Stretch ceilings: the pros and cons of installing in an apartment

Relatively recently, this type of finish has appeared as stretch ceilings. Initially, these were only PVC films. Today, fabric, satin and even perforated canvases are presented.

Among the pluses: durability, ease of installation and maintenance, variety of colors, as well as absolute tightness.

Obvious cons stretch fabric: poor air permeability, low strength and environmental friendliness.

Let's consider each parameter in more detail in the article.

Advantages of installing stretch canvases in the apartment

There are different opinions on the net. Some argue that a stretch ceiling is a versatile finish for any design, safe and attractive in appearance. Others in every possible way reject the idea of ​​installing a tension cloth, appealing to the insecurity of the material.

The first films, which were used for installation in apartments, emitted harmful chemical compounds when heated.

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Today, the materials from which the stretch ceiling is made have been improved and meet safety requirements, GOSTs and SNiPs. However, the opinion that such ceilings are not environmentally friendly still exists.

Among the advantages of a stretch fabric today, there are:

1. Installation speed. This is a definite plus of this type of finish. Installation is carried out by professionals in just a couple of hours. Ceiling installation in one room takes 3-4 hours. With finishing from gypsum plasterboard sheets or painting, installation will take much longer. In addition, there is practically no excess dirt during installation. This makes it possible to install structures in already renovated premises with a ready-made interior.
2. They are not afraid of flooding. PVC films perfectly keep water in case of flooding by neighbors from above. They stretch effectively, collecting moisture in one place. Tissue ones are less successful in this matter, but they will be able to hold out for a couple of hours after the flood.
3. Antistatic. Films effectively repel dust and dirt, practically do not need maintenance. Fabric ceilings are a little more complicated, but cleaning doesn't take long. Usually, manufacturers impregnate the fabric with special compounds to protect the ceiling from serious dirt.
4. A variety of colors and textures. For those who like to bring brightness to the interior of their apartment, this is a unique opportunity. Manufacturers offer a huge selection of colors, as well as textured canvases with ornaments and inserts.

Note that stretch ceiling - a universal type of finishing surface. Depending on the material chosen, it is perfect for any room.

Cons of finishing

Along with a large list of advantages, there are also disadvantages of stretch fabrics. There are not many of them, but for some buyers they are essential. Someone is afraid for their health, while others are worried about the decrease in the volume of the room. Let's consider each drawback of canvases separately.

Harm to health

The canvas is created by synthesizing vinyl chloride. In the future, they are certified, checked for quality and danger to human health, but still suspicious. The situation is aggravated by the fact that when heated, cheap canvases give off an unpleasant odor.

With fabric canvases, things are a little better. The production technology is somewhat different, so they do not cause serious concerns.

Price

The price for stretch ceilings is quite high. However, according to most buyers, it is justified. Installation of the structure is done in a matter of hours, the ceiling surface becomes perfectly flat and attractive. Other methods take much longer and do not give the same result.

Tightness

In some rooms, the absolute tightness of the ceiling becomes a serious problem. For example, when choosing PVC films for a bathroom, mold and mildew may form under the structure.

The fact is that the lack of air permeability traps condensation. The result is a damp stain that does not have time to dry. Over time in this place mold is formedhazardous to human health. Moreover, you can notice it only by violating the integrity of the canvas or in a neglected case, when the fungus passes to the material itself.

Low strength

This drawback of a stretch ceiling is well known. Cloth or film will not withstand encounters with sharp objects, rough cleaning agents, and will also lose their shape and melt when exposed to heating elements.

You will have to forget about the gushing candles on the birthday cake if you are worried about repairs.

Fear of low temperatures

Low-quality, thin canvases can deform when exposed to low temperatures. Necessarily check with the manufacturer for technical specificationsif the ceiling is installed in cold rooms. For example, on a glazed balcony, high-quality and cold-resistant canvases are used, preferably fabric ones.

Flammability of the material

It does not burn in the literal sense of the word. But when exposed to high temperatures, it deforms and loses its elasticity, the color changes. The canvas literally shrinks. Re-installing it after such exposure will be unavailable.

Let us remind you that when exposed to high temperatures, hazardous chemicals are released that can cause disruptions in the functioning of the body.

An obvious disadvantage of stretch ceilings is also considered to be a decrease in the height of the room. Even minimal indent from the rough ceiling when installed, it is at least 3 cm, sometimes up to 10 cm. This will lower the height of the ceilings and reduce the volume of the room.