What tools are needed for stretch ceilings

Tools and heat guns for the installation of stretch ceilings

Today, many owners prefer stretch ceilings. The constructions are quickly mounted, hide the flaws of the ceiling space, have an aesthetic appeal, easy to care for and durable. If you have no desire to call a master, enough to buy the right tools for suspended ceilings, learn the technology and do the apartment decor yourself.

The master should assemble a set of the following tools, equipment:

• generator for connecting power at the site without electricity;
• an electric screwdriver for fastening the profile, baguette;
• a torch (if you have to drill into the walls);
• A level or level for marking;
• stepladder;
• end saw. to adjust the profile to the size;
• tape measure, square;
• knife, mallet, hammer for auxiliary processes;
• trowel. in order to tuck the blade into the grooves;
• Consumables, such as sealant;
• tooling.

The main unit. a heat gun. It is a special device of a certain power, which helps to cope with several tasks:

• Heating the room and warming the air to the desired temperature.
• Drying a room that has no heating, with high humidity readings.
• Warming the canvas before installation.

The units work uncomplicated. the air is forced through the heating elements and enters the room already warm. Thanks to the fans, a constant circulation of air streams, mixing them, which guarantees an even heating.

Important! Choosing equipment for installing stretch ceilings, you should consider the frequency of use. For example, for one-time works suit brands of household peoratorov, levelers. But for professional craftsmen is better to look more quality units, supplies.

Heat guns for ceilings

Before you buy equipment, you should determine the purpose, scope and frequency of use of the unit. Today, manufacturers offer many options for devices that run on diesel fuel, electricity and gas:

• A diesel gun can produce up to 200 kW of thermal energy and is widely used for different purposes. However, it is rarely used.
• Gas gun for suspended ceilings. reliable equipment that generates up to 150 kW of heat. This is enough to ensure a smooth process of work and other needs. It is also a very economical unit. one filling of the cylinder is enough to treat a huge room in the arrangement of the stretch ceiling, the remaining fuel for the preheating / drying and then create optimal living conditions in the room.
• Electric heat gun for stretch ceilings is slightly inferior to the gas equipment by the possibility of rapid heating, but is distinguished by its compact size and the safety of use. The main drawback. the inability to work in the absence of power supply, but the generator solves this problem.

Let’s take a closer look at the electric and gas heat tool for stretch ceilings.

Electric guns

A popular type of equipment, which has a number of powerful advantages. Representing a unit, complete with a powerful heating element and a fan, the device is enclosed in a robust housing. A pair of handles attached to the cover makes it easy to carry, and the handles also make it easy to direct the air flow to a local area.

Modern electric gun. a device equipped with a rheostat, automatic shutdown at overheating. Thanks to the additions increase the service life of the device, besides the equipment has no open burner that burns out the oxygen. Electric filament does not dry out the air, does not change its chemical composition, so it is allowed to work in closed rooms with any level of humidity.

Gas guns

The unit is valued by craftsmen higher than electric appliances because of its high efficiency and low fuel price. Functionality of the equipment provides the combustion gas: fan pushes the cold air through the burner, the output is a stream of warm air, heated to a high temperature.

Advice! Since the gas gun for suspended ceilings has an open source of combustion, you should be extremely careful to follow safety procedures and provide adequate ventilation of the room to avoid the accumulation of carbon monoxide.

It will not be superfluous to read the manufacturer’s instructions for use, where the flow rate is indicated.

Tools for measuring the room

Stopping your choice of a tensioned design, the first thing with which this process begins is to take the dimensions of the room where the installation will be carried out. This is one of the most important stages of the installation of a stretch ceiling. For this work will need such a tool:

The length, width, and diagonals of the room are measured.

The convenience of using a laser tape measure can be made almost without moving around the room. All measurements are immediately displayed on the screen of the device.

You will also need an ordinary tape measure to measure small angles and distances within 15 cm, because a laser tape measure cannot measure such small distances.

The paint stripper is a cord that leaves a clear line for the trimmer, so a precise marking on the wall is made.

