Ventilation in a stretch ceiling: what is it for + subtleties of arrangement

General information

Tips for choosing a cornice

Useful advice! If you hang the ceiling rail the full width of the room, the curtain can be pulled apart on both sides of the window. So the room will get as much light as possible.

Dimensions and depth of recess for curtains

Initially, the dimensions will depend on the selected cornice and its placement in the room. For a light, which is designed for thin curtains and tulle, a width of a couple of centimeters is enough. For a wider one, on which 2-3 types of fabric with different weights will be hung, at least 10 cm will be required. Other factors will influence the niche parameters for the curtain in the ceiling from the stretch fabric:

When determining the width, it is required to take into account the dimensions of the window sill and the location of the battery. In order for the curtains to hang perfectly evenly, in no case should they touch the radiator. But a very huge setback reduces the usable room area, and usually the ideal width is 0.2-0.25 meters.
The length usually coincides with the wall extent. But it can be reduced depending on the layout of the room, for example, when the window is placed in the corner of the room. The minimum size can be slightly wider than the window frame, at least 0.1-0.15 meters from each side, and then the curtains should cover the edges of the window sill.
The depth of the niche of the cornice will depend on the installation method and frame parameters. The minimum distance from the draft type overlap is 5-7 cm

It is also important to take into account the size of the cornice, hooks and curtain tape, they must be fully hidden behind the canvas. Moreover, it is required to add about 8 cm to the angular compensation of vision, because we are looking at the recess from the bottom to the top.

It turns out that the ideal depth is from 15 to 20 cm.You also need to provide additional space if you are planning to install a hidden light system.

Please note that in a very deep niche (for example, two-level structures, the indent reaches 0.4-0.5 meters) it is inconvenient to mount the crossbar and hang out the curtains.

Reasons for the need to ventilate the canvas

There are some points that affect the need to place ventilation in the stretch ceiling canvas:

• It happens that the advantages of stretch ceilings are appreciated not only by people, but also by harmful fungi. The latter feel great in warm, damp and dark areas of space. These organisms poison the air and can cause respiratory problems ranging from allergies to asthma. And then ventilation in the stretch ceiling becomes critical.
• Swelling or reverse deflection of the canvas is not dangerous, but spoils the overall appearance of the room, and also requires elimination.
• The bathroom is a room that is particularly prone to mold due to dampness and condensation from temperature changes. Moisture with fungal spores can penetrate the thickness of the wall, and the owner of the apartment runs the risk of getting wet stains with black spots.

Natural ventilation in the room

Natural ventilation in the stretch ceiling is provided by installing grids in the canvas diagonally or in different corners of the room. This will be enough if the room has good air circulation or a high-quality exhaust system.

Please note: the hood and mounted air ducts, as well as cracks in the walls and floors, can create pressure drops and cause the PVC sheet to sag in one direction or another. To avoid this problem, all joints should be properly sealed.

Ventilation grilles and openings in the room

It may seem to some that the installation of gratings in a stretch ceiling is unrealistic, but in practice it resembles the preparation for the installation of recessed fixtures. Nothing complicated! It is only necessary to correctly position the grilles and other elements of the system, preferably in inconspicuous places, for example, behind curtains or above a cabinet.

Before installing grilles and diffusers, the canvas is reinforced with a special tread ring, and the larger the diameter of the opening, the wider it is. The ring is glued at the exit point of the duct. After that, a hole is cut, an air duct is connected to it, diffusers and grilles are installed. Now you can forget about dampness, stale air and deflections of the PVC sheet forever!

Bathroom ventilation device

If you are going to mount a stretch ceiling in the bathroom, you must immediately provide for a forced ventilation system. It can be exhaust, supply or mixed type. In the first case, the air is drawn into the common ventilation duct, in the second, it is injected from the outside and pushed out in the same way. The main part of such a system is a powerful fan, designed for high humidity. The location of the fan depends on where the ventilation duct opening is located:

• The hole is located below the expected level of the tension fabric, then the fan is attached directly to the channel hole.
• The hole is located above the level, then a structure of a platform and an air duct connected to the channel is mounted to the ceiling, and the fan is already attached to the platform itself.

Ventilation equipment can also become a source of condensation.Therefore, it is necessary to carefully plaster or foam the cracks, and then insulate the base ceiling.

If it is required to place air ducts in the room, the entire ventilation system is assembled first, and then the canvas is stretched. Today, the construction market offers galvanized and plastic round and square air ducts. When installing a hood with a corrugated pipe, it must be fixed very well so that vibration is not transmitted to the canvas.

How does the ventilation process work?

