frame;
- slabs;
- clamping mechanisms.
Modular ceiling slabs are divided into modern and classic. The first view is characterized by the fact that the cells snap into place when mounted from the outside. The classic version of the plates implies that such cells are embedded in the frame from the inside.
They are made of various materials, in particular such as glass, metal, plastic, mineral fiber. Often models of a false ceiling have drawings. Therefore, a similar design is used to create a stylish and original design.
The main pros and cons
The Armstrong ceiling device is quite simple, but such designs are in demand. Among the main advantages of such a coating, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- high fire resistance;
- low cost;
- good sound insulation;
- little weight;
- aesthetics;
- reflective surface;
- the ability to cover additional details.
The design is highly fire resistant, as it is made of non-combustible elements, which makes it possible to avoid fire. These ceilings are affordable.
Armstrong products are lightweight, which simplifies installation. Ceiling structures are well soundproofed. This is a very important property that allows you to decorate a room with tiles even with loud sound reproduction.
The Armstrong ceiling device is characterized by ease of installation, which does not take too much time. According to experts, such ceiling coverings look elegant and stylish. In addition, the market offers many options for various models and colors, decorated with prints.
Armstrong suspended ceiling allows you to install inside the communication without spoiling the overall appearance of the coating. Thanks to the reflective surface, the overall space can be expanded.
Despite all the advantages, Armstrong suspended ceiling has certain disadvantages. These include:
- low moisture resistance;
- loss of height during installation;
- monotonous location.
If water gets on the surface, the ceiling may swell and lose its original appearance. The coating may become completely unusable and will have to be completely changed.
When mounting the structure, quite a lot of height is lost. When installing, you must step back from the base of the ceiling, as otherwise installation will not be possible. Armstrong products can be stacked in a strictly defined order. Curvilinear and diagonal types of design from such material will not work.
Specifications
Technically, standard Armstrong ceiling models can be characterized:
- frame made of aluminum or plastic;
- the main color is white, but bright shades can also be used;
- one ceiling plate weighs 4-6 kilograms;
- typical plate sizes are 600 x 600 mm and 600 x 1200 mm.
The Armstrong ceiling device is characterized in that the lowest costs of the raw materials used provide the required level of system resistance to mechanical stress. Cassettes are attached with suspensions to the base, and this allows you to mount the structure even on a strongly deformed surface.
The trims can be different. They are selected depending on the main type of configuration of the end face of the product. The Armstrong suspended ceiling device is quite simple, which is why everyone can independently carry out installation work.
Types of Armstrong Ceiling
The composition of the ceiling panels can be very different, which is why you can independently choose from the list of available materials. Often applied:
- mineral fiber;
- aluminum;
- polycarbonate;
- steel.
The Armstrong suspended ceiling device is of interest to many. The design is divided into certain types, namely:
- Prima type ceilings;
- moisture resistant;
- designer product;
- acoustic;
- hygienic ceiling (medical).
The on-line ceiling is made of mineral fiber. This material is among the most affordable. But at the same time, it has a low level of moisture resistance and is unsuitable for mounting in rooms with high humidity.
Prima ceilings are characterized by fire resistance, high resistance to damage, as well as decorative structure. Moisture-resistant product is used for interior decoration, where temperature changes or simply high humidity are often observed.
An acoustic ceiling is required to design a room with a high level of sound absorption. Designer products differ from the usual office structures in that an original pattern is created on the surface. There may be transparent panels that have a rather extravagant look and are suitable for decorating the ceiling area in a residential building.
Hygienic ceilings are characterized by the fact that in their manufacture all the requirements of GOST are taken into account. They are often mounted in hospitals. Installation technology is the same for all models, which differ somewhat in their technical characteristics and device. Armstrong ceilings will make your office or enterprise not only comfortable, but also beautiful. The main thing is to correctly choose the required option, taking into account all the features.
Location options
An important feature of the Armstrong-type ceiling device is that it has a block system. It is not necessary to have only a series of panels made of mineral fiber. Air conditioners, lighting fixtures and ventilation grilles, as well as other equipment can be added to it. This will increase the overall practicality of mounting the suspension system.
Together with conventional panels, mirrored or metal inserts can be placed to give greater aesthetics. This functionality will not add to the ceiling, however, it will help transform its appearance. There are also special panels on which the drawings are applied. They are made not only of metal and PVC, but also of glass. Such options are somewhat more expensive, but they look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing.
Due to the variety of options for panels on the ceiling, you can create a whole ornament. This will help to add bright colors to the room in which it will be located and make it more beautiful and unique. A look at such a ceiling will be pleasant to the owners and guests of the house.
System elements
When installing, it is very important to pay attention to federal unit rates (FER). The installation of Armstrong ceilings involves the use of different elements of the system, which will affect the final cost of the entire structure. It is necessary to calculate how expensive it will be to carry out the installation of such a ceiling coating. In addition, this will help to choose the right material for the panels.
Let us cite as an example what should be taken into account when compiling FER.
Device:
- false ceilings of the Armstrong type.
Elements and accessories:
- profile;
- frame;
- panels;
- suspension;
- mounting unit;
- web fastening.
The value of the price includes not only the price of the material, but also the wages of workers, as well as the operation of equipment.
When choosing components, it should be borne in mind that the panels can be rigid or soft. The first are made of glass, metal or various mirror surfaces. Soft panels are made of mineral and organic material. The first version of the plates is massive and heavy, which is why it will require reinforced guides for it. The second does not require expensive or large items. However, it is worth noting that soft structures emit harmful substances.
