The ceiling made of PVC panels has now become a common element of the interior of residential and office premises. This rather economical design option conquers with its practicality and attractive appearance. It is quite simple to do it even with your own hands. At the same time, the quality and durability of such a ceiling depends on the correct choice of material and compliance with the basic technological rules.
Features of plastic panels
To equip this type of ceiling requires lining its surface with plastic panels. Most often it is a suspended structure, when the panels are attached to the frame (crate). Installation of plastic is also possible directly on the ceiling with adhesive fastening.
PVC panels are used as the main cladding material - long plates made of two plastic strips connected along the entire length by jumpers with the formation of an air gap. Longitudinal bridges simultaneously play the role of stiffeners and strengthen the structure, and air cavities provide a low specific gravity of the material. The panels are connected to each other according to the “thorn-groove” system, for which a longitudinal tongue is formed on one side along the entire length, and on the opposite side - a corresponding groove.
When finishing ceilings, a ceiling type of material is used, which has a smaller thickness of continuous plastic layers compared to wall panels.
This somewhat reduces the strength characteristics (which is not very important for the ceiling), but reduces the total weight of the structure.
Varieties of panels
The appearance of the ceiling largely depends on the joint of the plastic panels. According to this indicator, the following varieties are distinguished:
In appearance and size, the following product options stand out:
The decorativeness of the ceiling depends on the type of panel surface, i.e. e. from the structure and processing of the outer plastic layer:
When choosing panels, it is important to ensure harmony - a combination of ceiling design with wall decoration and the overall interior. Panels with a mirror effect look very impressive. It is created with a special film attached to the front surface. The most impressive is the ceiling of their PVC panels in the bathroom.
Advantages and disadvantages
A plastic ceiling has a number of undeniable advantages:
When choosing a ceiling design, one should also take into account the presence of disadvantages of plastic cladding:
It must be clearly understood that PVC panels are classified in the economy category, and they cannot qualify for a place in chic living rooms. Most often, their use is limited to the "entrance hall", bathroom, kitchen, loggia and veranda. To prevent the formation of condensation on the plastic ceiling, reliable ventilation must be provided.
Installation specifics
The question of how to fix the plastic can be solved in different ways. Installation of PVC panels on the ceiling is carried out using glue or by creating a suspension system. In the first case, they are glued directly to the floor surface. The main plus is the minimum reduction in the level of the ceiling and the absence of costs for materials for the frame. However, this method complicates the fixing of electrical wiring and communications, requires alignment of the rough ceiling. Reliability essentially depends on the quality of the adhesive.
A suspended ceiling has a wider range of applications. It "eats up" the height of the room, but at the same time makes it possible to mask significant floor defects, eliminates problems with heat and noise insulation, lighting. The possibilities of decor are increasing.
Features of the glue method
Adhesive technology for fixing PVC panels can be used with unevenness no more than 3 mm. The correct choice of adhesive is of particular importance. Experts recommend using liquid nails based on rubber glue or silicone glue-sealant. You cannot save on glue, you should choose proven means of such models as Ceresit, Moment, Grover.
Installation of panels is carried out in the following order:
It is important to take into account that when using silicone glue, the setting time is up to 20-25 minutes. To fix the panels during this time, props should be installed.
Installation of a suspended structure
Installation of a suspended ceiling made of PVC panels consists of two main stages: fixing the frame and sheathing with plastic. For the installation of the frame, the following additional elements are used:
The frame for the false ceiling is made in the following order:
If the panels do not reach the wall, then F-profiles are installed to fix their ends. They are attached to the ceiling with dowels, and the shelf is designed to insert the ends of the panel into it. When making a homemade plastic ceiling, sometimes a wooden bar is used instead of standard aluminum profiles.
Installation of panels on the frame
After installing the frame, it is the turn of the installation of PVC panels, but before that you need to take care of the electrical wiring, as well as insulation and noise protection, if necessary. Heat and sound insulation systems are placed in the frame cells and fixed with dowels. The wiring is laid out according to the diagram. Quite often, spotlights are installed on a plastic, suspended ceiling. They require appropriate wiring. They go off to each lamp, and then they are collected in a common bundle and placed in a corrugated hose. The wires are neatly fixed to the frame profiles.
Installation of panels begins with their cutting in accordance with the laying scheme. If there is a pattern (pattern), ensure that they match in adjacent stripes. The strips are cut with a length of 3-5 mm less than the width of the wall. The panels are stacked so that the light from the window is directed along the joint.
The edge panel bends slightly and is inserted end-to-end into UD-profiles located on opposite walls. The panel is aligned and fixed with self-tapping screws on CD-profiles. It is best to tighten the self-tapping screw in the area of the thorn, which makes it invisible. Subsequent panels are installed in the same way, then they are brought to the previous strip and inserted into the lock connection. The spike must fully enter the groove, and the strips must be located strictly parallel. After the installation is completed, a plastic molding (ceiling plinth) is fixed around the perimeter of the ceiling, which hides the joints of the panels with the wall.
Tool
When installing panels with your own hands, you will need the following tool:
At the preparatory stage, a spatula, a metal brush, a vacuum cleaner will come in handy. For quality control and measurements, you need: building level, tape measure, metal ruler, square.
Conclusion
PVC panels are capable of providing a practical and attractive ceiling finish. Ease of installation makes it possible to do everything yourself, and a wide range of products - to choose the best option for specific conditions. Such ceilings have shown high reliability in rooms with high humidity, which largely determines their popularity. With the right approach to the choice of material and installation, the plastic coating will delight the eye for a long time.