Ventilation of the interceiling space implies the natural movement of air masses due to ventilation in the stretch ceiling. Natural air exchange implies the inflow and outflow of air mass through the stretch ceiling valve by means of draft.

In a stretch ceiling structure, the process is as follows:

• Holes are cut out in the stretch fabric, trying to place them diagonally across the ceiling, and they are masked with a decorative grid for stretch ceilings.
• Air is drawn into one hole, captures a certain space between the ceilings and exits into other holes.

High-quality ventilation of the interceiling space is possible in the presence of natural or forced air exchange directly in the room. In this case, the air masses are included in the general ventilation system and ensure the correct air exchange between the stretched and the base ceiling.

Niche in false ceiling

If you are planning to install a false ceiling made of plasterboard, consider in advance a niche for curtains in it.

• Mark up, taking into account the dimensions of the future recess, the unevenness of the ceiling, as well as the communications that will pass between the base of the ceiling and the drywall sheets.
• Install the guide profile on three walls of the room - except for the wall with a window. Use the level so that the structure does not lead. You will need a puncher and dowels, which should be placed in 40 cm increments.

Close the perimeter of the ceiling by connecting the edges of the side rails and leaving the space of the future niche behind the perimeter.
Fix straight suspensions to the ceiling with dowels at intervals of 50 cm.
Customize the connection profiles.
Install the connecting profiles using small self-tapping screws and a single-level connector.

Install the final connecting profile, thus marking the bottom border of the box.
The next step is communication. Often, a suspended ceiling is provided with a suspension. Make electrical wiring according to the drawings.
Mark out the drywall sheets and cut out the details. It is best to cut the material with a special knife. For the manufacture of parts of complex shape, which are found in multi-level ceilings, you can use a jigsaw.
Mount the sheets using a screwdriver and self-tapping screws.

Now you can make holes for spotlights and do decorative ceiling trim.

How to install grids in a stretch ceiling

The canvas of the stretch ceiling is made of polyvinyl chloride. It is not difficult to make holes in the material for mounting the gratings.

Ventilation grilles are installed in an already stretched canvas. Lattices for suspended ceilings are best bought from lightweight plastic with a thermal ring for installation.To make ventilation for stretch ceilings simply by yourself:

1. Select installation location.
2. Apply glue to the thermal ring.
3. Attach the ring to the canvas, press it to the surface for 5-10 minutes.
4. Cut a hole around the perimeter of the ring.
5. Install ventilation grill.

The thermal ring protects the fabric of the stretch ceiling from breaks and damage. Holes can be cut only after the ring has been completely glued.

Simply gratings can be installed in the ceiling of the living room. Ceiling ventilation of the kitchen or bathroom requires a lot of money and time. Under the stretch ceiling in the kitchen, you can equip channels for the hood. The bathroom is indispensable without a ceiling fan.

What does it look like

Much depends on what type of ventilation is used in the house. If this is natural ventilation, in which air masses leave the house and enter it solely according to the laws of physics, then simple decorative grilles can be used. They perfectly hide the opening and do not look like an alien element.

If a forced air supply system is installed in an apartment or a private house and an exhaust hood is arranged in the same way, everything becomes a little more complicated. For the installation of an exhaust or supply duct, it will be necessary to prepare a mortgage structure, similar to those used for the installation of fixtures.

If the problem of ventilating the space above the ceiling is simply solved, it is enough to install small-sized gratings, which can be round or square. Due to their small dimensions, they can easily "hide" behind heating pipes or other similar interior details. The same solution will help eliminate inflation or retraction of the coating.

Types of ventilation grilles for stretch ceilings

Stretch ceiling ventilation grilles are divided into two types: supply and exhaust. Each type has blinds that allow you to direct air flow in the desired direction.

Differences in design features:

• Static directional - the direction of air flow is not adjustable.
• Adjustable - a grille equipped with shutters that allow you to change the direction of air flow manually.
• With a shut-off valve - a grill model that works in only one direction - removing air to the outside.
• Inertial - grille with automatic adjustment of the air supply rate.

Depending on the material of manufacture, there are:

Metal. Made from aluminum or steel. They are most often used in industrial premises. Steel gratings are coated with an anti-corrosion compound to increase the service life of the structure. Aluminum does not need additional processing. They are considered more practical and aesthetic.

Wooden. Impractical, but look elegant. They are used more often to create a certain style in the interior. They require constant care, they are more expensive than all the others.

Polyurethane. This is a novelty that has good performance.

Plastic. They serve for a long time, have an attractive appearance. They can be painted in the desired color, although products of different colors can be found on sale.

Ceramic. They are the least popular compared to other varieties.

