Types of suspended ceilings: materials, structures, installation

The ceiling surface as such does not spoil the breadth of the possibilities for decoration. Traditionally, it was ennobled with paint and lacquer coatings, but in recent years the situation has radically changed. Innovations introduced the concept of a hanging frame, which allows to realize a variety of design ideas, from the point of view of external design. We can say that such designs substitute for the main surface, which favorably affects the quality of the installation operations. In this case, there are different types of suspended ceilings, each of which places emphasis on one or another technical and operational characteristics. But, almost all variations of this finish suggest providing aesthetic appearance of the surface and increasing insulation qualities in the room.

What does the suspended ceiling consist of?

The basis of the construction is formed by a frame made of metal profiles. Typically, aluminum suspended ceilings with a small mass, which allows them to withstand their own load-bearing elements, and finishing material. The second important component of the system is the coating itself, which forms a decorative surface. There are two ways of finishing: due to traditional panels or by means of tensioning materials. As for the usual finishing, it is represented by plasterboard slabs, panels made of plastic, and the same aluminum in the form of racks or rectangular modules.

A separate category is suspended ceilings, which include a fabric material based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This solution, although it seems quite fragile and fragile, but in practice, demonstrates very good performance of wear resistance. The tests of the manufacturers demonstrate that the suspended ceiling made of PVC is able to withstand the load of up to 100 liters of water. Such a volume construction will withstand the flood.

Gypsum board varieties

A group of tile finishes for suspended ceilings is mostly gypsum plasterboard. This is due to the fact that this material differs almost impeccable appearance and resistance to stress. However, the tiled types of suspended ceilings also differ in their technical and operational characteristics. Standard panels are inexpensive, provide a smooth surface, but can only be used in rooms with normal humidity.

Special types include fireproof and moisture resistant slabs. In the first case, it is a material that is resistant to the effects of an open flame. If you plan to arrange suspended ceilings in the kitchen or in the bathroom, then you should use a moisture-resistant plasterboard. Such slabs not only have resistance to penetration of moisture, but also hamper the formation of fungi and mold.

Honeycomb Ceilings

The original decorative effect of the ceiling makes it possible to obtain a cellular texture of the materials used. By and large, these are panel types of suspended ceilings that can be made of aluminum or plastic modules. The principal difference of such finishing is the presence of cavities, which are closed by the background substrate. In this case, the shape and dimensions of the honeycombs may be different.

Typically, such ceilings are formed by separate panels, the installation of which involves the formation of a continuous cellular surface. But this is the complexity of installing the elements in a complex configuration of the premises. If a plastic suspended ceiling is used, it can be adjusted manually to certain dimensions, ensuring smooth joints. If an aluminum module is used, it is better to perform high-quality edge processing by order in the factory.

Rack Ceilings

In the finish of the ceiling surfaces of private houses and apartments, the rack elements are used infrequently. This is a practical solution, but its decorative features are not so high compared to alternative options. Externally, the surface resembles a lining clapboard or a wooden floor, though of a more attractive plastic. Public spaces and offices are traditional places where racked suspended ceilings are used. Prices in this case are quite democratic - about 200 rubles. For 1 m ² . For comparison, standard plastic panels cost around 400-500 rubles. For 1 pc. The most common aluminum bars, because this material is resistant to mechanical damage, and to humidity with temperature. By the way, these characteristics allow you to install ceilings in the bathroom or in the kitchen, where the first place comes just performance.

Variants of constructions

There are different ceilings and the type of carcass, which determines the technical equipment of the base for finishing. The simplest option involves creating a single-level system based on galvanized profiles. Bearing elements are suspended to the ceiling by means of steel suspensions. Due to the height adjustment, this structure can be lowered and raised depending on the requirements of a particular room. Ceilings on a suspended base are characterized by high sound insulation, since vibrational waves are transmitted only over point-fixed metal suspensions. Also, the types of suspended ceilings that are installed on a biaxial frame are common. The support base in this case is formed by two levels, but with the transition sections to a standard construction with a single lift. In the joint zones, cross-shaped fixators are used. Endings of load-bearing elements are placed in the wall profiles of the UD system. External trim is also formed by panels, slats or cellular modules, but the effect of transitions over levels undoubtedly favorably distinguishes such a configuration in decorative terms. Now it is worth considering in detail the technology of installing suspended ceilings.

Installation of false ceiling

Work begins with the fastening of the frame. The lower part of the profiles is set horizontally, after which the slats, slabs or other finishing material are fixed to the finished base. In the case of single-level structures, the carriers are arranged in one direction parallel to each other. Direct fixing of the suspended ceiling is carried out by means of anchor elements or ceiling dowels. In addition to the parallel configuration of the profiles, a cross-shaped installation is also practiced, in which the frame elements are installed perpendicular to each other. Finishing decorative materials are attached to the profiles with the help of self-tapping screws so that the hats do not deform the top layer.

Ceiling decoration

Final finishing in a mandatory manner provides for the sealing of seams with putty in color, corresponding to the main material. In the clearances reinforce the strips, which also give the structure rigidity. Then the grinding of joints is carried out. The application of paint and varnish coatings is not always required. For example, if a false ceiling installation was made in which the texture itself creates a decorative effect, this operation is not required. But ordinary gypsum board look dull and monotonous, so it will be superfluous to use paint to transform their surface.

Additional Features

From an engineering point of view, suspension structures are advantageous in that they make it possible to hide communication routes in their niche. By adjusting the height of the hangers, in the formed channel it is possible to lay a telephone cable, electrical wiring, and also to integrate the bases of the luminaire housings there. Especially this possibility is valuable, it is planned to install suspended ceilings in the kitchen, where ventilation ducts also pass. In addition, in the under-ceiling space, insulating materials are often placed. Mineral cotton wool or foil insulation, for example, is laid even at the stage of installation of the supporting structure, after which the material is hidden by the facing panels and does not spoil the appearance of the room.

Conclusion

With all the advantages of suspension systems, one should not underestimate their complexity and high requirements to the rigidity of the frame. And the plates themselves can be subjected to loads, which are composed of a mass of profiles and attached communication elements. Carefully calculating the characteristics of materials, specialists mount durable and stable suspended ceilings. Prices for designs with a reliable power base are quite acceptable: 300-400 rubles. On the average there is one profile element of high quality. Finishing a small room with such a frame as a whole will cost about 2-3 thousand without taking into account the facing material, which will cost about the same amount. Of course, if we are talking about a simple design that is undemanding to aesthetic characteristics, then we can do with less expensive means.