Stretch ceilings are very popular in our country. They are original, diverse and beautiful. When the first wave of euphoria over previously unknown types of ceiling decoration subsided, the question arose whether they were harmful to health.
Types of materials
Stretch ceilings are a suspended structure consisting of a frame, fasteners and the canvas itself. It is clear that everyone wants their ceilings to be absolutely safe for the person living in the apartment.
Safety depends on the correct choice of the material from which the suspension structure is assembled. If the details of the base and fasteners do not affect the human body, then the stretched canvas has such capabilities.
The material of the canvases of modern stretch ceilings can be made from:
- PVC;
- fabrics.
PVC is an artificial material, it is a polyvinyl chloride film. Distinguish the film by color, thickness, density. The film is very durable and impervious to moisture.
The woven fabric is obtained from man-made polyester (polyester) fibers. The canvases are impregnated with a special compound - polyurethane.
Impregnation is required to increase strength and resistance to moisture.
Properties and composition
At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish between two types of material made in the same white color. The differences lie in the composition.
Polyester woven fabrics with appropriate impregnation, they form "breathable" suspended ceilings. Such structures are installed in a "cold" way, that is, without special equipment that heats the air to a hot state.
In terms of cost, textiles are much more expensive than film.
However, given its environmental friendliness and other advantages, this option should be chosen for residential premises.
PVC filmused for stretch ceilings has more than 100 different color shades. It is produced in various widths, capable of taking on various forms. The price of the film is low.
The film ceiling takes on a perfectly flat look. Utilities, electrical wiring, floor flaws are easily hidden behind the panels.
PVC ceilings perfectly resist flammability. When a fire occurs, it is not combustion but smoldering of the material that is observed. The coating does not absorb odors, does not collect dust, and is able to retain heat in the room.
The ceiling does not need to be painted. It is easy to care for, the film is well washed with mild detergents.
If necessary, the structure can be dismantled and re-installed in place.
The disadvantages of PVC ceilings include several factors:
- Bad smell. After installation, it lasts from several hours to several days.
- Impossibility of using in unheated rooms with temperatures below + 5 degrees.
- Instability to mechanical stress.
- If there is a weld, it is not possible to completely hide the seam.
- Poor quality PVC is hazardous to health. The effect of PVC on humans depends on the condition of the material. When buying a film suspended ceiling, you need to pay attention to the availability of quality certificates.
For fabric stretch ceilings mesh polyester material is used. Ceiling sheet can be impregnated from one or both sides. Due to the width of the web of 4 meters, the suspended structure is seamless, which has a positive effect on the appearance.
Fabrics do not have the same wide range of colors as films. There are very few color options. On the other hand, photo printing is easily applied to fabrics. And after installation, they can be painted.
Reinstallation is contraindicated in woven structures. Caring for such stretch ceilings requires special skills. The material absorbs moisture, and with it dust and soot.
In order to remove dirt, you have to work hard or invite specialists from a cleaning company for cleaning.
Recently, fiberglass has been used for stretch ceilings. The material is harmless to humans and animals, and is also very durable.
Influence on microclimate
If we talk about the microclimate, then stretch ceilings do not have a significant effect on it. The main disadvantages are that they somewhat reduce the volume of the room. The lower the ceilings, the less air there is in the room. On the one hand, this is not bad. For example, in cold weather it will take less time to heat the room. On the other hand, a large company will quickly become stuffy in a room with a low ceiling. The problem is solved with an air conditioner or by simply opening a window.
Decreased ventilation
Stretch ceilings have been used for a long time, and ventilation problems do not arise with them. Regardless of the type of ceiling, it is recommended to ventilate the premises. Regular provision of the outflow of stagnant air and the inflow of fresh air is beneficial for both people in the room and the room itself. If you forget about airing where humid air accumulates, both fungus and mold will appear.
This happens in any room, regardless of how the ceiling is arranged.
Greenhouse effect
The myth about the greenhouse effect of stretch ceilings arose with the advent of the innovation itself.
In principle, the appearance of a greenhouse effect is possible if there is an impermeable film on the ceiling, and plastic on the walls and floor. It is dangerous to stay in such a room for a long time. Timely airing will protect people from lack of oxygen, protect walls and ceiling from destruction.
