Fabric stretch ceilings: types and features

The fabric stretch ceiling appeared in the arsenal of installers not so long ago. Just a couple of decades ago, the world knew only about film canvases.

The fabric base is a mesh materialimpregnated with polyurethane on both sides. Due to the fact that the mesh is very small, the panel seems solid and impenetrable.

I will talk about the pros and cons of fabric ceilings, as well as the types of panels.

Photo of fabric stretch ceilings

Despite the name "fabric", the canvases are made from synthetic polyester. It is pulled into a thin thread and weave fabric from it. From this material, canvases for curtain structures are subsequently obtained.

This type of finish is much more expensive than film counterparts. But the high cost is justified by a number of advantages.

Note that the appearance of the fabric ceiling fully justifies its name. At first glance, it is difficult to determine the type of material. It really looks like real fabric. In addition, the fastening system of the structure is different from the installation of film materials.

Fabric stretch ceiling

Now let's look at the main points regarding this material. Let's study the structure and scheme of production. We find out what surrounds us in apartments and how does it affect our health.

Material structure and composition

Polyester natural fabric looks no different from ordinary woven fabric. It has a weave - strong and reliable. For extra durability and even moisture resistance material is impregnated on both sides. This makes it resistant to leakage, strong and durable, and also gives elasticity.

The main competitors in the global stretch ceiling market for the production of fabrics are Descor and Clipso.

Installation features

Fabric canvases are attached to the ceiling in a special baguette or on a frame. The peculiarity of the installation consists in the absence of the need for a heat gun, as is the case with film materials.

The fabric is more often produced as a single piece., no welds. Its width is large enough to completely cover the ceiling in a voluminous room. For large rooms, several canvases are sometimes welded. In this case, it is better to close the seam with a decorative element, such as a beam or baseboard.

Pros and cons of the design

Fabric canvases have a number of features and advantages that film designs cannot boast of. The main advantages include:

1. Attractive appearance due to unusual texture.
2. Possibility of painting up to 4 times.
3. Durability and long service life due to the introduction of modern technologies in production.
4. Resistant to temperature fluctuations (from -40˚C to + 80˚C).
5. Safety. The material does not emit corrosive chemical elements hazardous to humans. And also does not burn and does not accumulate static electricity.
6. Easy to install, no additional equipment required.
7. Good insulating properties.

No need for accurate room measurements. The material is brought to the site with a margin, and then the excess is cut off.

Despite all the advantages of the design, fabric ceilings have disadvantages:

1. The presence in the composition of synthetics. The material is almost entirely composed of polyester, so it is difficult to call it completely environmentally friendly.
2. Lack of resistance to flooding. We all know how film ceilings keep water when flooded by neighbors from above. Cloths will be able to hold out no more than a couple of hours - then the water will seep into the room.
3. Lack of breathability. Due to the impregnation on both sides, the fabric is practically impervious to air.
4. High price. Firms-installers, as a rule, charge a price twice as high as the film ceilings.
5. Poor choice. The catalog contains no more than 20 shades and several textures. But in fairness, it should be noted that these textures and shades are very expressive.

Having considered all the advantages and disadvantages of the design, you can decide for yourself whether you are ready to overpay for this type of ceiling. Its beauty is undeniable - the appearance resembles real fabric. But, unfortunately, the composition of the material is far from being environmentally friendly.

Types of fabric ceilings

In addition to several dozen shades of fabric, you can find varieties of material in the catalogs. They are distinguished by texture and composition. Each variety deserves a separate description. Let's consider the main ones:

1. Textured. The effect of a three-dimensional canvas is achieved by overlaying two layers of fabric on top of each other. The first is a fine mesh. The second is denser and embossed.
2. Satin. A pleasant material with a fine-grained structure that allows you to visually increase the height of the room. The pearlescent effect with well-chosen lighting gives the ceiling an original look.
3. Calico. The chic effect of this material is due to its transparency. Built-in or underneath lights add an enigmatic shine and a pleasant glow to the room.
4. Suede. This fabric is similar to natural suede in appearance and indoor performance. The ceiling looks expensive, dims the light. Such a design looks appropriate in the strict classic interiors of men's offices or living rooms in large houses.

The texture of the fabric ceiling is important for creating the interior of the room.. For example, suede or textured fabrics are more suitable for classic ones. Modern designs are easy to maintain with satin or chintz ceilings.