How to install armstrong suspended ceiling. Do-it-yourself reliable armstrong ceiling installation

Recently, the Armstrong ceiling device has become popular in office and commercial premises. Well, for many apartment owners, such a ceiling is the subject of all dreams. But what is so great about him, you ask. This is what we are going to tell you about now.

The main advantages of the Armstrong ceiling

Why is this type of ceiling so attractive? Its main advantage is undoubtedly excellent appearance.

The aesthetic side is not inferior to such qualities as:

• ease and high speed of installation;
• a wide range of colors and textures;
• possibility self installation, without the need to involve specialists;
• such a system allows you to equip security system or fire alarm.

However, it should be warned that, unlike security and fire systems, which can be installed after the ceiling is fully installed, this cannot be said about the various communication lines. They must be laid in advance, that is, before the installation of the ceiling structure.

Despite the apparent design simplicity, such ceilings provide ample opportunities for interior renovation. So, instead of a monotonous surface, you can assemble a two-tone ceiling. It can be a staggered surface, a so-called snake or any other pattern. In addition, the material is fairly easy to paint. Therefore, the surface can be transformed as you wish.

The Armstrong suspended ceiling device consists of the following elements:

• bearing and transverse profiles;
• panels;
• lamps.

List of required materials and tools

The Armstrong ceiling assembly technology provides for the use of special spokes with springs instead of conventional suspensions. What are the design features these elements?

• There is a hook on one side of such a knitting needle;
• On the second there is a hole similar to the eye of a needle;
• A spring is tensioned between these two components. It provides the ability to adjust the position of the profiles and the height of the ceiling.

In order to correctly calculate the number of transverse and bearing profiles, it is necessary to mark the ceiling surface. As a standard, Armstrong technology provides that 10 sq.m. the area of ​​the room requires 15 transverse profiles different kind... Based on these numbers, an independent one is carried out.

The device of Armstrong type suspended ceilings is possible using the following tools:

• false ceiling profiles;
• spokes suspensions;
• tiles;
• lamps;
• driven dowels;
• scissors for metal;
• hammer;
• puncher;
• grinders;
• level;
• pliers;
• tracer;
• pencil for marking.

If you are installing the Armstrong ceiling in a small apartment, then it is enough to use a regular aluminum level. For large rooms it is recommended to use laser level.

Installation of the Armstrong ceiling, see the video:

Armstrong ceiling device - technology

So, let's go directly to the installation procedure and find out how to assemble the Armstrong ceiling.

It should be understood that when mounting Armstrong ceilings, the technology for installing and connecting lighting devices remains similar to conventional ceilings. Therefore, if you do not have experience with electrical wiring, we recommend that you complete this stage by involving a specialist - an electrician.

Today, more and more often in apartments and houses there are suspended ceilings of various types and their various materials... The advantages of such structures can be called short terms and the relative ease of installation. If the art of surfaces is not available to everyone, then the smooth installation of the frame and the installation of certain panels on it can probably be done by any homeowner who knows how to use a drill, jigsaw and screwdriver. Of course, there are also such suspended ceilings, the installation of which is better to entrust to specialists, since the technology of their installation will require certain qualifications. Such ceilings include, for example, their stretch version.

Suspended ceiling with your own hands you can make from drywall, plates made of various materials, wooden lining etc. To make a decision on the right choice designs for its independent execution, it is worth considering them in more detail.

As a rule, most suspended ceilings are mounted on a frame made of timber or metal profiles. This structure becomes the basis for attaching the selected skin to it.

Metal elements are also used for tension surfaces, but this type of design is radically different from other ceilings.

The Armstrong suspended ceiling systems, which have become quite popular due to their aesthetic appearance and the ability to easily carry out repairs, quickly replace, if necessary, the required number of damaged panels, also stand apart.

Plasterboard suspended ceiling

Drywall is environmentally friendly building material not highlighting in environment absolutely no harmful fumes. According to this parameter, it is ideal for finishing almost any surface in residential premises.

Due to the fact that several types of this material are produced, it can be used not only in rooms with normal conditions, but also in rooms where the humidity exceeds the norm, for example, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, etc. In addition, there are varieties of this material that can be used for and ceiling from high temperatures that inevitably occur, for example, when melting a fireplace or stove.

Each type of drywall has its own markings and a certain tint of the outer cardboard surface:

Marking	Standard sheet size, mm	Coating color	Marking color	Appearance
GKL (normal)	1200 × 2500 thickness 6; 9.5; 12.5 mm	Gray	Blue
GKLV (moisture resistant)	1200 × 2500 thickness 6; 9.5; 12.5 mm	Green	Blue
GKLO (fire resistant)	1200 × 2500; 1200 × 2600 thickness 9.5; 12.5 mm	Pink or gray	Red
GKLVO (fire and moisture resistant)	1200 × 2500 thickness 9.5; 12.5 mm	Gray green	Red

Suspended stretch ceilings

Stretch ceilings can completely change and visually expand the space. They can be absolutely white, monochromatic, have a regular or spatial pattern, which, for example, imitates the firmament with floating clouds or tree crowns.