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Ceiling installation tools

After the measurements are taken, the next step is the installation of the ceiling structure for the stretch ceiling, which involves the use of the following basic tools:

Peorator is a large drill with extra power and whipstock function. This tool is drilled holes in the wall during the installation of guide profiles for a stretch ceiling, as well as holes in the ceiling for various fasteners. There are drills of different sizes in the set of the peorator. For example, depending on the material and quality of the wall, in order to make holes in the wall you will need a drill 5.5 or 6 mm.

It is recommended to buy a peorator from reputable manufacturers for long-lasting and stable operation.

It is also desirable that the peorator was with a vacuum cleaner, because a vacuum cleaner is simply necessary when performing ceiling drilling, in order to reduce the amount of deposited dust as much as possible.

The peorator is indispensable during installation of the tensioned structure, especially if the construction will be tiered. Using the peorator fasten elements of the framework to the ceiling, as well as drill a solid wall to screw in screws that fix the baguettes.

It can be replaced by a drill with a percussion mechanism, but there are cases when you just can’t cope without the torator. Such situations arise when the work will be carried out in a building built of concrete blocks or when drilling poured walls, which were made by mixing mortar with rubble. In this case, the use of a drill, even with the best drill bits, will be ineffective, and the peorator copes with such material without problems.

Mostly it is concrete and brick that you have to work with with the peorator, it works fine with such walls. The device can be different capacity, but during the installation of stretch ceilings, it is sufficient to use a 750 watt peoratora.

An electric screwdriver is as indispensable as a torch when installing stretch ceilings. Screw in screws by hand for a long time and hard, and with this tool everything is much faster and more convenient. It is preferable to have a cordless electric screwdriver. Purchase should be compact and lightweight, preferably with a LED flashlight in the kit.

With the help of an electric screwdriver, the following work is carried out:

• A guide plastic or metal profile is fixed, which will then hold the canvas;
• Screw the bracket mounts for lighting devices;
• Screws in screws in all related operations.

The convenience of this device is that it does not weigh much and can operate for a long time in standalone mode. The latest developments of this device are characterized by reducing its weight.

Professional screwdrivers brand manufacturers weigh up to one kilogram, and provide autonomous work throughout the day.

Usually, a quality tool is equipped with two reliable batteries. If the battery charge is not enough, it may indicate a possible fake or that the purchased device does not belong to the number of professional.

Holes in the aluminum profile are punched manually with a perforator. Such holes can also be made with a drill, but their appearance will be sloppy, with burrs, and with a hole punch you get flat identical holes.

This device is used to search for electrical wiring, so as not to break it while making holes in the wall.

The need for a laser level is to perform the installation of the baguette exactly on the level. Many installers use a hydraulic level, but in the process may allow some displacement and then the accuracy of the markings will be violated, and the ceiling may end up crooked. Experts advise to use a laser level with a radius of at least 7 meters.

With the use of this tool, the installation of the tensioned structure will be carried out qualitatively and with high accuracy.

During the installation of the stretch ceiling, a safe step ladder, suitable in height for the standard ceiling (2.7 m), but you can also use a folding ladder.

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History of PVC development

Stretch ceilings today can not be called a rarity, they are very popular among consumers. Due to the possibility of creating unique ceiling structures with additional original backlighting. To understand how today’s results were achieved, it is necessary to consider the history of designs.

Most stretch ceilings are made of PVC, which is a polymer film based on polyvinyl chloride. The polymer was first obtained in the middle of the 19th century, but industrial production began in 1931.

As for the myth about the harmfulness of PVC film, you can dispel it with a simple example: Syringes and disposable tableware are also made of PVC.

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Tools

The list of basic and auxiliary tools for the installation of stretch ceilings is huge. Professionals know how to use everything, and everyone needs a certain type of tool differently. Therefore, you should first familiarize yourself with the basic list of tools and materials. the need to purchase additional items is individual.

