Stretch ceilings: pros and cons

Relatively recently, such a type of finishing as suspended ceilings has appeared. Initially, these were only PVC films. Today, fabric, satin and even perforated fabrics are presented.

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

Obvious disadvantages stretch fabric: poor breathability, low strength and environmental friendliness.

Let's look at each parameter in more detail in the article.

Pros of installing tension fabrics in an apartment

There are different opinions floating around on the Internet. Some argue that suspended ceilings are a universal finish for any design, safe and attractive in appearance. Others strongly reject the idea of ​​installing tension fabric, citing the unsafe nature of the material.

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

Today, the materials from which suspended ceilings are 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 stretch fabric today are:

1. Installation speed. This is a definite advantage of this type of finishing. Installation is carried out by professionals in just a couple of hours.Installing a ceiling in one room takes 3–4 hours. With finishing from gypsum plasterboard sheets or painting, installation will take much longer. In addition, there is virtually no excess dirt during installation. This allows you to install structures in already renovated rooms with a finished interior.
2. Not afraid of flooding. PVC films ideally hold water in case of flooding by neighbors above. They stretch effectively, collecting moisture in one place. Fabric ones are less successful in this regard, but they can hold out for a couple of hours after the flood.
3. Antistatic. The films effectively repel dust and dirt and require virtually no maintenance. Fabric ceilings are a little more difficult, but cleaning does not take much time. Typically, manufacturers impregnate the fabric with special compounds to protect the ceiling from serious contamination.
4. Variety of colors and textures. For those who like to add brightness to the interior of their apartment, this is a unique opportunity. Manufacturers offer a huge selection of colors, as well as textured fabrics with ornaments and inserts.

Note that suspended ceiling - a universal type of finishing surfaces. Depending on the chosen material, it will be perfect for any room.

Cons of finishing

Along with a large list of advantages, there are also disadvantages of tension fabrics. There are few of them, but for some buyers they are significant. Some are afraid for their health, while others are worried about reducing the volume of the room. Let's consider each drawback of the paintings separately.

Harm to health

The fabric is created by synthesizing vinyl chloride. Subsequently, they undergo certification, testing for quality and danger to human health, but still arouse suspicion. The situation is aggravated by the fact that when heated, cheap fabrics emit an unpleasant odor.

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

Price

The price of suspended ceilings is quite high. However, according to most buyers, it is justified. Installation of the structure is completed in a matter of hours, the surface of the ceiling becomes perfectly smooth 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. As a result, a wet spot forms that does not have time to dry. Over time in this place mold forms, hazardous to human health. Moreover, it can only be noticed by violating the integrity of the canvas or in advanced cases when the fungus spreads to the material itself.

Low strength

This disadvantage of stretch ceilings is well known. Fabric or film will not survive encounters with sharp objects, rough cleaning agents, and will also lose shape and melt when exposed to heating elements.

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

Fear of low temperatures

Low-quality, thin fabrics can become deformed when exposed to low temperatures. Necessarily check with the manufacturer for technical specifications, if 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 doesn't literally burn. But when exposed to high temperatures, it deforms and loses elasticity, and the color changes. The canvas literally shrinks. It will not be possible to install it again after such an impact.

Let us remind you: when exposed to high temperatures, dangerous chemicals are released that can cause disruption to the body.

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