Stretch ceilings can be made of fiberglass, knitted polyester, which is impregnated with polyurethane, or PVC film.

Installation of the canvas takes place on special aluminum profiles, fixed on the walls, or on an installed frame, if the ceiling is planned to be combined. In the latter case, general construction may consist of several materials, such as plasterboard along the edges of the ceiling and tensile structure in the middle of it.

Combined ceiling with stretch and plasterboard sections

This type of ceiling has many advantages, which include moisture resistance, aesthetics of appearance, good adaptation to any interior, durability of operation without loss of decorative qualities. However, specialists with relevant work experience and special equipment should still be engaged in the installation of such original systems.

Raster or cassette ceilings

Raster or cassette ceilings are called ceilings, consisting of suspended on brackets to the ceiling metal frame forming cells of the required size. into which the finished panels are then stacked correct shape... The dimensions of the panels are different, but in the overwhelming majority of models, standard blocks of 600 × 600 or 600 × 1200 mm are used.

This type of suspended ceilings also includes the Armstrong systems, which are often used to decorate offices, public buildings, etc. However, they are widely used in private construction. It is the "Armstrong" suspension system that will be discussed further.

Suspended ceiling system "Armstrong"

This ceiling system was developed by the English company "Armstrong" during the construction boom, when it became necessary to quickly decorate ceilings in trading halls having very large areas. In addition to the speed of installation, requirements for aesthetics, accuracy were imposed on such structures and, together with themes - restraint decoration design. As a result of the embodiment of these conditions, a design was born, which is used today all over the world, and not only in offices and halls. shopping centers, but also for the decoration of ceilings in residential premises.

The Armstrong system was originally designed for fast finishing large areas shopping malls

Today, the name of these ceilings has become a household name for all suspension systems of this type, using light square slabs.

Panels laid in this system, can be made of fiberglass-reinforced gypsum, mineral fiber, acrylic or silicate transparent or frosted glass.

Some of the ceiling panels are at the same time a kind of lamps, as they are equipped with glass, illuminated by lamps installed in the ceiling space, or have their own built-in lighting devices.

Another option to make the room as bright as possible is on the main whitewashed ceiling, and then - installation of a suspended decorative surface made of frosted glass panels. Glasses at a layout like this will work like lenses, as a result of which you can get soft diffused light that will not leave even the corners of the room dark.

The most popular in everyday construction practice are gypsum fiber slabs with a porous surface. Most often, it is they who make out most of ceiling area, and lighting panels are mounted between them.

It should be noted that the developers for the manufacture of the panels of the system provided for an environmentally friendly, non-emitting vapors, lightweight massmaterial that does not make the suspended structure heavier and at the same time gives the ceiling a strict, neat look.

The porous surface of the Armstrong panel

If desired, after a while the slabs can be temporarily removed and painted in a different color scheme. Moreover, the process of such toning can be carried out on the street or on the balcony, without contaminating the surface of the floor of the apartment and without bringing the smell of paint into the living quarters. This possibility exists due to the fact that the panels are easily dismantled, and after processing, they can be easily put into place.

In addition, the panels, in contrast to the expanded polystyrene plates, are absolutely non-flammable, do not give rise to smoke and do not contribute to the spread of fire when a fire occurs next to them. This makes the room completely fireproof from the side of the ceiling.

Ceiling construction

The principle of installation of the Armstrong system, consisting of guides different types, about the same. Suspended structure is assembled from the following elements:

An approximate diagram of the Armstrong suspended ceiling structure

• Plates, laid in the structure, from which the decorative ceiling surface is formed. They are produced in sizes 600 × 600 and 600 × 1200 mm, indicated in the diagram, pos. 1. Plates rectangular- are less popular than square ones, although the frame and their installation is much faster due to the fewer elements of the suspended structure used.
• T-shaped frame profiles are usually marked T15 or T24 - depending on the width of their transverse flange in millimeters:

- Longitudinal bearing profiles, which are the main structural elements, are produced in lengths up to 3600 mm. In the diagram, they are shown pos. 3 and 4.

- Cross-bars to be installed between the bearing profiles. Produced in standard sizes of 600 and 1200 mm. In the diagram - pos. 2.

- Corner profiles fixed to the wall and supporting the edges of the profiles and panels around the perimeter of the room. They have a shelf size of 19 × 24 mm and a length of up to 3000 mm. These elements are indicated in the diagram, pos. 6 and 8.

