DIY suspended ceiling repair

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of suspended ceilings from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Stretch ceilings are a fairly durable and reliable coating that serves with respect for several decades. But no one is immune from various force majeure situations. A nuisance can happen at any minute: the ceiling sheet can accidentally be damaged by something sharp, a fire can happen, or your apartment will be flooded by the neighbors from above. Do-it-yourself ceiling repair requires utmost care and attention, however, it allows you to avoid high costs as a result.

First you need to find out what such a ceiling is. The suspended ceiling is a vinyl chloride film that is welded using a special seamless technology. Ceiling repair price will delight you! The repair work of such a ceiling implies the correction of tears or surface defects, which has one level, or is made in the form of various fastening systems and waves.

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When operating a suspended ceiling, to avoid complete alterations and frequent repairs, certain rules should be followed:

  • You cannot heat the stretch ceiling to a temperature of 70 degrees and above, because this can provoke melting of the edges that hold the surface, and this, in turn, is fraught with tears and sagging.
  • In a room where such a ceiling is installed, it is recommended to maintain the temperature above zero, because a lower temperature promotes crystallization of the material, the stretch ceiling can simply burst.
  • Repair of ceilings is needed when their surface is damaged by various sharp objects. To prevent this during operation, contact with any such elements should be avoided. This circumstance must be taken into account during repair work, which requires special care, since the film is very easily torn.
  • Stretch ceilings can withstand the weight of cold water, but not hot water - the film simply stretches and bursts. Therefore, a simple repair in this case will not help; the ceiling must be completely replaced. The film can be dried when flooded with cold water, all electrical and lighting devices are then installed in place.
Video (click to play).

Most of the suspended ceilings, being damaged, cannot be repaired, but need to be replaced. However, there are situations when it is possible to save the ceiling by repairing it in a timely manner. To be convinced of this, one has only to look at a photo of the repair of ceilings.

Regardless of the fact that the stretch ceiling is highly durable, punctures and cuts in the canvas still happen. If the ceiling is made of PVC, then only specialists will be able to assess the scale of the repair work. If the canvas is not torn too much, you can carefully glue it. If the ceiling is significantly damaged, then from an economic point of view, it is not profitable to repair it.

If a puncture occurs on a seamless ceiling made on a fabric basis, then it will be possible to repair it with your own hands. Cover the cut carefully with a piece of fiberglass or cloth tape. Then paint the stretch ceiling so that the patch merges with the background. If the incision is small, then it will be possible to sew it up with nylon threads, and then tint it with paint so that the seam does not catch the eye.

In case of leaks and flooding, you should act very carefully, otherwise you can ruin the entire ceiling. To drain the accumulated water and return the ceiling to its original appearance, you need to dismantle one corner of the suspended ceiling, drain the water, then dry the canvas, place it back in the baguette and heat the ceiling with a heat gun, if it is made of PVC.After that, the ceiling in your home will look like it did after installation.

In the event of a leak, if the weight of the water on the ceiling exceeds the established norm, in most cases baguettes leave the walls. This can often be due to a poorly executed installation. In many companies, the above case is under warranty, so the cost of repairing the ceiling should not bother you. The warranty period for the installation of stretch ceilings is usually 3 years.

The sagging of the stretch ceiling occurs for two reasons: if the suspended ceiling is more than ten years old or when the canvas was unevenly stretched during installation. Usually, similar situations happen with Chinese and domestic canvases. You can eliminate the sagging by tightening the canvas. Also, the ceiling can sag from the temperature rise in the room.

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There are also several reasons for rupture: poor-quality welding of the tension cloth, ceiling tension above the norm, poor quality of the material. In such a situation, it is unlikely that it will be possible to carry out repairs and will have to change the canvas.

Most often, ceiling repairs involve only a small incision that needs to be repaired. But with such damage, it should be remembered that repairs can only be carried out if a seamless fabric was installed on the ceiling.