The form is divided into:

1. Round. They are attached to metal spacers, which can also be bought at hardware stores.
2. Rectangular. The material of manufacture is most often PVC or aluminum. Sizes may vary.They are fixed with screws, you can use all the same spacers.
3. Square. They look very natural and attractive.

Stretch ceiling hood

Kitchens usually have a range hood. And from this device stretch engineering structures that often annoy the owners with their unaesthetic. However, the exhaust pipe can also be hidden in the stretch ceiling, and we will now tell you how.

Instead of corrugated pipes, which are usually equipped with ventilation systems, it is best to use special plastic air ducts not of a round, but of a rectangular section of 55 × 110 mm. They are able to fit as close as possible to the base, which will ensure the possibility of a minimum lowering of the frame level for the stretch ceiling.

For convenience, if major cosmetic repairs are planned, you can pre-draw the location of the hood so that it exactly matches the installed box

Be careful, again, all joints must be sealed carefully, and the wiring must be laid in advance, even before the installation of the web itself.

Another important detail is that if the pipeline from the hood passes through other rooms and you want to combine the ventilation system of these rooms through it, be sure to install diffusers with non-return valves so that exhaust air from the kitchen is not drawn into all rooms.

So, you have installed air ducts from the ventilation shafts. Now it is necessary to equip the pipe from the hood in the surface of the stretch ceiling. To combine the air duct that you have mounted with the hood, you should use a rectangular adapter for a round corrugation from the device itself.

This is what the finished structure will look like after all connections to the ventilation system.As you can see, the pipe sticks out minimally and is practically invisible

A hole of a suitable diameter is made in the canvas for its connection, communications are connected, and at the last stage, the operation of the exhaust equipment is checked.

The nuances of arranging ventilation of a stretch ceiling

Before installing all systems, it is necessary to prepare the surface. In general, according to technology, they are mandatory during finishing work of this type according to technology. However, most often they are ignored, believing that the suspension structure is designed to hide all the flaws.

So, first of all, you need to take care of sealing any cracks and joints. Naturally, these are cold bridges that provoke condensation. It is for this that thermal insulation is also recommended. This is true for residents of private houses and the last floors of MKD with uninsulated attic space.

In general, the thermal insulation of the ceiling should be carried out from the side of the attic space. This arrangement option can cause moisture to accumulate between the ceiling and the insulation.

Next, you should take care of strengthening the structure. In the presence of a mechanical ventilation system, a strong base for electrical wiring is very important.

And, finally, the last thing - rodents love to run along the stretch ceiling. They can easily gnaw on the electrical wiring of forced ventilation or climb into the air ducts and die there, creating a stench instead of fresh air for the owners.

Therefore, it is important to exclude all options for rodents to enter the ceiling space.

Cons of the ventilation system of stretch ceilings

Manufacturers of stretch fabrics are very fond of boasting about the degree of stretching of their fabrics in case of flooding by neighbors from above or leaking roofs. Of course, for the canvases themselves, this situation will turn out to be a stalemate, but at least you will save repairs and furniture if the water does not flow down, but is delayed by the stretch ceiling.

So, the installation of additional ventilation holes reduces the tightness of the structure and, accordingly, increases the risk of leakage in these places.

Of course, on the one hand, the ventilation grilles reduce the hydroprotective properties of the stretch fabrics, but on the other hand, it is easier to drain the accumulated liquid through their holes.

When arranging ventilation, accurate individual calculations are still needed, which are performed directly at the facility. Therefore, any instructions can be considered only conditional guidance.

Another important point is the problem of duct maintenance. If there is any problem with the system, you will have to remove the entire canvas to fix the breakdown.

Centralized ventilation system

Before starting installation, it is necessary to carefully calculate the performance and power of the system, since it will be extremely difficult to change its parameters after commissioning. In some situations, a centralized ventilation system is the only acceptable option (for example, in kindergartens, medical institutions, office buildings).

At the same time, the throughput of ventilation shafts is not infinite and requires the calculation of the connected equipment. In addition, it is necessary to periodically service it, free from debris or foreign objects inlet and outlet openings in order to avoid the effect of reverse thrust.Otherwise, you can get a ventilation system that is not capable of performing its tasks.

For natural ventilation, only a hole is required. If you are going to use artificial then you need to install diffusers, fit holes for them, and then carefully fix the grilles and air ducts.

First, it is necessary to carry out the installation of air ducts, which should be firmly fixed to the supporting structures. Only after that you can start installing the film system, determine the location of the holes and install the necessary thermoplastic elements.

It is important to achieve complete sealing of existing joints. This is especially important when creating artificial ventilation. After all, it is the fan that provides air draft from the room, which creates pressure inside the system.