To keep the entire structure in suspension at the required general level special elements are used - suspensions. Most commonly, spokes with a spring-loaded butterfly are used in normal construction practice. With these elements suspension system can be lowered from the main ceiling to the required distance. It is impossible not to agree that it is — simple enough way bring out the ideal horizontal ceiling surface.

Such a suspension usually consists of three elements:

- A spoke equipped with an eyelet at one end, in the diagram - pos. 5 B. The eyelet is intended for hanging on an element fixed in the main ceiling, pos. 7.

- A spoke having a hook at one of the ends, on which the frame profiles will hook - pos. 5a.

- Spring of the "butterfly" type, pos. 5, helps to regulate the relative position of the two spokes relative to each other. "Butterflies" can be of several types.

However, you should be aware that spring-loaded suspensions - "butterflies" - this is not the only way to attach the frame. The Armstrong system can be divided into several varieties, which differ in the design of the suspension mounts. All of them are precisely calculated by the manufacturer, taking into account the surface on which the frame will be suspended. Moreover, the simplest methods are used in the form of tying on a wire, and rather complex ones, in which the height of the suspension is adjusted in a screw way, giving high precision installation.

The manufacturers of the Armstrong system have also developed recommendations on the use of various fasteners for installing suspensions on certain floor surfaces. This point is also important to consider when choosing and purchasing the necessary components.

Tools and materials for the installation of the Armstrong system

To install a suspended ceiling of the Armstrong system, you will need to prepare some tools that will help you quickly cope with the work:

• Electric drill with impact function or hammer drill. If the structure will be mounted on concrete ceiling and walls, then this tool is indispensable.
• Shurupove rt for screwing in the fastening screws.
• Hammer.
• Scissors for metal.
• Electric jigsaw for adjusting edge plates. Many slabs can be easily cut with an ordinary sharp construction knife.
• Pliers.
• Marking cord, pencil or marker.
• Building level, building corner with a ruler, tape measure or folding rule and a 1000 mm ruler.

The following elements must be prepared from the materials, purchased according to the dimensions taken from the ceiling surface:

Corner profile to be installed on the walls around the entire perimeter of the room.

Support profiles that will be suspended from the ceiling and rest on the corner profiles at the edges. To calculate their number, the width of the room is divided into strips of 600 mm and two corner profiles are subtracted from the resulting result, since they will perform the same function. For example, the width is 3000 mm, which means 3000: 600 = 5 — 2 = 3 pcs. It turns out that with this size of the room, between the corner rails on the walls, you need to install three middle T-shaped bearing profiles.

600mm T-shaped slats - jumpers... Their number for laying between two bearing profiles is calculated in the same way as for longitudinal solid elements, but since there will be five such gaps in this case, it means that the number obtained must be multiplied by this figure. For example, the length of the room is 5400 mm, it must be divided by 600, it turns out 9-2 (corner slats) = 7 × 5 (rows) = 35 pcs.

Two-piece ceiling hanger with clamping spring. These elements will require 1 pc. per 1 sq.m .. Therefore, you need to find out the area of ​​the room, round up to an integer.

Example: for a room measuring 3 × 5.4 m you will need:

- corner profile 16.8 m;

- bearing rails 3 pcs. 5.4 mm in size; Since they are produced with a length of 3.6 m, they will have to be made of two component parts.

- jumpers 600 mm in size - 35 pcs.;

- suspensions - 16 pcs. and the same ceiling mounts, which are selected depending on the material of the ceiling.

Drawing up an installation diagram

It should be taken into account that the supporting T-shaped profile is installed in the middle of the width of the suspended ceiling - this should predetermine the location of the jumpers. This is done because it is extremely rare that the ceiling will be completely assembled from solid slabs, and it is better to place narrower cells of the frame around the edges of the room.

Sometimes they do this too - they place the bearing profiles with a pitch of 1200 mm, then tie them with jumpers of 1200 mm, between which the shortest ones are already installed - 600 mm each.

In the diagram:

1 - bearing profiles;

2 - jumpers 1200 mm long;

3 - jumpers 600 mm long.

Performing the drawing, the dimensions of the ceiling are transferred to the sheet in the appropriate scale (optimally - 1:10). Then axial lines are applied, vertical and horizontal. Further, already from the center, the segments corresponding to the size of the plates are measured, and the entire plane is drawn into squares. Such clarity will help to correctly determine the profiles used, and their number, and with the exact location. It is possible that it would be wiser from the point of view of aesthetics or economy of materials to slightly shift the lines so that not the profiles, but the centers of the rows of panels are located along the axes.

It is recommended that all calculations be carried out accurately and in millimeters, then you can get right size cells that will be located along the edges of the structure. The material should be purchased with a margin of 10-15% - such prudence will help to avoid problems with its shortage in the process.