It is customary to repair the ceiling by the following methods:

  1. For small cracks, holes and gaps up to 2 centimeters, you can use regular tape and adhesive to tighten the edges. Stop the main defect increase in time.
  2. When gluing the film with patches, it is recommended to select the material of the same texture and color so that it does not stand out. For this, it is better to put the patch from the inside and gently pull off the edge of the damaged area from the front side with your own hand. In this place, you can mount a patch in the form of an applique, or simply install a lighting shade.
  3. If it is not possible to repair the stretch ceiling with the help of adhesive tape, then you can take glass wallpapers, which are usually installed at the site of the defect. Such repair of ceilings with wallpaper ensures reliability and high quality.
  4. If the ceiling is damaged along the seam, then it is impossible to make repairs with your own hands. We'll have to change the entire film. This can happen for reasons such as poor-quality material or installation, poor fabric welding, excessive stress.

The big advantage of stretch ceilings is that it is very unlikely that flooding will damage the floor, walls and furnishings. The material can withstand tension and significant loads without breaking through.

Water accumulates between the stretch ceiling and the film. Therefore, it can be carefully removed by making a small hole in the film. To avoid making holes, you can use lighting fixtures instead of installation, then the coating will remain intact. After dismantling the film, the stretch ceiling takes on its previous shape.

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In case of leakage and flooding, you need to find out what temperature the water had. If it was cold, then the film must be removed and dried, its properties will not change after that. But at a high temperature, the material will stretch, and there is nothing you can do about it. At very low temperatures, for example, in unheated rooms, the canvas can also be severely damaged: the used material simply crystallizes, losing its properties, after which it can easily burst.

The service life of stretch ceilings differs from different manufacturers, but on average it reaches fifteen years. Although with regular and careful care, as well as careful treatment, such a coating can last thirty years. It is easy enough to damage the suspended ceiling during the first time after its installation, when the film is still too stretched. Therefore, it is better not to touch the ceiling or try to clean the coating.

Stretch ceilings are resistant to many influences, durable, do not require complex maintenance, and have a very attractive appearance.But regardless of this, for such a surface, some care and regular inspection are still necessary. Maintenance of a suspended ceiling involves the use of the simplest cleaning agents, clean rags and a soft sponge. In this case, the composition of cleaning agents should not contain various solvents and abrasive coarse particles.

For example, substances for cleaning ceramics and glass with solvents are not suitable for this purpose, because the film can be easily damaged and scratched. It is also not recommended to buy toilet soap. A cloth and a sponge for cleaning on the surface should not leave separate fibers, because they will spoil the appearance, and brushes, even with gentle and very soft bristles, can easily damage the stretch ceiling and break through its surface.

When washing a stretch ceiling under the pressure of a hand or a mop, the fabric may bend. This is not something to worry about, but you should not increase the pressure. The material of the stretch ceiling is very durable, as it is impregnated with special compounds, and the structure is able to withstand strong tensions and significant loads. In addition, do not damage the film with a blunt object.

Cleaning, as well as repairing ceilings with panels, is still carried out quite rarely, because the material has antistatic properties, dust and dirt do not stick very much. In addition, stretch ceilings are not a source of crumbling whitewash and plaster particles. It is allowed to use a regular vacuum cleaner about once a month. Such simple maintenance will ensure the safety and cleanliness of the surface.

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If greasy stains appear on the stretch ceiling, this is especially possible in kitchens, then it is permissible to use an ordinary dishwasher, which is simply washed off. Condensation stains in the bathroom can be simply wiped off with a soft sponge. Repairing the ceiling with tiles is only necessary if chemically active substances get on the suspended ceiling.

The space between the surface of the ceiling itself and the film also needs regular inspection and maintenance. However, if the film is correctly mounted, and all communications are laid over it in accordance with the requirements and standards, such work is extremely rare.

Thus, repair of a stretch ceiling is required when the fastening system or its surface is damaged. After watching a video on repairing ceilings, leaks and flooding can be added to these situations. There are not many such cases, usually all work is carried out quickly, and a complete replacement of the web is required only when the film breaks or bursts over a large area. However, subject to simple recommendations and rules for the operation of such materials, maintenance and periodic inspection of coatings, the stretch ceiling will last a long time.