If depressurization occurs, then in the area between the base and the main canvas, a section with negative pressure is formed. And the film will simply stick to the base canvas. What will greatly spoil the aesthetic appeal of the canvas

After all, it is the fan that provides air draft from the room, which creates pressure inside the system. If depressurization occurs, then in the area between the base and the main canvas, a section with negative pressure is formed. And the film will simply stick to the base canvas. That will greatly spoil the aesthetic appeal of the canvas.

It is recommended to patch cracks, which can be not only on the ceiling and walls, but also in the corners connecting them. This will prevent changes in pressure within the area from occurring.

Complex designs

With more complex ceiling design options, various options for mounting the cornice into a niche are used, which may have a curved shape. For example, a niche for cornices with an inflection.

In this case, instead of wooden bars, a U-shaped metal profile or a stacked structure is used, with metal corners and a chipper. With this design, you can do without fixing the baguette. A recess for the harpoon is created in advance.

With the help of hidden metal profiles, you can create niches with an inflection for complex multi-row hidden cornices. Curvilinear sections are of some interest in terms of design excellence. Another difficult option is a niche in the stretch ceiling, which is mainly designed for the installation of hidden lighting. Here, another element is added to the niche design - a baguette with a notch, especially for laying an LED strip.

Everything else is done using the same technology that was described above, in a traditional, standard or budget version.

The correct arrangement of the ventilation hole in the stretch ceiling

But in any case, if the ventilation is ducted or not ducted, then the location of the diffusers should be considered in advance. More precisely, from plywood or other similar sheet material, prepare an embedded platform of the required area and shape (the area and shape directly depend on the size of the ventilation opening) and install it in place of the planned ventilation hole in the stretch ceiling.

At the same time, it should be carefully monitored that the lower edge of this platform is in the same plane with the already installed mounting ceiling profiles.For measuring purposes, the easiest way is to use a laser plane builder, although in the absence of the latter, you can also use a couple of well-tight painting threads (you just need to make sure that they do not sag).

The mortgage itself is attached to the draft ceiling by means of cuttings of straight brackets or on adjustable risers, which, in turn, are rigidly mounted to the base with dowels.

Recall: If the design provides for the presence of air ducts, before installing the ceiling sheet, it is necessary to fully mount the entire designed duct system.

The next step is the installation of the ventilation grille. It must be carried out after fixing the PVC film on the profiles.

Read more about installing a PVC ceiling with a harpoon method here. It is after its installation on the finished ceiling surface, along the perimeter of the hole made for ventilation, that the tread ring is glued (it will prevent the web from tearing when cutting the opening) and, after that, the excess PVC fabric is removed. Now it remains only to put on the diffuser and the ventilation is ready.

Hoods and ventilation grilles for stretch ceilings and their installation

Stretch ceilings are made using one of two types of canvases - fabric or film. Polyester fabric coverings are characterized by good air permeability, therefore they do not interfere with the natural ventilation of the overhead space. PVC film is highly impermeable. It does not allow water and air masses to pass through, so the air behind the tension surface stagnates. Condensation accumulates there, which leads to mold. This is especially true for rooms with high humidity.Ventilation in the stretch ceiling allows to solve the problem.

Design of fixtures on a stretch ceiling: photo

When planning the scheme and the general idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdecorative finishing of the ceiling surface, one cannot ignore the shape, size, and location of the lantern. Of course, you can use a standard built-in lamp, but for a stretch ceiling, as it turns out, this is not the best option, and in each case you have to make an individual decision.

Spotlights for stretch ceilings: photo

One of the most successful options for combining built-in spotlights and more complex ceiling lighting systems is shown in the photo below.

Most of the spot LEDs are concentrated in the central part of the ceiling, while the perimeter is illuminated with more powerful lamps with profiled shades. Such solutions can only be used on satin or matte film.

If you try to implement a similar idea on a glossy film, the effect will be completely opposite.

The number of reflections on the gloss increases dramatically, which makes the decor too intrusive, bright and chaotic.

Square recessed luminaires for stretch ceilings

Most modern light sources, equipped with a square or rectangular shade, are perceived at first glance as too utilitarian and even clerical.

But this is a misleading impression, do not forget that stretch ceilings, no matter glossy or matte, most often in the room have the shape of a rectangle, less often a square

Therefore, if it is important to achieve the most uniform distribution of light, to make the backlight unobtrusive, but at the same time as effective as possible, then there is no better option than a square light source.

Ceiling lamps for stretch ceilings: photo

The use of point models is very convenient for any apartment interiors. For example, a built-in flashlight can be easily combined with an LED strip, and if necessary, models with adjustable light direction can be used.