Surface marking

In order for the frame to be installed efficiently, before installing it, an accurate marking of the ceiling and walls should be carried out. Although the profiles will not be fixed to the main surface of the ceiling, the marking lines should be present on it, since it will be easy to navigate along them, placing the carrier rails and lintels.

It should also be noted here that the suspended ceiling can be located at least 150 mm from the main ceiling - this must be taken into account when choosing this system for finishing the premises. This distance will be needed for communications and installation of lighting devices. In addition, insulation and soundproofing material can also be placed in this cavity.

The markup can be done in a modern way, using a laser level-tracer... However, not everyone has the opportunity to purchase such a tool, so it is worth considering traditional way marking works.

• The first step is to determine the distance by which the suspended ceiling will be lowered. To do this, from the junction of the ceiling and wall, using building corner with a ruler is measured desired distance in the place where the ceiling surface is visually located below everything (in most cases, the floor slab may not be located strictly horizontally, and its surface is not always smooth).
• Then, this mark must be transferred around the entire perimeter of the room, at least three risks on each wall. You can, of course, take advantage of the long building level, for example, in conjunction with the rule. However, it is still easy to make a mistake with this approach, and as a result, the lines drawn on the walls will not converge at one point. Therefore, it is optimal to carry out the marking using a water level - so the probability of error will be excluded.
• Then, a marking colored cord is taken, stretched, aligned at two extreme points on the wall, and an even line is struck on the surface. The third point, in the center of the wall, will serve as control. This procedure is best done together, with an assistant. If it is carried out by one master, then one end of the cord will first have to be fixed on the wall at one of the extreme points, and then it will be stretched and beaten.

• Next, you need to mark the surface of the ceiling. If an accurate drawing is made, then the distances from the walls to the nearest longitudinal and transverse lines will be accurately known, and it remains to make marks and punch the lines with a cord. In the event that the installation of the panels is supposed to be from the exact geometric center of the room, then the axial lines are first beaten off.

• Then, in all directions, segments of 600 mm are marked, and colored stripes are also beaten off along them. As a result, the ceiling should be "lined" into the correct cage with square sides of 600 mm.

Laying of communications

After marking, proceed to the next stage of work.

Since it is possible to hide all communications above the surface of the suspended ceiling, which are most often electrical wiring for various purposes, this must be done before starting the installation work.

In the event that it is planned to "cut" into the ceiling structure lighting having significant weight, it must be taken into account that the type of suspension of the system should be chosen, which is capable of withstanding the increased load. So, most often for conventional ceilings suspensions are used that can withstand a force of only 6 ÷ 6.5 kg per square meter, but there is a type of fastener designed for more significant loads, up to 10 and more kg / m².

Frame installation

After completing preparatory work, you can proceed to the installation of the frame. And they begin by fixing on the walls, along marked horizontal lines, an angular profile along the entire perimeter of the room.

• If the walls are concrete, then the corners are fixed to them using dowels with a diameter of 6 mm. For this, holes are drilled through the metal of the corner with a step of 300 ÷ 350 mm, into which a dowel is inserted and hammered.

• On wooden walls the corner is fixed with self-tapping screws 25 ÷ 30 mm long, 4 ÷ 5 mm in diameter.
• If the suspended ceiling is installed in a room with walls to be cladding drywall sheets , the distance to which it will be lowered from the floor level must be foreseen in advance, before installing the gypsum board on the crate. In this case, an additional profile is mounted in the crate under the drywall, or wooden beam in the place where the wall angle for the suspended structure will be fixed.
• In the corners of the profile shelves, one on to the other, or their protruding parts are cut off at an angle of 45 degrees.

Installation of suspensions

• Further, along the fine marked lines, suspensions are fixed with dowels or self-tapping screws. Their placement is carried out in increments of one suspension per square meter.

• It is recommended to install additional suspensions at the corners of the square in the places of the planned installation of panel panels.

• If the spokes of the suspensions are longer than the distance between the two ceilings, then they are cut, for example, with a grinder.

• When installing hangers, it is recommended to orient their lower hooks immediately to one side - this will facilitate the installation of the guides.

Support profiles

• The next step is the installation of the bearing profiles. They should lie with their edges on the corners fixed to the wall. However, the corners are only a guide, but in this case they do not fulfill a bearing role. Each of the profiles has special round holes through which they are immediately put on the hanger hooks.

• The bearing profiles are mounted at a distance established by a pre-drawn drawing, 600 or 1200 mm from each other. It is difficult to make a mistake in this matter - for this it will be enough to navigate on the beaten off on the ceiling lines and suspensions already located along them.
• The overall "reach" of the suspension must be fine-tuned, that is. pull up or down a little lower, so that the transverse flange of the profile lies on the wall corners without a gap, but not resting on it with effort. Control during work is carried out using a building level - with correct marking in this position, the profile should take an ideally horizontal position.