• Laser tape measure. It is a length measurement device that is precise and easy to use. All data is stored in the memory of this device, which is very convenient.
• Laser leveller. Level marking device.
• Telescopic rod. Necessary element when installing the construction of several levels.
• Manual hole punch. Indispensable for punching holes.
• Metal detector. Device for the detection of metal elements in the wall, including electrical wiring and air ducts (may be in the place of attachment of the future baguette) is used in the preparatory work.
• Electric drill, electric screwdriver. These are the necessary tools for fixing the metal profile. Their power ranges from 600-1200 W.
• Heat guns. They are necessary equipment for heating PVC sheet. There are many varieties of air heaters, but it is worth highlighting the main ones.
• Gas guns. a very simple and effective design, works by feeding gas from a separate source (a propane tank is mandatory). The heater acts as a gas burner.
• Electric guns differ from the previous heating element, which uses several powerful heating elements. They work from the network on the principle of home heaters.
• Diesel guns are similar to gas guns, but they run on diesel fuel. The advantages are their mobility, the disadvantages include the production of carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to humans.

Work with such devices should only be in a ventilated room.

• HF machine. Device for soldering of PVC material. Since stretch coverings are produced, as a rule, not wider than 3 m, then special equipment is used to solder the material. the above-mentioned machine. This device produces high-quality soldering stretch ceilings of various textures and colors, this seam is absolutely imperceptible, and the fabric on the strength does not differ from the solid.

A set of hand tools includes: hammer, screwdrivers, metal hacksaw, pliers. Trowel construction or spatula. another necessary item used for sealing the PVC stretch ceiling.

In addition, to install lighting fixtures, hoods will need to choose a reinforcing ring with the appropriate inner and outer diameters.

The ring must be strong and firmly glued to the foil.

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Types of profiles

To understand how to fasten stretch ceilings, you need to find a reliable profile. Trims for decorative panels are made of 2 types of raw materials. The materials have different performance characteristics and price, there are strengths and weaknesses.

Aluminum

Strong structures are assembled from aluminum. Durable laths do not deform during use. Metal models can withstand the weight of the film, up to 100 squares.

The aluminum profile has a wide installation pitch (up to 45 cm). Spacing will help save money on fasteners and time during installation. Soft, pliable metal is used to assemble a frame with broken lines. It is enough to make cuts in the bends.

Price is the main disadvantage of aluminum profile. The slats are 3 times more expensive than plastic analogues. The weight of the parts is less than steel elements, but higher than polymers. In case of sloppy transportation there is a risk of deformation that cannot be corrected.

Plastic

All types of mounting systems for the stretch ceiling can be installed on the profile of polyvinyl chloride. Inexpensive, flexible material is easy to bend, creating the desired bend and shape (except for zigzags). For example, round sections of complex structures are only made of PVC.

Self-tapping screws quickly enter the polymer profile, which do not need to pre-drill holes. The slats have low weight, so transportation is not difficult. No crease marks remain on the plastic surface.

Strength. the main disadvantage of profiles made of PVC. Models are used for frameworks that hold a canvas up to 50 squares in size. If the film is stretched carelessly, the edge of the shelf may break. If you screw the bar to the wall carelessly, the self-tapping screws break off pieces of plastic.

The frame is mounted in different ways. Attaching a stretch ceiling to the wall. a popular option that is suitable for designs of any complexity. Baguette screwed along the vertical walls of the room, connect dowels.

Fixing step. 20 cm, the minimum indentation from the rough ceiling. 3 cm. In case of wall mounting we recommend to assemble the frame from aluminum profile. A durable, sturdy construction will last much longer than plastic.

Determining what to mount a stretch ceiling, it’s easy to proceed to the work. Installation is fast. When fixing to the wall, the unevenness of the partition is smoothed out. Any horizontal deflection can be corrected during installation. Before the procedure necessarily conduct a laser level marking and find out the presence of hidden electrical wiring.

Stretch constructions always reduce the height. To minimize losses, the framework is screwed to the raw ceiling. With this method of installation “cut off” will be not more than 2 cm. Profile is fixed horizontally, the lock is installed at right angles to the slats. The panels are mounted by clip or harpoon methods.