The profile is often made of metal. The profile has a small special hole for the suspension. Basically, the connection of the guides is carried out using locks.
The suspension consists of two small rods connected by a curved leaf spring. It is worth noting that the suspension can be very easily adjusted using a connecting spring.
The frame is created so that the main product cassettes are easily integrated, as well as the various elements required. Often wires and many other items for communication are mounted in it. In addition, fixtures and lamps are installed in the frame system.
The mounting unit is presented in the form of a standard dowel for a self-tapping screw. It is worth noting that for a more durable and reinforced suspension, it is recommended to use a metal collet. Similar mechanisms are required not only for the ceiling itself, but also for the area with increased loads.
The fastening of such a ceiling coating is carried out with the help of a small even rod screwed with the use of tools so that a mounting unit is obtained. You do not need to disassemble the suspension structure. Also, when attaching ceiling plates, you need to put a profile on the hook of the second twig and firmly holding the leaf spring, carefully adjust its position and height.
Calculation of the required material
Before mounting the suspension structure, it is necessary to carry out all the required calculations in the HESN of the Armstrong ceiling device. This is necessary in order to determine exactly how much material is required. Calculating the total perimeter of the equipped room can be quite simple. A special formula has been developed for this. It is necessary to initially measure all the walls around the perimeter. Then add together their size and round off the total so that the result is divided by 3.
Such simple and reliable calculations can be ideal for rooms with an area of 8-150 square meters. m. If you want to draw up a ceiling in a larger building, it is best to consult a specialist. In such cases, the SNiP norms should be additionally taken into account. The installation of Armstrong ceilings is made in accordance with all the rules of the TTK.
Many experts recommend paying special attention to the grill. When mounting, it is not recommended to trim it by more than half. Otherwise, when arranging the ceiling, you will have to spend a lot of materials. However, it is worth noting that this does not affect the strength and quality of the structure.
Mounting Features
Before performing the installation, it is important to study the technological map of the Armstrong suspended ceiling device, as well as the main features of this product. Many install cassette ceilings on their own. To assemble such a design is quite simple. Moreover, products are produced with instructions that describe installation features.
Before starting work on the installation of the Armstrong suspended ceiling, an estimate is prepared first of all, as this will make it possible to calculate costs. Installation is divided into three stages, namely:
- Preparatory.
- Installation.
- Finishing.
Installation begins with measurements. If the floor is flat, then you need to measure the total height of the room in the corners. The smallest value is taken as a basis. If the floor is deformed and uneven, it is advisable to use a laser building level.
In the selected corner, measure 15 centimeters from above. If installation of additional communication is required under the ceiling plates, then the distance must necessarily be slightly increased. Mark the level in all other corners of the room by level. Having decided on the height, you need to designate where exactly the suspensions for the ceiling will be mounted. To do this, you need:
- Define the center of the room.
- Draw a line across the room across the room.
- Measure 1.2 m from the marked line in both directions and mark.
In the same way measure the distance again, and so on to the end of the wall. A bearing profile is attached to these marks. If you neglect the exact implementation of this stage, the ceiling may not be fixed properly, distortions will occur and installation of the product will be of poor quality.
The installation of Armstrong ceilings and the technology for their installation are quite simple, but they must be taken into account. The phased implementation of all required work serves as a guarantee that it will turn out to be able to independently mount the product with high quality.
Need to mount knitting needles for fasteners. To do this, holes are drilled according to measures previously applied to the wall, and spring-loaded knitting needles are attached to them with dowels or screws. To simplify the work, it is recommended to fix the needles with hooks in one direction. Attach a supporting metal profile to them.
Then you need to assemble the frame. To do this, fasten 5-6 basic elements to the wall, and mount the cross members on them. Only then can the remaining main beams be fixed. This method of assembling suspended ceilings will save time and timely identify distortions that arise due to marking errors. If the skew is insignificant, then it can be adjusted using fixing knitting needles.
When all the elements are installed, you need to snap the locks in the grooves. This is the easiest way. If the base is installed correctly, the locks snap into place easily. After that, you can begin to install the corners. This is required so that the ceiling tiles are even.
After fixing all the guides on the surface of the ceiling, a grid is formed. It is filled with ceiling tiles and lighting fixtures. Most experts recommend starting the installation of cassettes from the middle of the room.
Lighting options
It is important to consider not only the TTK devices of the Armstrong suspended ceiling, but also the right lamp. Among the main types, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
Raster lights are specially produced in the size of 600 x 600 mm. They can be staggered. The only requirement: in the places where the fixtures are mounted on the rack frame, additional suspensions are installed. Such lighting devices are equipped with fluorescent lamps.
LED luminaires are available in sizes of 600 x 600 mm or 600 x 1200 mm. They are equipped with LED lamps. Spotlights can be used in suspended ceilings. Holes are made under them in the center of the ceiling tiles.
Tips & Tricks
The Armstrong suspended ceiling device and its mounting technology are so simple that even a novice can handle it. However, in any case, one must strictly observe the recommendations of specialists.
If you need to install a strong and reliable ceiling, it is recommended to use cassette metal structures. They differ from other types of strength and reliability. They also have high resistance to damage and mechanical stress.
In rooms with high humidity or a large amount of steam, it is worthwhile to mount a plastic ceiling covered with a special solution. It gives the details special properties that protect the coating from the harmful effects of moisture.