• In order for the profiles to hold well on the hooks of the suspensions, the latter need to be squeezed slightly with pliers.

Having finished the installation of the longitudinal bearing rails, they proceed to the installation of crossbars (jumpers) between them.

Installation of jumpers

• Lintels are installed between the bearing profiles with a step of 600 mm. At both ends of the cross members are tapered perforated "lugs" with rounded corners.

• They are inserted into the slots on the bearing profiles. Some craftsmen bend these parts of the jumpers, pressing them against the carrier rail, then the structure becomes more rigid. However, this is not at all necessary, since the latches securely fix the elements to each other, and after the complete installation of the entire frame, the required rigidity will be fully observed.

• The openings-slots are of sufficient width so that it is possible to insert "ears" from two lintels into them, which are installed between two adjacent bearing profiles and are, in aggregate, a continuation of the common transverse line of the structure.

Panel mounting

• After the installation of the frame is completed, the next stage is the installation of lighting panels or plates with point embedded in them.

Panel - LED lamp

There are panels that resemble a closed screen frosted glass... They are specially designed for installation in Armstrong systems, therefore they have the corresponding dimensions - 600 × 600 mm. Powerful LEDs installed in such a panel give a sufficiently bright soft light, and for a small room one such LED lamp is enough to create almost daylight diffused lighting.

• The lighting device, after installing the corresponding panel, is connected to electric cable, which is brought to the place of its installation in advance, using special terminals or blocks.

• Further, the installation is carried out, starting with solid ceiling tiles. They fit into the cells of the frame, and since the panels are lightweight, they are extremely easy to install. These elements do not require any additional fastening - they are simply laid on the inner flanges of the longitudinal and transverse profiles.

If the structural cells extreme to the wall have a smaller width, then the slabs need to be adjusted for them.

The material from which the panels are made can be easily cut with an ordinary hacksaw, but first you need to remove it from the narrow cell correct sizes and transfer them to the stove. Then, draw a straight cut line and saw off the excess part (or even cut off with a sharp construction knife).

In fact, after laying all the fragments along the walls, the installation of the Armstrong ceiling can be considered complete. No additional finishing operations are required.

It should be noted that the simplest frame scheme for this type of ceiling was considered above. In addition to it, there are others, for example, when the slabs are laid along the diagonal of the room, or in even rows, but with a shift of the cells relative to each other - the design of the guides allows this.

Armstrong ceilings open great opportunities in interior decoration. They can be painted in different colors, applied to the selected pattern, and also arranged in the desired order. They can be mounted in strips different color or staggered, and well-chosen light panels add general style the interior of the room of exclusivity and aesthetics.

And at the end of the topic - a visual Video instruction for the installation of the Armstrong cassette ceiling.

Video: how to properly mount the Armstrong suspended ceiling

Despite its simplicity, brevity and the impossibility of creating any original, extravagant design with many elements, the Armstrong suspended ceiling is in great demand by consumers. And no matter how paradoxical it may sound, precisely because of these shortcomings. Due to the simple device and the possibility of removing each tile separately, the repair is reduced to replacing only damaged panels, and not to disassembling the entire structure, as it happens when repairing other types of suspended ceilings, and this did not go unnoticed by buyers. Laconicism and severity allow Armstrong ceilings to harmoniously fit into any interior, ranging from government agencies and ending with the most sophisticated rooms. In addition, they are in the price range accessible to people even with very little financial capabilities.

To be honest, speaking about the impossibility of creating an original design in the first words, we have significantly exaggerated. In fact, Armstrong ceilings are available in various colors, and their texture is the most diverse: from simple matte to mirror. Therefore, creating a unique design is not such a big problem. Moreover, ceiling tiles Armstrong are completely independent of each other. They can be replaced at any time with new ones or with panels of a different color, with additional ventilation grilles or lamps, completely changing the appearance of the ceiling.

Armstrong ceiling example

Armstrong ceilings are extremely lightweight, but despite this, they support not only their own weight, but also the weight of the built-in equipment. By the way, the unique design and the ability to remove tiles makes it possible to place various communications in the under-ceiling space, both at the construction stage and afterwards.

The uniqueness of the device lies in the use of a special mount that is used only in these types of ceilings. It consists of two spokes with a spring mechanism, thanks to which the height of the ceiling surface can be adjusted.

Original design ceiling armstrong

What is suspended from these spokes? This is the simplest system of profiles and lintels, which form a cellular system with a mesh size of 600x600 mm. Cardboard panels are inserted directly into the cell and rest on the edges of the profile.

Tip: in order not to suffer later with the search for panels that are suitable in texture and color, you can immediately lay the tiles in several layers. If it is necessary to replace it, it will be enough to remove the lower one, and the next one will immediately take its place.