Ceiling fastening is suitable for multilevel constructions or for the arrangement of hidden niches in the eaves. The technology minimizes physical losses in a room that is less than 2.5 m high. This method is often used in places where access to the wall is difficult, or when there is a large walk-in closet.

After determining how to attach a stretch ceiling, it is worth noting the disadvantages of the method. Installation screwed to flat base surface. The horizontal level is difficult to put in the “steps” between the boards or in the curvature of the rough substrate.

Work at height is expensive. Because of the constantly raised hands, the performers have difficulty assembling the frame. It is more difficult to make holes in the upper floors than in the walls. You can’t use many recessed lights in this method, you have to make do with a single chandelier.

How much does it cost to install and produce stretch ceilings??

Name	Number of units	Cost (rubles)
HFI machine (two-post)	1	360,000
Cables, etc. д.	–	15,000
Air compressor	1	20,000
Cutting table	2	212,000
Rack	2	215,000
Film feed table	2	213,000

Depending on the scale of production, the average cost of the equipment is 475,000.

.

Name	Number of units	Cost (rubles)
Laser rangefinder	1	12,000
Heat gun	1	10,000
Industrial hairdryer	1	9,000
Mounting blades	6 pcs. (in kit)	1,000
Harpoon clamp	–	From 50/piece.

On average, to equip a craftsman (crew) to install a stretch ceiling, you will need from 32,000. Accordingly, depending on quantity of the masters (crews) this sum will be multiplied.

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Purchase of raw materials and assembly equipment

Pilot production of stretch ceilings requires purchase of PVC-film, support profiles, harpoon, decorative trim inserts. All items produced will need to be carefully packaged. Need packing boxes, special air foil (with bubbles), adhesive tape. For all of this together would have to spend at least 100,000

The presence of the shop for the production of stretched surfaces, most likely, also involves the organization of the assembly business, the organization of which forces you to think about buying a few things. The main tool for installing suspended ceilings is an electric or gas gun. Its cost can be in the range of 6-35 thousand.

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Mounting a stretch ceiling to drywall

The initial construction is made of plasterboard, inside of which the installers stretch the ceiling. It is installed around the perimeter of the room and resembles a kind of box. Can be in various shapes.

All elements are equipped with lighting fixtures of different shapes and powers. They are switched on sequentially and can illuminate the room with different light. The guiding profile of the ceiling is attached to this construction.

Article about how to level the ceiling with plaster yourself.

Overview of ceiling soundproofing techniques, overview of materials. See here.

And here is a guide on how to paint ceilings.

Typical mistakes made by different methods of installation of suspended ceilings

The most common mistake. the presence of large gaps between the wall and ceiling surfaces. They can occur for one of two reasons:

• Uneven wall. The way out is the use of decorative moldings or wide fillets.
• Installation errors: too much tension on the canvas or the wrong distance between the fasteners for the profile.

No less common are also considered the following shortcomings:

Each mistake can render all efforts ineffective, so the appearance of your ceiling depends on the quality of the work.

Calculating the amount of fabric and components

To determine the required amount of material and accessories, the area of the room in which the stretch ceiling will be installed is calculated. If the room:

• For rectangular or square-shaped film, the measurements are taken every half meter. The diagonals are measured. The obtained values are schematically drawn on the plan of the future structure. Find the total area of the room;
• Complex configuration, it is conditionally divided into simple shapes. Determine the geometric parameters of each part, calculate their area. The obtained values are summed up.

The necessary amount of material depends on the type of fabric. For PVC-film, the required geometric parameters are reduced by 10% because of its elasticity. For fabric, on the contrary, it is necessary to add 10-15 cm on both sides.