Those who care about their own health strive to ennoble their homes with natural materials. Fabric ceilings, paper wallpaper and wood floors - there is no greenhouse effect.
Although natural finishing materials are more expensive, they are guaranteed not to harm your health.
Poor quality products
It so happened that only Chinese film ceilings can be installed. The Chinese have filled markets throughout Eastern Europe. Even if some supplier or company starts assuring that their ceiling kits are from another manufacturer, you shouldn't believe it. From abroad only fabric stretch ceilings with a very high cost come to us. All film comes from China.
We have long taken root in the assertion that everything Chinese is only harmful. Let's figure out how true this statement is.
Manufacturing in the Celestial Empire is developing rapidly. China is conquering new markets with a wide range of products. Certified products are more expensive, low-quality products are cheaper.
Naturally, the harmfulness is presented where the lowest cost.
Non-compliance with standards
The standards are different. The Russian ones, for example, do not match the European ones, the Chinese are somewhat inferior to the Russian ones. Products exported must comply with ISO international safety standards.
When buying a ceiling, you should make sure that you have a document confirming its compliance with the established requirements. The corresponding certificates are always available from sellers or organizations providing services for the installation of stretch ceilings. Refusal to show the document indicates the absence of a certificate and the non-compliance of the product with standards, that is, its low quality.
Exceeding the norms of harmful substances
This situation, when the degree of excess of substances that are harmful to a person is high, threatens him with serious troubles, up to and including death.
The most harmful substances, the presence of which is possible in low-quality materials, are several chemical compounds.
- Phenol … Phenol vapors are poisonous. They tend to accumulate in the body. In case of poisoning with phenol vapors, vomiting, weakness, and low blood pressure are observed. Long-term poisoning with small doses leads to damage to internal organs, a disorder of the nervous system.
- Cadmium … It is capable of causing the appearance of malignant tumors, leaches calcium from the bones, and damages the kidneys and liver. The accumulation of heavy metal in the body is fatal.
- Methylbenzene … A very harmful substance. Inhalation of its vapors leads to damage to the entire body.
- Chlorine … Terrible toxin. Can damage the lungs so much that normal breathing becomes impossible. A person who has breathed in chlorine fumes first loses consciousness, and then, in the absence of timely assistance, life.
The smell will tell about the quality
Initially, the smell is present in all film canvases. High-quality specimens are distinguished by the fact that the persistent smell disappears rather quickly. After two days, a subtle scent remains.
The presence of odors is allowed for two weeks after the installation of the ceiling. You shouldn't breathe them. It is better not to enter the room for the period of complete weathering of harmful substances. And if this is an apartment or a house, then it is better to temporarily move to relatives or go on a trip.
The alarm should be beaten while maintaining a persistent odor beyond the 14-day target date. The smell is revealed by the material of poor quality.
Leaving such a ceiling in the house is completely unacceptable.
Environmental standard
Quality products, in particular stretch ceilings, must comply with a number of standards. Safety is guaranteed if the ceiling is ISO 9001 certified.
Textiles, including stretch ceilings, are checked for the absence of harmful substances that can negatively affect a person, according to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 system.
The fire safety of stretch ceilings is certified by the IMO certificate. And the presence of antifungal and antibacterial coating on the ceiling canvases is confirmed by the European Sanitized certificate.
Since 2012, mandatory marking of canvases for stretch ceilings has been introduced. The presence of the “A +” stamp indicates the minimum content of volatile compounds in the material.
Recommendations
The official opinion of doctors coincides with reality. The benefits of natural materials are confirmed.
When choosing a material for a stretch fabric, you need to remember that only fabric fabrics can be installed in children's rooms and bedrooms. Such a ceiling is well ventilated, does not emit harmful substances when heated. It is absolutely safe for health.
Not all film ceilings have a negative effect on the human body. Only low-quality specimens are dangerous. Couples are the most harmful. It is impossible not to notice a heavy smell. If he has been present for more than two weeks, without hesitation, take off the canvases and ventilate the rooms.
We hope that your repair will do without incidents, and the installed stretch ceiling will delight the eye for a long time.
You can find out detailed instructions for installing a stretch ceiling by watching the video below.