Stretch ceilings have been widely used in Europe for some time. Here in the UK, their use is escalating too. More and more designers and architects in the UK are recommending a stretch ceiling to clients refurbishing their homes or business spaces.
Why are more designers recommending stretch ceilings? Because they can be installed in a few days. They are reliable, low maintenance, low cost and come in a huge range of finishes and designs, including printed options. Bored of the design? No problem, it can be easily changed.
Convinced already? Please get in touch and let’s talk about your project!
If you want to find out about stretch ceilings and their benefits, please keep reading.
What are stretch ceilings?
Stretch ceilings are formed by stretching panels of elastic PVC canvas below an original ceiling to form a new ceiling. They are fitted in place with an aluminium track around the perimeter of the room.
What material are stretch ceilings made of?
Stretch ceilings are made of elastic PVC canvas. PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride, a polymer of vinyl chloride. It is the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic. It comes in two basic forms, rigid (used in making plastic bottles for example) and flexible (used for electrical cables, inflatable products and, of course, stretch ceiling canvases). Learn more about stretch ceiling materials.
How are stretch ceilings installed?
First an aluminium track is fitted around the perimeter of the room below the original ceiling. The stretch ceiling canvas is then fitted to the track by its corners. The room is then heated with a gas cylinder to approximately 40 degrees, allowing the canvas to be stretched and completely fitted into place across the room. When the temperature returns to normal, the canvas strengthens and tightens back to its original form, making it incredibly strong and durable. Learn more about stretch ceiling installation.
How much do stretch ceilings cost?
Stretch ceiling prices start from £75 per square metre. Your final price is determined by a number of factors including fabric choice, the number of walls and corners, levels and shapes and location. Find out more about stretch ceiling prices.
Stretch ceiling FAQs
Do you have even more questions about stretch ceilings? Then it’s our frequently asked questions you need. Alternatively please get in touch for a chat, we would love to hear from you.
Top 10 benefits of stretch ceilings
So you now have a grasp of what stretch ceilings are, let’s get on to the benefits. There are many more, but here is our top 10.
1. Flexibility
Because a stretch ceiling is made of PVC elastic it is very flexible in how it can be used. It will accommodate any kind of lighting, ventilation or alarm system. It can also be shaped into a myriad of forms such as curves, waves, and arches. The choice of colours, textures, patterns or prints is pretty much unlimited.
2. Low maintenance
As stretch ceilings are so strong and reliable we offer a 10 year guarantee. They do not suffer from damp or corrosion. Condensation doesn’t settle and stretch ceilings do not react to detergents or other chemical agents. They do not yellow or fade over time. There is no cracking, flaking or peeling of paint that you might expect with a traditional plastered ceiling. Learn more about why stretch ceilings are a great alternative to plastered ceilings. Stretch ceilings are very easy to clean, requiring only gentle cleaning solutions and a soft cloth. They do not accumulate dust easily and relatively low maintenance compared to other other ceiling options.
3. Low cost
The efficiency of production and installation means a stretch ceiling is much better value than traditional alternatives such as plastered (dry wall) ceilings, ceiling tiles or other framed ceiling systems. See how the costs of different ceiling options compare.
4. Printed ceilings
One of the most exciting aspects of a Stretch Ceiling is that you can print any design you want enabling you to create a real ‘wow’ factor for your business or home. Companies might want a unique ceiling showcasing their brand or best selling product. Blue skies with clouds are a popular choice for homes. Read more about printed ceilings.
5. Rapid installation
A stretch ceiling can be rapidly installed in under a day, sometimes even just a few hours, keeping any disruption to your home or business to a minimum.
6. Hygienic
Because stretch ceilings are easy to clean and do not corrode or suffer from condensation or damp, they are recommended for ceilings in medical or educational institutions which require a sterile environment.
7. Energy efficient
The air gap between your stretch ceiling and the original ceiling can help provide insulation. This can be amplified via the use of additional insulation and acoustic materials in the air space. Read more about the energy efficiency of stretch ceilings.
8. Aesthetics and acoustics
With every stretch ceiling you can expect a smooth, professional finish that looks great. The options for colour, texture, and design are pretty much unlimited too. All the bumps, cracks and discolouration of your original ceiling are hidden in one easy step, without any need for extensive repairs or renovations. Stretch ceilings can also be installed with backlighting or printed images, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. In addition to enhancing aesthetics, certain stretch ceiling canvases can improve acoustics by reducing echoes and noise levels.
9. Easily replaceable
Your stretch ceiling is connected to your walls via aluminium frames. This makes it incredibly easy to remove and replace if you want to update your design or change colour. Unlike other ceiling options, stretch ceilings are 100% recyclable too!
10. Safe and reliable
Easy Ceiling’s stretch ceilings are produced from PVC films and are defined as stretched ceilings (Product standard EN 14716) with a fire safety classification in accordance with EN 13501=1:2002 and NF EN 13501-1+A1:2013. Stretch ceilings are waterproof, protecting rooms from the risk of leaks and floods. If a leak does occur the ceiling expands to accommodate the water and once this is safely removed it returns to its original form. No floor repair required!
Stretch ceiling case study
All these benefits make stretch ceilings a very attractive option if you are looking for a versatile, durable, and visually appealing ceiling solution for your homes, office, commercial space or swimming pool. Don’t take our word for it, let’s take a quick look at a recent stretch ceiling installation we completed.
This swimming pool ceiling we recently installed in Hove, Sussex is a good illustration of the benefits of stretch ceilings as well as showcasing how fantastic they look. Stretch ceilings are particularly suitable for swimming pools as they are incredibly durable, waterproof and resistant to both moisture and mould.
We always recommend consulting with an expert stretch ceiling company, like Easy Ceiling, who can help advise you on the most suitable option and material for your space, supply you with a high quality stretch ceiling canvas (in our case even manufacture it too) and make sure it is installed professionally.
If you would like to find out even more about stretch ceilings, and how Easy Ceiling can help, please get in touch for a chat. We would love to talk to you.
Elena
Director – Easy Ceiling