Stretch Ceiling Advantages For A Bathroom

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• How a stretch ceiling works, its types
• Pros and cons of using stretch ceilings in the bathroom
• Stretch ceiling care
• Design Tips

The problem of the uneven surface of the ceiling in the bathroom is far behind. Today, in order to achieve the evenness of the ceiling, it is not necessary to carefully plaster and putty it. Technologies do not stand still and stretch ceilings are designed to reduce the time spent on finishing the ceiling in the bathroom. It is quick to install, easy to maintain and has a long service life.

How a stretch ceiling works, its types

A stretch ceiling is a structure fixed on a special metal or plastic frame, which is installed along the perimeter of the room along the walls under the ceiling. A stretch ceiling can have a variety of designs, shapes, or several levels.

For the first time, stretch ceilings began to be used in the middle of the last century. Then they were intended to decoratively hide all protruding irregularities, as well as hide communications. After a certain amount of time, manufacturers paid attention to the quality of stretch ceilings and improved it. Also, in the modern world, a huge number of colors for the ceiling are offered, both monochromatic, with patterns, and canvases with a solid pattern.

All stretch ceilings can be divided into two groups according to the material of manufacture:

Tissue. The material for such ceilings is a thin polyester fabric that is impregnated with polyurethane polymers. Manufacturers produce fabric stretch ceilings in large rolls 5 m wide and up to 100 m long. Due to this, the fabric ceiling has no seam during installation

The main feature in the installation of this type of ceiling is the absence of the need to use a heat gun. In this regard, the installation of fabric ceilings can be done independently.

However, this option is not at all suitable for use in the bathroom. If suddenly there is a water leak from the neighbors on top, then the ceiling will be covered with spots and will be damaged. Also, it will constantly absorb condensation that forms at high temperatures. Therefore, a fabric stretch ceiling is not suitable for use in a bathroom.

Film. Such stretch ceilings are made of PVC film. When exposed to high temperatures, the film begins to melt and changes its elasticity. At this moment, it is pulled over the prepared frame and fixed. A special heat gun is used to heat the material. After the film is stretched, it changes its elasticity and hardens. Due to their properties, such ceilings are well suited to the bathroom. They will not get damp and absorb moisture like fabric ceilings. They are also not very demanding to operate

Any stretch ceiling is made to order. Measurers are determined with indicators of the length and width of the future ceiling and prepare the material for work.

Pros and cons of using stretch ceilings in the bathroom

There are obvious advantages of stretch ceilings over other types of finishing materials used for the ceiling in the bathroom:

1. The stretch film ceiling is waterproof: it is not afraid of splashing water and condensation. In addition, such a material is able to retain a large amount of water in its canvas, which can get there in an accident from neighbors from above. If, nevertheless, flooding has occurred, and the ceiling is filled with water, it is necessary to pierce it with a sharp object and let the water drain into the container.
2. Such a ceiling has a long service life, which with proper care is about 15 years. The same cannot be said about other finishing materials: the plaster can crumble over time, and the paint can bubble.
3. Aesthetic possibilities. Choosing a ceiling to match the style of the bathroom interior will not be difficult. The richness of colors and color palette of PVC material will decorate any bathroom design. Today, photo printing of stretch ceilings is very common. For a separate cost, you can choose the desired drawing or provide your own, and it will be made on a special printer, after which it will be installed on the ceiling.

4. Another plus is the ability to create a multi-level ceiling. If the height of the walls allows, you can make 2 or 3 levels of the stretch ceiling, in one of which you can mount spot lighting.

   

5. The ability to hide communications. All wiring will fit behind a layer of PVC foil.
6. Easy to maintain the ceiling. Unlike other finishes, the stretch ceiling is easy to clean. To clean the surface, walk over it with a damp cloth.
7. Quick installation. Stretch ceiling installation work can take up to 1 day. At the same time, there will be no dirty construction waste. Thanks to this factor, tensioning systems can be installed at the end of the stage of finishing the bathroom floor.
8. Hygienic material. Mold and mildew will not form on the surface of the PVC film due to its antibacterial properties.
9. Fire safety. The film is not prone to fire, which means that it does not pose a serious hazard.

Among so many advantages, stretch ceilings are not without drawbacks. There are few of them, but they are still present:

1. High price. Compared to other finishing materials, stretch ceilings take one of the first places in terms of high cost. The more complex the ceiling design, the higher its price will be.
2. The ceiling is susceptible to easy damage by sharp or hard objects. If you accidentally hit the tensioning structure with something sharp, there is a high probability that a hole will form;
3. Limited choice of lighting. So that the ceiling does not heat up, the lighting devices must be appropriate, and preferably LED;
4. Impossibility of self-installation. In order to mount a stretch ceiling, you need at least two people, you also need a special thermal tool.

There are still more advantages than disadvantages, however, if these disadvantages are unacceptable for the ceiling in the bathroom, give preference to another finishing material.

Stretch ceiling care

As already mentioned, the stretch ceiling does not require complex maintenance, which depends on what type of surface was used: matte or glossy.

• The glossy stretch ceiling, as it gets dirty, is wiped with a rag using a window cleaner or a special polish. To get rid of dust, it will be enough to wipe the ceiling with a dry napkin or soft cloth;
• The matt stretch ceiling is cleaned with plain water; due to the fact that the surface does not leave streaks, cleaning occurs less often than in the case of the glossy version.

Design Tips

To harmoniously combine the ceiling with the bathroom design, you need to choose its texture and color.

• If the bathroom is small, the best choice is a glossy, light-colored ceiling. Due to the reflective property of gloss, as well as light shades, the effect of increasing space will be created in the room.
• If you want to experiment, choose a stretch ceiling with a photo print, which depicts stones, water, wood, pebbles or leather.
• A standard white stretch ceiling will fit into any bathroom;
• If the interior is made in an art deco or minimalist bathroom, you can opt for a black ceiling.

In addition, you can make an original stretch ceiling that simulates the night starry sky. This move will allow you to relax after a working day.