Naturally, such ceilings have a drawback. Made of mineral fiber, the panels are very afraid of moisture, therefore, in the event of a breakthrough of heating or water pipes in the sub-ceiling space, you will inevitably have to change the entire wetted coating.

Calculation of the Armstrong suspended ceiling

The calculation of any kind of Armstrong suspended ceiling is carried out according to three schemes, differing in the location of the profiles. Let's consider one of them:

1. The length of the 600 mm rails is calculated as follows - 800 mm for each square meter of the ceiling.
2. Guide rails 1200 mm - 1600 mm per square meter.
3. Rail length 3700 mm - 800 mm per square meter.
4. Corner - 500 mm per square meter of surface.
5. Suspension 0.6 pieces per square meter.

Installation schemes for Armstrong suspended ceilings

In principle, you do not need to delve into these calculations, since all stores specializing in the sale of Armstrong ceilings are equipped with special computer programs that allow consultants to quickly and correctly calculate the optimal amount required material... But if there is a desire to complete all the stages on their own, then the coefficients presented above are the most profitable in economic terms.

Important: if the premises large area(more than 200 square meters), then it is better to purchase profiles with a certain margin. It is quite difficult to guess its value, so in this case it is better to trust real professionals.

The main stages of installation

Installation of Armstrong suspended ceiling is carried out in several stages. Before starting work, it is better to establish all communications (if any are planned), because although it will be possible to do this later, such work will still cause certain inconveniences.

Arrangement of suspended ceilings Armstrong

Tip: it is better to start installation from the middle of the room so that the slabs are cut equally on both sides.

Markup

First you need to determine the lowest point of the ceiling in the room. We put down in all external and inner corners room markings on the walls, equidistant from the floor. Now we measure the distance from these lines to the ceiling and determine the smallest one. We will mark the attachment points of the bearing corner, starting from this point.

Important: the bearing corner is attached to the wall at a distance of at least 150 mm from the lowest point of the ceiling, or on such that, after laying the panels, the resulting surface covers, at least with a small margin, all laid communications, and also taking into account the height of the lamps and ventilation grilles.

We set the first mark by measuring the required distance from the lowest point of the ceiling. Next, using the laser level, we project it onto all the other walls. We connect all the obtained points in one line.

Now we find the center of the ceiling. This is necessary so that the arrangement of the panels at the end of the work is symmetrical. To do this, draw diagonals. The point of their intersection will be the desired center. Through it, parallel to the walls, draw two lines that will serve as central guides.

It remains to mark the location of the suspension fasteners. We have already found the first point - this is our center of the surface. Now from it, at a distance of 900 mm, on parallel to the central guide lines, mark the rest of the points.

Rules for installing suspensions

We attach the main suspension rods to the ceiling on an anchor or dowel, which can be recognized by the presence of an eyelet. To fasten the carrier rail, it is necessary to mount the suspension rods with a hook on it. For this purpose, all slats are equipped with special holes. Both rods are connected to each other using a butterfly spring.

The wall profile is fixed with dowels

Advice: hangers must be installed at a distance of at least 900 mm from each other and 600 mm from the walls.

Installation of a wall profile

The corner profile is attached to the marked line with dowels, so that it forms a "shelf" on which the rest of the strips will "fit".

Installing the wall and support profile

Installation of support rails

Installation of support rails 3700 mm

The carrier rails are T-shaped. Their ends have special slots for fixing short profiles in them. Such slats are usually installed parallel to any pair of walls, at a distance of 1200 mm from each other. In some cases, the length of the rails may not be enough, but they are easily, and at the same time very reliable, fastened to each other with special locks.

Installation of rails 1200 mm long

We install these slats at a distance of 600 mm from each other and from the walls, perpendicular to the bearing profiles. The Armstrong suspended ceiling slats are equipped with special locks that allow you to easily and quickly install yourself.

Installation of rails 600 mm

The smallest battens are installed perpendicular to the 1200 mm battens so that each side of the cubicles is 600 mm.

Connecting rails to the supporting profile

At the end of the installation of the panels

This stage is not particularly difficult. The only thing I want to focus on is the need to work with gloves, since the mineral fiber from which the panels are made can cause severe irritation. If any pattern is applied to the plates, then they should be laid very carefully, choosing the right direction of the image.

Armstrong ceilings are considered the simplest on modern market... Collect such a ceiling in small room can be done in just a few hours, and for existing firms with all necessary tool and great experience and even less.

Ceiling insulation with foam may be needed both in a private house and in an apartment, garage, in the country or in a bathhouse. After this operation, the room will be much warmer, and its owners will spend less Money for heating. Of course, the thermal insulation of the walls and floor also provides good heat retention, but you need to know that it is through the ceiling that about 20% of the heat is emitted.

Currently there a large assortment insulation materials, but the most used is foam.

