Perforated stretch ceiling

Stretch ceilings are confidently pushing other types of finishing off their pedestal, gaining more and more popularity. With their help, you can not only give the room individuality, but also level even a surface that is far from ideal.

Among the new trends in decor, attention is drawn to perforated coating, which will not leave the most demanding esthete indifferent. What is a perforated ceiling, what are its pros and cons - these questions are relevant to many homeowners. This means that you need to study in more detail the production technology, types and installation methods.

What are perforated ceilings, their characteristics

A perforated ceiling is a stretch fabric made of thick synthetic fabric or PVC film, in which decorative holes are made.

Cuts of various shapes on the canvas are made using special equipment controlled by a computer program. The machine resembles a plotter. True, unlike the latter, the installation not only applies patterns, but also creates gaps that exactly match the given pattern. This does not affect the density of the material, regardless of the type and size of the print, because armholes are applied only along the edges of the fabric.

The shape of the pattern can be different - ovals, circles, rhombuses, triangles and other geometric shapes. The location of the holes depends on the author's idea. Most often they are applied as follows:

• on the same line or at a certain intersection;
• in artistic disorder;
• in the form of an original composition.

Reference. A solution with perforation will help in creating a stylish, unique interior. Of course, the cost of this finishing method is quite high and depends on the design, density of the material, and the presence of additional lighting effects.

Types of perforation

The purpose of the covering is influenced by the size and location of the armholes. In total, there are two subgroups: the first has a technological function, the second has a decorative function.

Acoustic

The main purpose is to create a soundproofing membrane. In such options, perforation is needed to reduce the level of sound penetration from the outside. It has been established that tensile structures have different acoustic properties. As practice shows, smooth solid surfaces slightly, but amplify sounds penetrating into the room from the upper floors. A film with microholes, on the contrary, serves as a barrier to such waves.

Perforation can reduce noise by half. This is explained by the fact that the armholes of such material are filled with air, which acts as a barrier, preventing the propagation of the sound wave. Acoustic energy, due to the resulting friction, partially turns into heat, and is muffled due to resonance. The result is a significant reduction in echo. It is for these reasons that ceilings with tiny holes are usually called acoustic.

In addition to the main task, sound coverings with a larger pattern make it possible to create a space with an unusual light filling. But the real find of a professional is decorative structures of several tiers, which open up scope for stylistic solutions.

Artistic 3D perforation

The main difference from the previous method is installation in two layers. The first layer is solid and acts as a color base. The second one - with a printed pattern - together with selected lighting creates a unique artistic and stylistic effect.

Reference. The original method is called Apply, which means “apply” in English.

This version of patterned canvases primarily performs decorative functions. An abstract print or unusual image is created using large armholes. It turns out to be a kind of ceiling stencil. The perforated material is installed below the base layer, painted according to the author’s idea in one shade or another. Together they create a unique three-dimensional pattern.

There are so many different prints that it can be quite difficult to choose. In addition, it is possible to create an individual project. Of course, this increases the final cost of the order, which is why many opt for ready-made solutions.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of perforated structures is their decorative effect, coupled with the widest possibilities for their execution. This design has a place in any interior. Other advantages are not so significant, but they need to be mentioned:

1. Versatility. Installation of the structure is possible in a room with any level of humidity, because the material has excellent moisture resistance and breathability.
2. It is not afraid of drafts and provides good ventilation between layers.
3. Environmental friendliness. The materials used do not have any sharp or unpleasant odors that are harmful to the human body.
4. Durability. The average life of the product is 15 years.
5. Quick installation with no dirt or dust.
6. Maintainability. Minor damage can be repaired without completely replacing the blade.

Let's look at the disadvantages:

1. Reduced altitude. Because of this, such designs are not recommended for installation in low rooms.
2. Special care. Removing dust and stains from fabric or film is quite difficult.
3. Low resistance to high temperatures.

How to install a perforated ceiling

For quick and comfortable mounting, the designers made special 3D patterns. With their help, you can install both layers at the same time. Despite the fact that the time required to complete the work is reduced, the cost of this profile is slightly higher than the standard method.

There are three finishing options:

1. Apply 8. The distance is 8 mm.
2. Apply 40. The distance is 40 mm.
3. Apply 0. The base and decorative layers are mounted end-to-end.

The installation of acoustic structures has a number of individual features. If the customer chooses a material with holes larger than 1.5 mm, then it is possible to additionally install a fire protection system or alarm system. If the cross-section is smaller, the sensors are mounted on top of the canvas.

Otherwise, stretching perforated structures is no different from installing conventional suspended ceilings:

1. The frame is fixed to the walls around the entire perimeter of the room. For PFC constructions, a harpoon system is used; for fabric ones, a clip system is used.
2. Using a special spatula, the material is carefully tucked into the baguettes.
3. When installing 3D structures, the first step is to stretch the base fabric, then fix the material with the applied pattern. Typically the installation process does not exceed 4 hours.

Lighting is mounted separately:

1. The location of future lamps is determined in advance. For this, a special wiring diagram is outlined.
2. According to the drawing, a profile is laid, after which the height of the baguettes is adjusted to the level of the lighting fixtures.

Backlight options

Hole designs allow you to experiment with lighting fixtures to achieve original effects:

• a chandelier located in the middle will highlight the design;
• dot spots placed in different areas of the print give the image originality;
• installing lamps behind the first layer will enhance the contrast and accentuate the print;
• installing an LED strip around the perimeter will make the pattern deeper and emphasize the volumetric effect of the structure.

Reference. It is important to pay attention to the distance between the lighting fixtures and the canvas and the power of the latter. Otherwise, the film will turn yellow or melt.

Features of caring for perforated fabric

To prevent it from losing its original appearance, it needs to be looked after regularly. To do this, it is enough to do general cleaning once every six months, following several recommendations:

1. Accumulated dust must be removed using a vacuum cleaner. Movements should be smooth, without pressing on the surface.
2. Dirt stains can be removed with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth soaked in detergent or using a regular window cleaner.
3. Hole-filled material should not be scraped, nor should abrasive cleaning agents containing solid particles be used.
4. The use of organic solvents is not allowed. Under their influence, the fabric may become covered with yellow spots, change shape or tear.

Stretch ceilings with an unusual print are a great way to decorate a room in an original way. Using different lighting options will help realize the most unexpected author's ideas.