The number of accessories depends on the size of the room and the design features of the ceiling itself. We have to purchase:

• Baguette. the main supporting element, mounted on the perimeter of the room. For a single-level ceiling, a profile should be purchased, the total length of which is equal to the perimeter of the room. Calculate the necessary amount for a more complex system should be performed, focusing on the developed project;
• decorative tape, allowing you to decorate the baguette, to make it invisible. The required number is calculated taking into account the design features of the used profiles;
• fixing. The number, type and size should be chosen taking into account the design features of the foundation, to which the suspended construction is mounted. For gypsum board, the step is not more than 8 cm, for metal or ceramic tiles. 12 cm;
• embedding elements. Act as a fixture for lamps, chandeliers, curtain rods;
• edging for lighting fixtures. Purchased according to the number of halogen or LED point light sources;
• piping. Needed when installing a suspended structure near the plumbing or heating riser;
• glue. Used for fixing the thermal rings, outlines, and other technological or decorative elements.

Quantity depends on the size of the room and the shape of the ceiling

Web cutting

Responsible step. Requires great accuracy. For cutting should be prepared:

PVC film should be cut on a flat surface of suitable size. A perforated tabletop is best, as it prevents air trapping between the PVC and the substrate. A cutting line for the trimmer is applied to the blade in accordance with the developed blueprint. Cut off surplus material with scissors. The material is cut in a similar way.

Cutting should be performed on a level base

Cutting a stretch ceiling of complex configuration or consisting of several parts is better left to professionals. When carrying out the work, the peculiarities of installation, characteristics of the blade, including strength and elasticity, are taken into account. It is best to cut with software. The computer will suggest the optimal size of each element, as well as their spatial arrangement in relation to each other. Prepared fragments are connected by high-frequency current.

For a ceiling of complex shape should use a special program

Spatulas for stretch ceilings. features, types, purpose

To date, the most popular ceiling coating can be called a stretch ceiling. Polyester fabric and polyvinyl chloride film canvases are valued for their aesthetic appeal, quick installation, practicality and unpretentiousness in care, as well as an impressive service life. During the installation of the PVC film or fabric need different accessories, equipment and tools, the most important of which is considered a trowel for stretch ceilings. In this article a master plumber will tell you which trowel is necessary for installing a stretch ceiling of fabric and PVC.

Assembling a stretch ceiling is not an easy job and requires masters to have a whole arsenal of tools and equipment in stock. In addition to the tape measure, laser level and peoratorom in a set of master used special mounting spatulas for stretch ceilings.

The main purpose of such a trowel. to make tucking the ceiling covering in the baguette is less time consuming process.

Baguette is a special profile bar, in the cavity of which the canvas is mounted.

Trowel for stretch ceilings in any version has a handle and a metal tip. The shape of the handle and its material can be different. Tip configuration also has a variety of shapes to perform all kinds of work. The thickness of the working part of the ceiling trowel exceeds the value of building variant and ranges from 0.6 to 1 mm.

In addition, the tip of such a trowel is made of high-strength stainless steel. These features prevent the trowel from bending, which is a necessary characteristic. During operation, the trowel is experiencing enormous pressure from the cloth pressed on it.

During the stretching of one canvas can be used several such tools, depending on their purpose.

The following varieties of tool can be distinguished:

Straight. it is the basic tool for installation of film coatings, which must have every master. Suitable for all types of profiles with harpoon mounting system. Trowel has a trapezoidal shape and bent at an angle of 45º. The handle is made in different sizes. The medium (14-17 cm) is universal, in narrow places is more convenient short (7-10 cm), in hard-to-reach. long (38-40 cm), such as in niches, which can not get a shorter trowel. The handle length also affects the weight of the tool, which directly affects the convenience of work.

Goose. a universal trowel that replaces most other trowels. The working surface is made in the form of a trapezoid with two Z-shaped bends. It is very convenient, because when tucking the blade, the fingers of the hands do not touch the wall, which helps to avoid injuries and abrasions. Shortened handles are used where medium-sized tools are hard to reach. In other places, in order not to have to stretch, they use a large one, which, despite its size (40 cm) has a small weight of only 260 g. The trowel is convenient to work with, your hands don’t get tired, and the shape of the blade allows you to tuck in almost any area.