Styrofoam plates

Photo wallpaper - bright solution for decorating the ceiling of your house, apartment or office, with their help you can create coziness, visually expand the space of the house and raise the height ceiling slab... Wall murals for the ceiling are much more convenient and profitable than plastic and other materials that have remained in the distant past. Let's say boldly, with the advent of all kinds of photowall-paper, the design of the ceiling has taken a rapid step forward.

Photo wallpaper "Starry sky"

The ceiling is an integral part of every space. Sometimes he plays the role of his "highlight", and sometimes - a secondary role. However, both in the first and in the second case, it is the ceiling that helps to logically complete the interior. Its design affects the coziness and comfort of the room. In this case, the location of the lamps on the stretch ceiling plays an important role.

The location and type of lighting is the main component correct design interior

Ceiling frescoes are a unique type of painting, which consists in applying an image to raw plaster. The most popular frescoes were during the Renaissance, but today they are very often used to decorate the interior of a wide variety of rooms: living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, etc.

Fresco on canvas

A plasterboard ceiling is a relatively cheap and ultra-modern coating option. To make it surprisingly beautiful and modern, it is necessary to present the appearance of the finished drywall construction, arrangement of all lamps and lighting, paying attention to the design of the room. Since everything, even small elements in interior design, are always in harmony with each other and combined with each other.

Beautiful plasterboard ceiling in the living room

Your Hydroceiling;)

"Armstrong" - this is the name given to suspended ceilings of a special, plate-cellular design. They have been known for a long time and well, and most importantly, they are dearly loved by those non-professionals who had to deal with self-repair residential or commercial premises.

The fact is that Armstrong is one of the easiest suspended ceilings to install, with a number of advantages and benefits:

• it is cheap;
• gives excellent heat and sound insulation;
• forms a large enough space between the ceiling to accommodate communications, lamps;
• provides ease of access and therefore possible repairs.

Most often, such a ceiling is equipped, of course, in large commercial premises. But often hanging armstrong used in country mansions and even city apartments of a solid area.

How the Armstrong ceiling works

Any Armstrong suspended ceiling consists of several mandatory elements:

1. The actual ceiling slab.
2. Profiles: transverse (600 mm), load-bearing (3700 mm) and longitudinal (1200 mm);
3. Hangers with hook and bar;
4. Wall (perimeter) profile (3000 mm);
5. Fastening unit for base ceiling.

Armstrong ceiling tiles

Slabs for such a ceiling can be:

For rigid slabs, profiles are required with reinforcement. Consequently, the ceilings themselves will come out more expensive in cost. But they are no longer afraid of bays and, in general, are more durable. Now the installation of the Armstrong ceiling involves the use of extremely rigid slabs. And soft mineral wool is now almost never produced, since they are made using mineral wool, which is harmful to human health has been proven by numerous tests.

Armstrong profiles and hangers

The Armstrong type ceiling consists of three types of metal (painted) and / or metal-plastic profiles with suspended holes. Both perimeter, longitudinal, bearing, and transverse profiles are provided with spring locking mechanisms, as well as bendable fastening antennae. Only the perimeter ones are L-shaped, and all the others (from the listed ones) are T-shaped.
Each of these profiles can be easily adjusted to the given dimensions - you just need to cut it from the end where there is no lock to the desired length.

As for special hangers for Armstrong-type ceilings, each of them consists of:

• straight bar, profiled for secure fastening;
• bar with a hook;
• and a butterfly connecting sheet plate.

The principle of hanging such a system is simple: the “butterfly” must be squeezed, and the rods must be moved to the required location. As soon as the required suspension height is reached, the “butterfly” is released. And then the rods are fixed, as they say, "tightly".

Armstrong Fasteners

Traditionally ceilings hanging type Armstrong have a collapsible-reversible mount. The rod of the suspension, which is even, is screwed into a special fastening unit, consisting of the most common dowel for a self-tapping screw or a metal collet (if we are talking about a reinforced type of ceiling frame). And a profile is put on the bar-hook. Next, the height of the suspension is adjusted, as described above (with the help of a "butterfly", along a tightly stretched cord).

To act in the interceiling space, any of the slabs is lifted and shifted. And at the end of the work, they return it to its place.

Fastening and suspension units are required for reinforced armstrong ceilings, as well as in places where lamps and / or ventilation equipment are placed.

Armstrong ceiling calculation

Any of the Armstrong type suspended ceiling systems is installed only after special calculations. And the goals of such calculations are obvious:

• Find out what the price will be for Armstrong suspended ceiling.
• Calculate material consumption.
• To harmoniously fit the ceiling system into the existing or planned interior.

The calculation begins with the simplest - measuring the perimeter. This is easy to do - just measure the length of the walls and round the resulting figures to a multiple of three. The wall profile (the one that is perimeter) can be easily bent and cut (in principle, like any corner).