For glossy surfaces, you can use more complex models with concentrator shades and reflectors of the light flux. In this case, the decorative cap concentrates the main stream of light on a small plane around the installation point, and a properly selected glow softens the whiteness of the surface, making it more comfortable for the eyes.

Almost all models of recessed ceiling lights are designed to change the light dispersion on the surface of the film in a special way, for example, to collect in a bright ring or to saturate the light stream with complementary colors, red and green. Colors help to diversify the design of the stretch ceiling as much as possible.

Large luminaires for stretch ceilings

In those situations where the installation of small and too bright built-in lights is considered inappropriate, most often they resort to the use of large full-size fixtures. One of these projects is shown in the photo below.

For home apartments, you can choose a more interesting, elegant lighting option, for example, made in the form of a composition of many similar shades.

Photo in the interior of the rooms

For each room, it is planned to install lighting, including certain types of devices.

Chandelier in the hall under the stretch ceiling

The priority is the use of bright and warm light, which improves mood and encourages pleasant communication. For a living room with a high stretch ceiling, you can choose a more massive chandelier. Such a product will endow the atmosphere of the hall with luxury and solemnity. An expensive crystal construction will favorably complement the interior, designed in a classic style.

In the photo there is a hall with a stretch ceiling, complemented by a wrought-iron chandelier.

For a small living room, it is better to choose a neat and elegant lamp without unnecessary decor. In an elongated and narrow room, a symmetrical placement of two small light sources would be appropriate.

Chandeliers in the bedroom to the stretch ceiling

A rest room with a calm and cozy atmosphere involves the installation of a chandelier that will harmoniously fit into the design and merge with the design of the stretch ceiling, but at the same time will not be lost against its background. An excellent solution would be designs made of crystal or frosted glass, as well as products with shades made of light-colored fabric. From lamps in delicate sand or beige colors, a yellowish glow emanates, setting you up for relaxation.

Convenient for the bedroom are lamps with several lighting modes and a remote control. Such models will create a special atmosphere in the room.

On the photo one-level stretch ceiling with hanging chandelier with frosted glass shades.

A multi-level stretch ceiling can be equipped with built-in lights or perimeter lighting. A similar design will create a bewitching atmosphere in the bedroom.A popular option for a rest room is the use of zonal lighting. For example, a place with a dressing table suggests a brighter light, and sources with a muffled light flux are installed above the bed.

Chandeliers in the interior of the kitchen

Spotlights or one chandelier will look great on a stretch canvas in a small space. For a spacious room, several sources or a lamp with spotlights are suitable.

You can add lightness to the interior of the kitchen, fill the atmosphere with solemnity and elegance due to lamps with a body and lampshades in white. Brown models look natural and cozy, which fit perfectly into the rustic and rustic style.

The photo shows a kitchen design with a black glossy stretch ceiling decorated with a white chandelier.

In a kitchen with a light stretch ceiling, it is appropriate to hang a contrast lamp made of bronze, copper or other dark metal. A black or chocolate canvas will be in harmony with a white or steel lighting fixture.

Ideas in the bathroom for stretch ceilings

The best solution is to install recessed lights that will not protrude beyond the ceiling surface. Devices can be located perimeterally or in a checkerboard pattern.

The photo shows a chandelier for a stretch ceiling in the interior of the bathroom.

In a fairly spacious bathroom with a high ceiling, it is possible to place a not too bulky chandelier. When choosing a product, you need to consider that the lamp is waterproof.

Examples for the hallway and corridor

It is recommended to install diffused light sources. For example, a chandelier with frosted glass shades or a model with a luminous flux directed upwards is perfect.However, the latter option can spoil the stretch ceiling as the canvas does not withstand high temperatures. In this case, the problem can be solved with the help of reflectors or light bulbs with low power.

A stretch ceiling in a narrow and long corridor will perfectly complement a rectangular and elongated lamp. To correct the proportions of the hallway, it would be appropriate to highlight individual zones with spots.

The photo shows a stretch ceiling structure with a white chandelier and spotlights in the hallway.

Chandelier in the interior of the nursery

The room is equipped with warm, dim and diffused lighting. For a nursery, it is not recommended to purchase glass lamps. It is better to give preference to products made of materials in the form of wood or plastic. The chandelier should have a matte finish, as gloss can create glare and irritate a child's eyes. Models with conventional textile or paper shades will be the best option.

In the nursery, it is not appropriate to install bulky structures with decorative details in large quantities. A compact but bright lamp or an unusually shaped device will successfully fit into the room.

The photo shows a children's room with a spherical chandelier on a white stretch ceiling.