Suspended ceilings are profitable structures in all respects. They help to hide the engineering communications of the upper floor, save on its leveling and finishing. Over time, these structures deteriorate, cracks or other defects appear on them. Repair of suspended ceilings is required. And it can be done only with special knowledge.

There are only a few types of false ceilings:

  • plasterboard;
  • modular "Armstrong" type;
  • rack;
  • stained glass or glass;
  • stretch.

Each of these types of designs your problems and your ways to fix them... But they all have one thing in common: they consist of two main parts:

Stretch ceilings, despite the fact that they are also suspended, do not have a frame. Therefore, they will not be considered further. The principles of repairing stretch ceilings are completely different.

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Plasterboard ceilings have a fairly high strength and serve regularly for decades. In rare cases, sagging or others frame deformations, which is traditionally assembled from a metal profile. Basically, over time, small defects appear on the surface of the gypsum board itself, on the skin. These troubles arise for several reasons:

  • the need for a gap between the ends of the bearing profiles and the guides has not been taken into account;
  • sheets of gypsum plasterboard are not laid apart, but "seam in seam";
  • there is no damping gap of 2-3 mm between the drywall sheets;
  • there was a swelling of the gypsum board due to flooding from above or for other reasons, with subsequent deformation of the skin.

If the ceiling is painted, it is not uncommon paint starts to crumble at the joints of gypsum boards. This happens for two reasons:

  • the seams are incorrectly putty;
  • too thick a layer of paint is applied along them.

Repair of plasterboard suspended ceilings most often consists of elimination of cracks or chips from accidental impact... It won't take much time to restore its former beauty.

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To seal cracks, you will need putty... It will take and primer, preferably moisture resistant. Best to use Fügenfüller or "KNAUF-Satengips"... These are dry putty mixtures that are sold in any building materials store.

You will also need tools:

  • a spatula with a metal blade;
  • chisel;
  • a brush for applying a primer;
  • sanding float (can be replaced with medium-grit sandpaper).

Step 1. At the location of the defect remove the top finishing layer... If it is wallpaper, moisten it with water and carefully cut it off. If it is paint or whitewash with water-dispersion paint, gradually grind off the finishing layer with a spatula, knife or chisel. Then - a layer of putty, if any.

Step 2. Examine the crack. If there are pieces of drywall that do not hold well, remove them. Clean the surface with a clean brush. Further actions depend on the parameters of the defect.

If the crack is wide

  1. A layer of primer is applied around the damaged surface.
  2. They are waiting for it to dry, and a second layer is applied.
  3. The edges of the crack are putty so that they become flush with the rest of the surface of the gypsum board sheet.
  4. Take any suitable glue (PVA, "Polimin", "Montage", silicone sealant) and seal the gap with non-woven fabric. Fiberglass tape can be used if it is wide enough to seal a crack in the false ceiling. You can use putty instead of glue, but in the case of non-woven fabric, this is best not to do.
  5. After the glue has dried, the first layer of putty is applied over the entire area of ​​the defect and drywall cleaned off at the previous stage. Smooth with a spatula and wait for drying.
  6. Apply a second layer of putty and level it. They are waiting for drying.

If the crack is narrow

  1. A layer of primer is applied.
  2. Fill the gap with putty.
  3. Level the layer by running a spatula over it. They are waiting for drying.

Step 3. Grind the surface mesh or sandpaper.

Step 4. Restores the finishing layer using the same materials that were used in the finishing work during the installation of the false ceiling.

Repair of suspended ceilings due to deformation of the frame is not so common. Sagging of the structure can occur in several cases:

  • a dowel came out of the nest, which attached a suspension to the ceiling;
  • the ends of the bearing profile have shifted and left the guides;
  • the joints of the metal profile strips are parted or deformed due to savings on two-level or cruciform connectors;
  • there was a breakdown of the metal profile, the shelves of which were cut to obtain curved lines of the frame.