Now on the slabs. They must be cut very carefully and no more than half - that is, their width cannot be less than 30 cm. Otherwise, there will be a need for additional cells, and this is unnecessary work and materials.

However, neither the size of the slabs nor the number of cells have a particular effect on the ceiling strength in general. And today, some designers, choosing the Armstrong option to decorate some kind of ceiling, deliberately cut slabs narrowly closer to the walls so that the top of the room does not have an overly strict “academic” look.

There are a number of requirements for trimmed slabs when placing them in the Armstrong ceiling structure:

1. The edged row should be at the wall farthest from the entrance.
2. One-piece trims are complemented strictly in width. Then the total obtained width is divided in half and a pair of slabs, cut to a given size, are spread to different corners of the room (but in the same row, of course).

There are various estimated consumption rates for Armstrong materials for different room configurations:

1. Square (standard ceiling tiles 600x600 mm) or 3/4 aspect ratio:
   • bearing profile (3700 mm) - 0.80 m / sq. on the ceiling m;
   • longitudinal (1200 mm) - 1.60 m / sq. on the ceiling m;
   • transverse (600 mm) - 0.80 m / sq. on the ceiling m;
   • perimeter (3000 mm) - 0.5 m / sq. on the ceiling m;
   • hangers - 0.6 pcs / sq. on the ceiling m.
2. With an aspect ratio from 2/3 to 1/2 (norms increase):
   • carrier it is necessary - 0.84 m / sq. per ceiling meter;
   • longitudinal - 1.68 m / sq;
   • transverse - 0.87 m / sq;
   • perimeter - 0.5 m / sq;
   • hangers - 0.7 pcs / sq.

However, it must be remembered that all indicators obtained as a result of calculations must be rounded to the nearest whole and large values profiles and hangers of the standard type.

The step of fastening to the walls for the perimeter profile is 0.6 m. This is if the slabs are soft and the structure does not have additional loads.

If the slabs are rigid, and the ceiling is loaded - 0.3 m. You just need to know that the ventilation grilles and lamps for the Armstrong ceiling are not considered additional loading.

note : today many resources have online calculator Armstrong ceiling, so that anyone can calculate the consumption of materials and, therefore, a fairly accurate cost of the future ceiling for a particular room.

Installation and assembly of the ceiling frame

The installation process of decorating Armstrong ceiling systems takes place in stages:

1. It all starts with the installation of a perimeter profile. And according to the current SNiP, the height of the perimeter must be measured with a laser or bubble level (meter). However, many craftsmen (and amateurs too) measure the perimeter height, as they say, "from the floor." The height is marked in the corners, and then, using a chalk cord, they beat the contour. It turns out even faster than with the level.
2. Next, the perimeter profile is cut to size and fixed with self-tapping screws and dowels (and in cases of a difficult-heavy ceiling - with the help of a collet) to the walls.
3. They make markings and drill holes for the rest of the profiles and suspensions.
4. The bearing profiles are cut to size and connected on the floor to form a perimeter. The structure is moved along the length and the suspensions are placed in the bearing bars.
5. After that, the installation of longitudinal as well as transverse binders is needed according to two schemes:
   • parallel;
   • or cross (where communications will be laid or additional insulation is equipped).

Once the Armstrong ceiling is assembled, it must be installed. The assembly is also carried out in stages: all the interior ceiling contents are lifted up and neatly laid out into the cells. First - concentrated loads. And after that, the necessary communications are brought to them.

Spotlights in the required slabs are mounted in advance. Then the plates are installed at the top and wires are connected to them.

Deaf slabs are placed last. And the extreme of them is served on the palms, gets started, leveled and lowered. If she suddenly stood up obliquely, then you need to gently push her, correct.

A short video instruction is presented below:

What kind of premises is Armstrong suitable for?

In general, Armstrong can be installed even in the "Khrushchev", contrary to the popular belief about "officiality" of this type ceilings. Only then there is no need to use spring-pin hangers, and the space between the ceiling will have to be significantly reduced (up to 120 or even 80 mm).

How will such a ceiling hang in an apartment? On tin or galvanized corners fixed with self-tapping screws. And copper wire bundles (0.6-0.8 mm thick) from several turns will act as suspensions. And their length should be slightly more than the height of the space between the ceiling and the structure to be installed. And despite the fact that there will be a little more fuss with the wire, the total installation time will increase insignificantly.

Ceiling Armstrong today

Modern designers are confident that Armstrong suspended ceiling systems still have a decent aesthetic resource and structural potential. Moreover! Their fasteners are being improved, all new materials for slabs are being looked for.

Such a ceiling is simply irreplaceable for rooms that need good heat and sound insulation. It is perfect for country houses, garage boxes and outbuildings. And Armstrong looks great on insulated balconies and loggias. And of course, this ceiling is traditionally installed in many public buildings, modern entertainment, shopping and sports centers.