All stretch ceilings are divided into two types - film and fabric. Cloths also differ in the way the base material is made. And for fastening the canvas. Let's talk briefly about what distinguishes the fabric from the film. What are the performance characteristics of both tension tights.
Photo: .
Fabric manufacturing method
All bases for the tension structure are made only from polymer (synthetic) fibers. In other words, there is nothing natural in them, and the name “fabric” is explained only by the way the threads are interlaced.
So, film sheets are complex polymer compositions, which, in addition to polyvinyl chloride itself, also include plasticizers, pigments, fixatives and other additives to give better consumer properties. The canvas is always uniform, smooth, depending on the processing of the front surface, it can be of different textures.
Fabric bases are threads interwoven in a special way, which are also coated with polyester on top. The coating adds strength to the fabric, making it less stretchable, but more resistant to heat and various substances. It is believed that the fabric is more "breathable" compared to the film, which, perhaps, is true, because the impregnation does not completely fill all the pores inside the weaves. Another question is how important this is, because hardly anyone will use the possibility of a ceiling to ventilate the room. It is much easier and faster to maintain a good "climate" in the house with the help of open vents and windows. Or install special holes in stretch ceilings - the so-called ventilation grilles. They are often placed in places of high humidity and condensation.
Characteristics of paintings
They depend to a large extent on the type of canvas. Let's name the main parameters:
- Environmental friendliness. This is what proponents of fabric coverings usually push for. In their opinion, the film is less environmentally friendly, since it does not breathe and consists of who knows what. In fact, the composition is clear, high-quality films have certificates of conformity, they are completely safe for people and the environment. The same can, however, be said about fabric foundations. They also do him no harm.
Note! A film that has just been brought in for editing will have some smell, similar to the smell of any synthetic fabric (for example, kitchen oilcloth, just brought from the store). Such a “flavor” disappears very quickly, it is not dangerous. When the fabric is heated, the smell will definitely increase. After all, the film needs to use a heat gun during installation.The smell will disappear after a couple of days, it occurs after heating and disappears when the canvas cools. This does not happen with the fabric, because it does not need to be heated.
- Temperature resistance. Frost resistance is, perhaps, the main trump card of fabric stretch ceilings in front of film coatings. The fabric is designed for use in any premises, at any temperature, up to negative. Therefore, it is often bought and placed in unheated country cottages, in houses on verandas and attics, as well as on balconies. The film does not have such capabilities. According to state certificates, film coatings are intended for use in rooms with a temperature of at least 5 degrees.
However, observations have shown that if there are no mechanical vibrations and sudden temperature changes, then the film can endure a drop in temperature even to sub-zero levels. Whether it is worth checking it out for yourself is up to you. Better, I think, to use the fabric.
- fire resistance. A very important point is the fire safety of stretch ceilings. This is especially true if the canvas is intended for installation in rooms with a large crowd of people. There are special requirements for canvases for crowded places. For such premises, its own standard, its highest fire safety class, has been established.
However, the most common canvas for an ordinary apartment should be safe. All canvases currently sold on the market must meet the requirements and standards of fire safety, the norms are established by government agencies and are reflected in certificates of conformity.
Today it is confirmed that both the film and the fabric belong to the category of low-flammable, moderately flammable materials, therefore, when burned, they emit little smoke. Therefore, if a fire occurs, the canvas will smolder, it will not give a big fire.
- Water resistance. The most moisture resistant - vinyl canvases. They resist a large volume of water, are able to stretch and keep water from leaking from above. After the canvas straightens and takes its former form.
The fabric does not hold water for a long time, when it is flooded it loses some of its properties and after drying it becomes stained. However. the fabric can be repainted and the ceiling can be used further. But the film cannot be painted.
- Color, textures. And the last important quality. The film is more diverse both in texture and in color palette. The choice of colors and shades is huge, and the fabric is limited. The fabric is only matte, and the film is glossy, matte and satin.
- Care. It is believed that the fabric is more durable due to its strength, and the film is easier to care for. But in any case, both canvases today are a good option for a quick, fairly affordable repair, which is increasingly winning the hearts of buyers.
Did the article help you?