To eliminate any of these defects, perform false ceiling repair do it yourself. They act by analogy: remove damaged elements and replace them with the same, but new ones.

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  1. If the cause of the defect is detached dowel, a displacement of the suspension attachment point will be required. First, disconnect it from the metal profile strip by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver. A hole is drilled in the ceiling with a drill, which is 2-3 mm thinner than a plastic dowel. Drive in a new one and attach the same suspension.
  2. If the cause of the defect is lack of connectorsinstall them.
  3. At breakage of a curved metal profile strip, joining of this part of the frame will be required. Remove the sheets of gypsum board and replace the bar with a new one. They restore the integrity of the structure and the finishing layer.

When eliminating the sagging of the frame, having gained access to its inner part, it is necessary check the fastening strength of all other elements... And at the same time, eliminate possible defects.

Repair of suspended ceilings armstrong - the easiest and fastest task, in comparison with the repair of other types of ceilings. This is due to the simplicity of this modular design and easy access to all of its components.

Bearing and transverse strips of the Armstrog frame are made of galvanized steel profile. They can bend from a strong blow, but it is difficult to imagine a situation in which such a defect could appear. However, if this happens, you will need to do the following:

  • remove all plates in the damaged area;
  • remove all the transverse strips in the damaged area (this is easy to do, since the transverse strips simply snap into the carriers);
  • remove the bearing profiles from the suspensions at the place of damage and replace them (profiles) with new ones;
  • install cross bars and slabs.

You can go the other way: clear plates... Since these products are made from different materials, the methods of cleaning are also different.

One thing is impossible to do: mask the cracks or chips. The putty followed by finishing is not used on Armstrong suspended ceilings. Replace the entire plate at once. These products are inexpensive and readily available. The Armstrong suspended ceiling does not require any other repair.

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Repair of suspended ceiling slats is much easier than it might seem at first glance. These structures are easy to assemble and just as easy to dismantle. A rack ceiling consists of several elements:

  • guide profile, reinforced along all walls of the room at the same height;
  • stringers (guides, bearing bars);
  • panels;
  • spacer strips that are installed between the panels;
  • hangers that hold the stringers in weight.

Before starting work, prepare the following tools:

Step 1. Removing the lamps. If these are devices for ordinary incandescent lamps, first of all, unscrew this light bulb. For devices under halogen lamps, the springs are first squeezed out and the decorative ring is removed. It does not always make sense to disconnect the cartridges from the mains wires. If it is possible to disassemble the slats without removing the base of the lamps, they do so.

Step 2. Not always, but it happens that the rack ceiling, which is being repaired, is decorated decorative skirting board (polyurethane baguette). These products are attached to titanium glue. You can remove them by prying them with the tip of a knife and carefully detaching them from the wall.

Step 3. If a ceiling plinth was installed in the room, most often there are the same decorative polyurethane products in the corners - inner corners (possibly external). They are removed by analogy with decorative plinth strips.

Step 4. Determine where it is located end rail... Most often it is narrower than all the others. The fact is that this structural element is installed last and is most often cut along the length. This rail filmed the very first... But for this, you first need to remove the spacer bar, which is located next to the last rail. This insert is gently picked up with a thin screwdriver or the tip of a knife, and disconnected.

Step 5. Disassemble the rack ceiling, alternately removing the slats and spacers.

Step 6. The stringers are removed from the suspensions.

Step 7. Remove the suspensions by unscrewing the screws from the dowels with a screwdriver.

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Repair of a slatted ceiling may require replacement as little as one defective bar... In this case, complete dismantling is not required. The ceiling is disassembled only to the point where the damaged strip is. Replace it and reassemble it by repeating the same steps, but in reverse order. If happened structural slack - this is the fault of suspensions or dowels. In this case, a complete dismantling is required.

Next, let's watch a useful video with a life hack that speeds up the process of installing a ceiling frame: