What suspended ceilings can you dismantle yourself? How to remove a suspended ceiling with your own hands - will it work or not? What information is needed for work

Stretch ceilings are made of durable material, so they are reliable and designed for a long service life. Unfortunately, situations arise when it needs to be removed (neighbors from the upper apartment flooded, the electrical wiring failed, the ceiling was accidentally damaged). You need to know how to dismantle it step by step and install it yourself.

Process Features

It is possible to dismantle the ceiling on your own. There is no need to contact specialists. First you need to understand the type of damage. It may not always be necessary to completely dismantle the coating. Sometimes it is enough to soberly assess the situation and get by with a small expenditure of money and labor. Tensile structure can again decorate the ceiling while maintaining its performance characteristics.

If the ceiling has a small tear far from the edge, you can mask it decorative element or install an additional lamp.

If there is a large tear, it is permissible to re-tighten the canvas and move the torn area closer to the edge, where it is easier to disguise it. But this option is only possible with vinyl film, which has a margin around the edges.

When using fabric, there is no material in stock. You can install the ceiling again if you follow some recommendations.

If there is a flood from the apartment above, you must first get rid of the water. You can try removing one of the lamps and pouring water through the hole. Before returning the light fixtures to their place, you must wait until the moisture has completely dried. This will take some time (up to two days). Be sure to ventilate the room or turn on heating devices in it.

Another way is to bend one of the corners of the ceiling and direct the water into a supported bucket. The film on the back side will remain wet, but this is a matter of time. After the material dries and is stretched, the canvas will again take on its previous appearance. If the tension is initially poor, the sagging can only be corrected by re-tensioning.

The room may be subject to temperature changes. In this case, mold often develops. Therefore, complete removal of the film for antiseptic treatment is inevitable.

Preparation

The process of removing a stretch ceiling yourself is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance.

Tools

Before starting work, you should have the following tools at hand:

• long-nose pliers;
• mounting spatula;
• mounting clothespins;
• screwdriver;
• screwdrivers;
• special construction knife;
• heat gun(if the film is vinyl);
• stepladder.

Hand gloves will be required. All sharp tools should be sharpened along the edges to avoid damaging the blade. The cutting ends can be covered with reinforced tape.

Room

The room must be cleared of all objects that may interfere with work. The furniture will have to be taken out. Be sure to remove breakable items and anything that cannot withstand high temperatures. No sharp objects should be left in the room so as not to damage the canvas.

The door to the room must be closed, plastic windows hang up. If there is a gap between the door and the floor, it is necessary to close it tightly with rags. The room is sealed for heating with a heat gun. It is necessary to turn off the electricity not only in this room, but also in the entire apartment, turning off the machines on the meter. It is important to wait a few minutes to ensure that the home is completely de-energized.

You will have to start dismantling work by warming up the room using a heat gun. When heated, the film softens. If the ceiling is flooded with water, it is better to support the sagging area. Since it is unknown how much water has managed to flow onto the ceiling, it is better to bring several containers to drain it.

If the defects are small, and the ceiling must be re-tightened, the material should be heated to the edges to stretch the film more evenly and firmly fix it on the baguette.

Removing the film sheet

In order for the dismantling work to be successful, you must know:

• frame type;
• ceiling view.

It would be good if an act of carrying out the work was drawn up in due time. It remains in the hands of the customer. Such information is always indicated there. If there is none, you will have to figure it out roughly (by eye). Tension fabric is used in two types: vinyl and polymer material. You can determine the type by the fastening system.

Fastening systems

The technology of ceiling fastening determines the type of tension and fastening. When mounting, one of the types of fastening systems is used.

Beading

It is used for fabric ceilings and is quite expensive. It is a self-clamping device. The baguette is attached to the wall or ceiling, the edge of the canvas is inserted into it with an allowance of 5 to 7 cm. The covering is slowly stretched over the entire area. It is fixed with a glazing bead, which, under the pressure of the fabric itself, presses it to the installed profile.

Harpoon

This fastening system is advantageous in that the panel can be removed undamaged. This is due to the lack of clamps during installation. Harpoon fastening is used for vinyl film. When the ceiling is stretched, it is first stretched under the influence of a heat gun, then an edging such as a hook or harpoon is applied along the edges. This type of fastening is produced at the factory. Specialists pass on the data previously taken when measuring each room when ordering the canvas. The harpoon mount is soldered to it.

You cannot start work without the help of a heat gun. When cold, the fabric does not stretch well and tears easily. When installing or removing PVC film, it must be heated to a temperature of approximately 60-70 degrees Celsius. Otherwise it will not become elastic.

It is necessary to completely remove the vinyl film in cases where redecorating impossible.

Inside the frame there is a wall leg with teeth. She fixes the hook. This fixation is convenient when installing a stretch ceiling and removing it. The coating is removed without the slightest damage. It can be used for re-installation. The remaining space between the covering and the walls is covered with decorative plinth.

The plinth is removed first when dismantling the ceiling. Work begins from the corner of the room and continues along its length. Then the actions are carried out along the width. The prepared metal spatula is inserted between the wall and the canvas, and the movable part of the harpoon is slightly bent inside the groove of the baguette. The spatula is held with pliers.

All that remains is to remove the vinyl sheet from the baguette, gently pulling it towards you. This is easy to do, because it is not clamped by anything. When working with vinyl film, wear gloves. It's heated, and your hands will leave traces of dirt. If the seam breaks, you will have to replace the harpoon along that entire wall.

Cam

The system is called clip-on and is used with vinyl film, material impregnated with polymer. It is the most popular technology currently in use. It is cheaper than other types and is easier and faster to install. It is considered a seamless ceiling structure due to the small distance from the ceiling during installation.

This mount is similar to a self-clamp. When tensioned, the canvas is pulled to the edges (towards the baguette) by a movable cam. They fix the canvas. When dismantling this type of fastening, you will need a spatula. It is advisable to have plastic tool to preserve the fabric.

Like a harpoon, the cam is pressed out with a spatula. You need to start the process from the corner where there is a free end of the film. If there is none, you must try to free any corner. The film is carefully pulled out from under the mount. And so, step by step, you need to move along the entire perimeter of the room until all the film is removed.

Wedge mount

It got its name from the wedge - the fastening element. It is driven into the grooves of the baguette during installation. Pre-clean the canvas with a chisel or other suitable tool put under the baguette. Promotes complete clamping of the wedges ceiling plinth, which is also a decorative element.

It is easiest to dismantle a ceiling with a wedge mount. In this case, there is no need to pull the canvas out from under the baguette. When removing the baseboard, the wedge itself weakens. You need to use a spatula to pull off the baguette fasteners and pull out the wedge.

Cam and wedge fastening involves clamping the ceiling material with a baguette. As a result, the coating is deformed and cannot always be reinstalled. Therefore, consideration should be given to whether complete removal of the material is actually required. You can reuse PVC film using a bead or clip fastening system if you have spare centimeters of film under the ceiling. If it was not lowered during installation, it is not always possible to pull the vinyl back on. Needs a full reupholstery.

Features of removing fabric

Fabric ceilings use predominantly a glazing bead or clip fastening system. They are more convenient for stretching and removing because they do not require strong heating of the room to soften the material. However, these options are more complicated due to the greater weight of the fabric compared to film. In addition, with it, fixation is carried out using self-clamps. And this leads to complete removal of the coating (otherwise the baguette or bead may break).

If the fastening is glazing bead, when removing the material, first remove decorative plinth, the profile is bent, the glazing bead is removed and the freed web is removed. While this operation is in progress, the ceiling is constantly warmed up by the flow warm air from the switched on gun. This will help protect the canvas from the formation of small wrinkles and sagging.

When removing the baguette, you must act with extreme caution to maintain its integrity. It may still be useful elsewhere.

Ceiling plinth correct installation the ceiling is glued to the wall. Firstly, the canvas does not get dirty with glue. Secondly, during the next repair, it, like the ceiling itself, is not replaced, because it has a long service life. If the craftsmen glued the baguette to the ceiling when stretching the ceilings, additional difficulties arise during removal.

Fabric ceilings installed with clip-on baguettes are completely removed. Partial removal is impossible, so don’t waste your energy. There is a danger of the blade falling out of the installed clamps. Fabric ceilings are preferable due to the absence of seams, for this reason they are easier to dismantle. There is no need for special tools or complex manual manipulations. Working with a fabric ceiling starts from the middle. It is necessary to gradually move towards the corners of the room.

The stretch ceiling can be removed with your own hands, without the help of specialists. To do this you need to know the features fastening structure(baguette) and the properties of the material from which the ceiling is made. Ceiling reupholstery and even complete installation designs do not take much time.

You will immediately understand the presence of moisture on the stretch ceiling

The owner of the apartment can dismantle old ceiling due to its deterioration (rips, drips, stains, mold formation, flooding and strong stretch marks, warping of the canvas due to deformation of the walls). Sometimes the canvas is changed to install a ceiling of a different color and texture or new electrics. Both the PVC film and the fabric can be removed from the baguette (frame) and then installed back.

Preparing the premises

The ceiling reupholstery is done in a pre-prepared room. Objects that can be damaged by high temperature are removed from the room (if a heat gun is used).

If water has accumulated on the suspended ceiling, it is enough to dismantle one part and drain it

Aquariums are removed from the room and pets are removed. You also need to remove any things that will interfere with your work. The lamp is removed from the suspended ceiling and put away in a safe place. You can remove the lamp yourself, but if the mounting is complicated, you need to contact an electrician. The ceiling plinth or masking tape is removed and removed.

Tools and equipment

Before you remove and reinstall the canvas yourself, you need to purchase necessary equipment, materials and tools. To carry out the work you need:

• stepladder or strong table;
• heat gun (for heating the vinyl sheet);
• construction spatulas, from which you can make shovels and hooks, or special factory shovels with a curved end;
• clamps with cords to hold the removed canvas suspended (crocodiles);
• mounting tape;
• pliers with long narrow ends;
• insulating tape;
• screwdriver;
• construction knife.

Often craftsmen invent their own tools for dismantling work. So, for example, metal construction spatulas are narrowed, ground down so that they become blunt, and the corners of the working blade of the spatula are rounded.

Spatulas for suspended ceilings

Spatulas and pliers are treated with sandpaper to remove all burrs and smooth out irregularities. The dull blade is bent to make it easier for them to reach the protrusion of the profile into which the harpoon rests. Any tool used during work must not have sharp corners or rough surfaces to avoid tearing the blade.

Before you take it off suspended ceiling, you need to find out how it is fixed in the profile (this data can be found in the contract that was drawn up with the organization that installed the ceiling). There are three types of fastening of the canvas in the profile: harpoon, wedge (bead) and clip.

How to remove a suspended ceiling with a harpoon mount

A harpoon is a plastic flexible strip, which in cross-section is a hook (or harpoon, which is where the name comes from). The plank has medium hardness and is produced by the meter.

The polyvinyl chloride fabric is marked and cut out, exactly copying the shape of the ceiling. A harpoon is welded to the edge of the canvas, along its entire perimeter. This is done using HDTV equipment, which is available at enterprises that install suspended ceilings. Once the harpoon is welded around the perimeter, it is firmly butt welded. The harpoon is inserted with a spatula into the groove of the baguette (profile), where it is fixed on the inner protrusion of the profile using its hook.

If the film is edged with a harpoon, removing the suspended ceiling with your own hands will not be difficult. To vinyl ceiling has become more flexible and stretchable, it is evenly heated with a heat gun. The recommended heat flow temperature is 70 degrees Celsius. Re-upholstering the ceiling starts from the corner of the room. Some home craftsmen heat only the corner from which the harpoon begins to be removed, and use a hairdryer to heat the vinyl.

Harpoon fastening of suspended ceilings

When removing PVC sheets it is necessary to remove the harpoon from the ledge (shelf) inside the profile. If this can be done in one place, then the rest of the canvas is removed by simply pulling it with a harpoon. The operating procedure will be as follows:

1. Heat evenly suspended ceiling, starting from its central part to the corners.
2. Take a bent spatula and a screwdriver.
3. Find a place in the corner areas of the ceiling where there is a sufficiently large gap between the wall and the surface of the canvas. It is necessary to ensure that in the removal area there is no place where the harpoon is glued end-to-end. This place is not very strong; the film may rupture under physical impact.
4. Using a screwdriver, press out the harpoon, insert a curved spatula into the crack and hook the harpoon.
5. To release the harpoon, move the spatula to the right and left by 10-15 cm, thereby slightly pushing the harpoon away from the baguette.
6. The same thing is done on the other, perpendicular wall. This way, the harpoon in the corner of the room will be hooked by 2 blades.
7. The shoulder blades are parallel to the wall and pulled down with little effort. The canvas with the harpoon comes out of the profile.
8. Then move the blades along the walls and carefully pull out the film. If the ceiling area is large, the canvas is hung on clamps (crocodiles) to avoid stretching and deformation.

If the ceiling area is small, the vinyl film can be removed without preheating, for canvases big size Preheating is required.

Dismantling a ceiling with glazing bead (wedge) fastening

Is it possible to remove a suspended ceiling with glazing beads? It is possible, but you need to keep in mind the fact that it will be difficult to put it back, since after installation the builders leave very little stock of canvas, but if there is a supply, it is possible.

Bead (wedge) - a special plastic profile of various sections. The bead is inserted inside the profile, pressing the material tightly. This type of fastening is used when installing both vinyl and fabric ceiling structures.

In order to remove PVC film or fabric, you need to pull out the glazing beads from the profile, hooking them with some kind of curved tool (curved spatula, spatula, hook). Dismantling begins in the corner of the room.

• Before dismantling, the polyvinyl chloride film is heated with a heat gun. There is no need to warm up the fabric.
• The profile is slightly expanded using any handy tool(for example, a thick screwdriver, long-nose pliers).
• A curved spatula (or two) or a hook is carefully placed behind the glazing bead and pulled down. The glazing bead comes out and the canvas is released. This must be done very carefully, since the edge of the vinyl film or fabric is not protected by anything and is easily damaged.
• If the ceiling area is large, the freed canvas is hung on clamps with cords.

Removing a ceiling with a clip fastening

Only low-stretch fabrics with polymer impregnation are mounted in clip fasteners. Clip fasteners are a special plastic profile, which in cross-section is a clamp.

Cam fastening of a stretch ceiling (clip)

The fabric is simply tucked inside the clip with a spatula, and the clip holds the fabric and prevents it from coming out.

• Seamless dismantling fabric ceiling start from the middle of the wall, not from the corner.
• To remove the canvas from the clip profile, you need to apply moderate pressure on the canvas in the place adjacent to the wall. In this case, you can slightly release the fastening with a screwdriver or thin pliers.
• The tension of the fabric will loosen and it can be carefully pulled out of the fastening.
• If the fabric was cut very short when installing the ceiling, then during subsequent installation it will be difficult to tuck it into the mount.

Stretch ceilings (also called French) are distinguished not only by their strength, but also by their durability - with proper care, the service life of the canvas can be 15-20 years. Due to the installation features, such ceilings are practically immune to displacement of the load-bearing slab or shrinkage of the house. However, life is an unpredictable thing, so sometimes there is a need to dismantle tension fabric. There can be a lot of reasons - from faulty electrical wiring to banal flooding by neighbors above.

Stretch ceiling is a popular option for finishing the ceiling surface

If the ceiling is made of PVC and its condition is still quite tolerable, then the owners can remove it, for example, to dry it, and then install it back. But in order to dismantle correctly, without damaging the film or frame, you need to know about the main nuances of the process.

Where to begin?

The dismantling technology largely depends on the exact method in which the canvas is attached to the baguette. To find out, you need to study the warranty card (it is issued for all PVC structures), where not only the service life must be indicated, but also the method of fastening. This is what we will build on. In the absence of such documentation, you can study the design features of the ceiling yourself.

A special fastening profile is one of the main elements of a stretch ceiling

There are 4 ways to fix the tension film in a baguette, let’s get acquainted with them.

1. Harpoon mount. The easiest to use, and therefore the most popular option. In this case, a hard edge is welded along the edges of the canvas (in the form of a harpoon, hence the name), which, after entering the baguette, unbends and thus holds the canvas.
2. Cam(another name is clip-on). The film is fixed here using elastic plastic plastic profile who put pressure on her. No decorative tapes or plugs are used with this installation method, and no preheating is required.
3. Beading. This fastening method involves pressing the canvas to the inner walls of the baguette using a longitudinal bead.

Note! In the last two methods, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the film is in direct contact with the surface of the profile, which means it can be damaged if handled carelessly.

Prices for suspended ceilings

suspended ceiling

Features of working with PVC film

Most modern suspended ceilings are made of polyvinyl chloride film (there are also fabric options, but more on them later). This material is distinguished not only by its elasticity and strength, but also by its environmental friendliness. Another feature of it is its reaction to changes in air temperature. So, if the temperature rises to +60°C, then the polyvinyl chloride becomes more elastic and pliable, and when cooled it hardens and shrinks. For this reason, a special device is used for installation and dismantling - a heat gun. It can be purchased or rented.

Note! PVC film has a very high tensile strength, but it can easily be damaged by some sharp object, which, accordingly, will require a complete replacement of the film.

Dismantling film stretch ceiling

The process consists of several main stages, but in order to do everything correctly, you need to be patient, acquire good tools and act in accordance with the instructions.

Stage No. 1. We prepare everything you need

To remove PVC film, you need specific devices and tools that are not found in every home.

So, first we prepare:

• clothespins for fixing the fabric;
• heat gun (it is better to give preference to a gas device, since an electric device is very powerful, which means it can cause damage to electrical wiring);
• a spatula intended for tension fabrics (small, up to 10 cm wide) with pre-rounded corners and ground edges; if the tool is not treated in advance, then you can cut the PVC film;
• stepladder (if you don’t have one, you can use a table);
• a high-quality screwdriver with a curved end;
• pliers (their lips should also be curved);
• construction knife.

When all the necessary equipment is prepared, we can safely begin the second stage - preparing the premises.

Stage No. 2. Preparing the room

Before removing the tension fabric or one of its sides, we carry out the appropriate preparatory activities, including:

• removal of ceiling lighting fixtures;

Prices for a stretch ceiling kit

stretch ceiling kit

• removal of plants, animals and birds from the premises (if any);
• protection of furniture and appliances that may be damaged by high temperature due to the operation of the heat gun (plastic windows, computer, Digital Watch etc.).

Now that both the room and the tools are properly prepared, you can begin removing the canvas.

Stage No. 3. Removing the film

The dismantling technology directly depends on which of the listed types of fastening was used during installation. Based on this, we will disassemble the entire structure.

Note! Issues of removing the entire tension fabric and only one side of the surface should be considered separately, and in relation to each of the installation methods.

Harpoon type mount

This option for attaching the film is the easiest to dismantle. The reason is extremely simple: harpoon fixation in itself implies easy assembly and the possibility of repeated disassembly ceiling structure. In this case, we will begin removing the canvas from a section of the wall located next to the corner.

The algorithm of actions is given below; for the convenience of visitors, the information is presented in table form.

Table. Dismantling the tensioner PVC ceiling(version with harpoon mount).

Steps, illustrations	Brief description of actions
	First, remove the masking tape (decorative insert) from one side or along the entire perimeter. This will open access to the places where the canvas is fixed.
	We determine the places of fixation of the slotted inserts fixed between the canvas and the walls of the room. Let's remove these inserts.
	We heat the room with a heat gun to a temperature of +70°C (this action must be performed without fail). As a result of heating, the dimensions of the canvas will increase, and the pressure exerted on the harpoon mount will weaken.
	We proceed directly to removing the film. To do this, we warm up the area from which we begin the process (for curved ceilings this can be any point in the structure, for flat ceilings it can be one of the corners of the room). We climb onto the stepladder, pry it with a dull spatula and lift the harpoon. We take pliers, grab the removed harpoon hook with them and remove it from the profile.
	We pull the film towards ourselves.
	Further actions special effort will not be required. Carefully remove the film from the special fastening profile (do not rush, otherwise we may damage the material), if necessary, warming up new areas using a heat gun.

Fabric stretch ceilings are dismantled using a slightly different technology, because special beads are used to fix the material. We will consider this process in more detail a little later.

Video - How to dismantle a suspended ceiling yourself

Cam mount

If the suspended ceiling is installed using a cam-type fastening, then dismantling it (the ceiling) will be the simplest and easiest to perform. The fact is that in this case, even heating the room is not required. But special care must be taken, since the spatula will come into direct contact with the polyvinyl chloride.

So, you can unfasten the film in one of two possible ways.

Method number 1. We take two screwdrivers, insert one between the cams in the corner of the room, and the second at about 55-60 cm. Because of this, the pressure of the cams in this area will noticeably weaken, which will make it easy to remove the polyvinyl chloride from the fasteners. We carry out the procedure until we extract the required amount of canvas.

Method number 2. We take a spatula, insert it between the cams and squeeze out the one that is movable. Thanks to the tension, the material will freely leave the clamps. We remove the remaining film manually.

Note! Characteristic notches may remain on the surface of the PVC film after clamping. These notches can be used as a guide during re-installation.

Bead type fastening

To work here you will need:

• spatula (as described above);
• screwdriver;
• heat gun.

The algorithm of actions is given below.

Dismantling the glazing bead: remove the plinth, bend the profile, remove the glazing bead, remove the blade

First, we warm up the room as in the previous options.

Remove the masking tape (plug).

Take a spatula and press out the outer wall of the baguette in one of the corners of the room. After this, pry up the bead with a screwdriver and remove it.

We intercept the glazing bead with our hands and remove it. We remove the canvas.

If a supply of material was left when installing the ceiling, then the canvas can be inserted back if necessary.

Prices for suspended ceilings "Galaxy"

stretch ceiling "Galaxy"

Video - How to properly remove a suspended ceiling

Features of dismantling seamless fabrics

Removing a fabric ceiling does not require as much heat. If we're talking about about wedge or glazing bead type fasteners, the dismantling process is no different from a similar action with PVC film. The only difference is that you should start from the center of the wall, gradually moving towards the corner. The installation is the same. The success of the event largely depends on the slowness and accuracy of the actions performed.

As for the re-installation of the fabric sheet, everything depends mainly on the conscientiousness of the previous installers. If they cut the material “butt-to-shoulder”, then we are unlikely to get the perfect tension when re-installing. After all, polyester fabric is not as elastic as polyvinyl chloride. But if the installation was done by professionals, then in any case they left a few “extra” centimeters of the canvas. If so, then no special problems should arise.

Note! Special attention It is worth paying attention to fabric panels installed using clip-on baguettes. Partial removal of such ceilings is impossible - if anything happens, you need to remove everything at once, otherwise the canvas may well jump out of the clamps due to the unreliability of this type of fastening.

During removal and further installation, the ceiling must be regularly heated, albeit not as much as PVC. If after installation there are minor unevenness remaining, do not worry - heat them with a heat gun and they will quickly level out. Try not to lift the heat gun too close to the canvas, because it is also, in fact, plastic, so it can become deformed.

In order for the dismantling work to be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible, we recommend adhering to the following important requirements.

1. For work, it is advisable to find one or two assistants. In this case, the removal of the canvas will be done carefully and, more importantly, safely.
2. When installing a stretch ceiling, give preference only to high-quality materials.
3. Do not use tools with sharp edges. Such tools can easily damage the ceiling or finishing materials.

As you can see, the process of dismantling a stretch ceiling is not complicated. It’s quite possible to do the job yourself if you know all the nuances of the process and follow a certain technology.

Video - Repair of stretch ceiling (wedge fastening)

The question of how to remove a suspended ceiling arises various reasons and sometimes it becomes a real problem. It is quite difficult to solve it on your own without damaging the canvas, and therefore it is recommended to entrust the work to the specialists who carried out the installation. At the same time, you can do everything yourself, but with great care and knowledge of the matter.

A suspended ceiling can please the eye for a long time, but circumstances arise when it needs to be temporarily dismantled. In this case, the structure is in good condition and can last for a long time. In such cases, you have to decide how to remove the suspended ceiling with your own hands so as not to damage it and put it back after completing unexpected work without additional costs for replacing the main parts.

Analysis of circumstances

Before starting a rather complex event, it is necessary to realistically assess the situation. Carefully removing the suspended ceiling and then installing the same sheet is advisable in the following circumstances:

1. Minor damage to the canvas. Despite the fact that the ceiling is high, there is a possibility of scuffing, punctures, cuts and other damage. Polymer and fabric fabric have increased mechanical strength and can easily withstand such impacts. However, defects spoil appearance, and there is a desire to correct the situation. A canvas with minor damage can be restored using adhesive tape or inserting a similar material, but the inserts must be secured on the back side, and to do this, the canvas must be carefully removed from the baguette.
2. Penetration of water into the space between the ceiling and the canvas due to flooding from neighbors or through roof cracks. Liquid may accumulate in large quantities, which causes local sagging of the canvas. In this case, removing the canvas allows you to remove the liquid, as well as dry it and the ceiling.
3. Spontaneous sagging and cracking of the fabric. Incorrect installation hinged structure can lead to such defects. When sagging, the canvas needs to be re-stretched, for which it must be temporarily removed and high-quality installation. If cracks appear as a result of improper use, their growth can be stopped by sealing them with special tape on the reverse side.
4. The appearance of stains on the canvas or areas with mold. In the first case, professional dry cleaning often restores the attractiveness of the fabric. When mold develops, antiseptic treatment is required not only of the canvas, but also of the ceiling underneath it. In both cases, it is necessary to dismantle the structure and then carry out processing.

Analysis of the state of the tension system allows us to determine its future fate. If it can be restored for full use, then dismantling should be carried out while preserving the canvas. A similar need may arise if it is necessary to remove the structure for reasons not related to the suspended ceiling: repair of the ceiling, insulation or soundproofing of the room, replacement of electrical wiring or installation of new lighting equipment, installation of communications.

Design Analysis

The procedure for dismantling a suspended ceiling depends on its design features. The following factors need to be considered:

1. Canvas material. It can be made of PVC film or polyester, knitted fabric. In essence, dismantling is installation carried out in reverse order, and the principles of installation of these types of canvases differ significantly. The stretching of the polymer film is carried out by heating the material, and the fabric is stretched mechanically without heating. Accordingly, the removal of the web is ensured with or without heating. It is important to consider that reinstalling the fabric sheet with your own hands after completely dismantling it is only possible if a sufficient supply of fabric was left at the edges during installation. If the edges are cut completely, then you cannot do without the help of specialists.
2. Fastening system. Securing the ends of the canvas in a baguette is carried out using different methods; this is possible since special fastening elements are located in the profiles of the baguette. They ensure tension of the canvas during installation and its strong fixation. For PVC film, a harpoon is most often used. It does not stretch the film, but only holds it. Self-tension is ensured by shrinkage of the heated polymer upon cooling. When the canvas is heated during dismantling, the fastening relaxes and the canvas is easily removed. The fabric sheet is usually installed using clips. Release of the tissue is quite simple.

In addition, the wedge (bead) method is used.

It is used for both types of ceilings. It is extremely difficult (almost impossible) to independently remove the ends of the canvas from such a fastening without damage. The wedges are driven tightly into the channel metal profile to ensure tension, and therefore remove them without special tool fails. At the same time, if the blade is damaged at the edges during dismantling, its reinstallation is impossible.

The design of the tension system determines the order of work and the principle of dismantling. Before removing the canvas, it is necessary to clearly understand the structure and outline a plan.

Scope of work

Depending on the reasons, ceiling dismantling can be carried out to varying degrees:

1. Complete dismantling. It involves removing the entire canvas. Such an event is necessary for carrying out a full restoration, dry cleaning, work in the middle part of the canvas or ceiling, insulation or soundproofing of the ceiling. If necessary, baguette profiles can also be removed to replace individual elements or change the height of their location on the wall.
2. Partial dismantling. Sometimes it is enough to remove part of the canvas. This volume is typical for repairing minor damage in the wall area. If you remove the corner of the canvas, you can pour out the accumulated water through it even in the center of the ceiling, directing the flow accordingly.

It should be taken into account that reverse tension during partial dismantling is much easier to ensure. However, the required amount of work should be established based on a complete analysis of the situation and the ceiling design.

How to dismantle

After studying and analyzing the problem, you can begin dismantling the ceiling. When you plan to do the work yourself, step-by-step instruction is different for each type of tension fabric. The preparatory stage includes preparation working area for easy access to the baguette.

Particular attention is required when carrying out work to eliminate the consequences of a flood.

Features of dismantling plastic sheets

The main feature of removing PVC film is the need to heat it. In general, work is carried out in the following order:

1. The entire room should be heated to a temperature of 30-35 degrees before starting work. Taking into account the elevated temperatures during dismantling, it is necessary to remove from the room all plastic objects and other things that are not resistant to heat. It is recommended to drape plastic windows with fabric.
2. Using a heat gun, a powerful hair dryer or a heat fan, the canvas is heated to a temperature of 60-65 degrees.
3. With harpoon fastening, the removal of the canvas begins from the corners. It is best to use a metal hook here. Next, the edge of the PVC film is released, moving from the corner to the middle. To remove the edge of the fabric, use pliers with long jaws. A hook and pliers are used to exert pressure on the harpoon. You cannot pull directly on the film, as the heated plastic is easily damaged.
4. Complete removal of the canvas from the baguette is done by hand. In this case, you must wear rubber gloves. A bare hand will leave marks on the heated PVC.

When partial dismantling is sufficient, work on repairing the canvas begins after providing access to the problem area, and the canvas is removed only in one or two corners. If complete dismantling is carried out, then it is released in all corners and gradually removed along the entire perimeter. Laying of the removed canvas must be done with extreme caution.

In principle, it is possible to remove PVC film from glazing bead fasteners. To do this, you will need to carefully bend the wall of the aluminum profile of the baguette so that the glazing bead is released. This fastener is carefully removed from the profile using pliers and a screwdriver. After removing the canvas, you will have to dismantle the bent profile and return its wall to its previous position by straightening. If the plastic bead has changed shape and size after its first use, it will have to be replaced with a new one.

Features of dismantling fabric fabric

Removing fabric differs from removing polymer film in that there is no need for heating. The release of the canvas begins in the middle part of the baguette on the wall with gradual movement to the corners. Removal of tissue is ensured with long-nose pliers.

When working with fabric, you should remember that the clip fastening, when removing the fabric in one place, relaxes along the entire perimeter. This circumstance does not make it possible to carry out partial dismantling. To ensure high-quality subsequent stretching, it will be necessary in any case to completely dismantle the canvas.

The ability to reuse a fabric ceiling after dismantling largely depends on trimming the edges during initial installation. The fabric does not stretch well, and therefore, in the absence of a margin in length, it is extremely difficult to ensure its reliable grip in the fastening element. This condition should be taken into account when installing a fabric ceiling.

Removing water from the ceiling

One of the main reasons for temporary dismantling of a suspended ceiling is a flood caused by neighbors above. There are several ways to remove accumulated liquid.

In any case it is necessary preparatory stage. Before carrying out work, it is important to ensure complete safety and, above all, to prevent injury. electric shock. To do this, you will have to remove all lighting equipment and turn off the power. You should prepare containers for water in advance, and also remove things from the room that could be damaged if liquid gets on them. It is recommended to take measures against flooding of neighbors below. The floor must be covered with plastic film.

Getting rid of water is quite easy if there is a chandelier or lamps on the ceiling. After removing them, a hole opens in the canvas, where the water flow should be directed. Work is carried out with a partner. One person holds the container under the hole, while the other, by hand or using a mop, rolls the liquid, lifting the slack cloth. If wrinkles remain on the polymer sheet after removing the water, then such an area is heated using a hair dryer. Defects are smoothed out after cooling.

If there are no mounting holes in the canvas, partial dismantling will have to be done.

To do this, it is enough to remove the canvas in the nearest corner, bend it, and remove the water through the resulting opening in the same way as in the case described.

Tool

To dismantle a stretch ceiling, you should take care in advance of the following tools and devices: stepladder, long-nose pliers, knife, scissors, screwdriver, hammer, spatula. When removing the PVC sheet, you will need a heat gun, construction hair dryer or a heat fan, and the room should be warmed up using a household heater. If it is necessary to dismantle and rearrange the baguette, you will need a hammer drill and a screwdriver. If the consequences of a flood are being eliminated, then you should prepare water containers and a regular fan to dry the space between the canvas and the ceiling, as well as rags.

The need to remove a stretch ceiling may arise for various reasons. If it is in good condition, then dismantling should be done without damaging the canvas, which will allow it to be reinstalled in its original place. Such an event can be carried out with your own hands, but you need to correctly assess your capabilities. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is better to invite specialists who will dismantle and subsequently install the structure.

I like

A stretch ceiling is a fairly strong and durable structure, which is why today it has become the most popular and desirable for many. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to remove such a sheet. The reason for this may be a change in electrical wiring from the upper floors, or strong stretch marks. Also, the canvas can be changed if desired to have a different color and. Moreover, the film is removed along with the baguette and can be reused. Those who are faced with this question will be interested in knowing how to remove a suspended ceiling.

Do-it-yourself dismantling of a stretch ceiling, its complexity and features depend on what kind of fastening method was used to install the canvas. This information is in the warranty card. If such a document is missing, you should independently determine the features of the ceiling structure.

Modern suspended ceilings are based on polyvinyl chloride film, which is characterized by high degree elasticity, strength and environmental friendliness. This material is very susceptible to temperature changes. Thus, at temperatures above + 60°C, it acquires special elasticity and pliability, but as it cools, it hardens and becomes smaller in size. Therefore, during installation or dismantling work they use special device in the form of a heat gun.

Many people are interested in whether a suspended ceiling can be reused? The answer is simple - when correct dismantling, Can. It is important to know that such ceilings are very tear-resistant, but they can easily be damaged by catching something sharp, which will entail a complete replacement of the canvas. In general, the entire dismantling process includes several stages, each of which requires:

• proper preparation;
• good tools;
• actions according to the instructions.

Preparation

If you are interested in how to remove a suspended ceiling yourself, you should understand that this type of work can be quite complex and, in comparison with the construction itself, require a certain patience. Wherein this topic is very relevant for most owners who have such structures installed in their house. So, if it is necessary to dismantle the stretch ceiling, first of all, you should acquire special devices, materials and tools that are unlikely to be in every apartment. It is also worth preparing the room for such a process so that everything goes smoothly and accurately.

Tools

To work with PVC film, the materials and equipment required are quite specific, so you should prepare in advance. Before you begin dismantling the stretch ceiling, you should purchase the following:

• stepladder, strong table or sawhorse;
• a heat gun, with the help of which the canvas is heated;
• special blades that have curved ends;
• clamps with cords, which are necessary to hold the removed canvas suspended;
• screwdriver;
• adhesive tape for installation;
• narrow pliers with long ends;
• insulation tape;
• construction knife.

Sometimes they invent their own tools for dismantling work. For example, a metal spatula that is used in construction is made narrower by grinding. This is necessary to ensure obtuse angles. When the tools are blunt, they are bent to provide maximum access to the profile lip. It is important to process spatulas and pliers using sandpaper to get rid of burrs and polish all irregularities. All devices used when dismantling a stretch ceiling should not have sharp corners or roughness, otherwise this will lead to tearing of the fabric.

When all the tools and equipment are prepared, you can begin the next stage of preparation, namely working with the premises.

Room

Dismantling of a stretch ceiling should be carried out in a previously prepared room. Therefore, it is worth performing certain actions indoors:

1. Removing all items that can be damaged by high temperatures, for example, plants, an aquarium with fish and animals, if any.
2. Removal.
3. Dismantling on the ceiling.
4. Protection of metal-plastic windows, computers and other interior items that may be damaged by the operation of the heat gun.

After this preparation, you can proceed directly to removing the stretch ceiling.

Removing the film sheet

To remove a suspended ceiling with your own hands, you need to have information about what kind of fastening was used when installing the film, because the technology of dismantling work will depend on this. Thus, starting from this knowledge, the canvas is disassembled. It is important to understand that removing the entire ceiling structure and just one part of it has various principles and features that will also differ, based on installation methods and the chosen type of fastening.

Fastening systems

There are 4 different systems fastenings, each of which has its own advantages and can be used in certain cases:

• glazing bead;
• harpoon;
• cam;
• wedge mount.

It is worth considering the principles of each type separately.

Bead fastening system

The principle of bead fastening is to use a special plastic profile, which has different sections. Such a wedge is inserted into the profile, while the canvas is pressed with special density. This system fastenings are used when installing structures with vinyl or fabric. To dismantle it you need to have a certain list of tools:

• putty knife;
• screwdriver;
• heat gun.

Having prepared everything you need, you should begin the process of removing the stretch ceiling. To do this you need to perform certain actions:

1. Ensure heating of the entire room using a heat gun while setting the temperature value to about +70°C. Such heating helps to increase the size of the canvas and reduce the pressure that is exerted on the fastening.
2. Remove the decorative plug.
3. Having chosen a certain corner in the room, squeeze out the outer wall of the baguette using a spatula.
4. Pry up and remove the glazing bead using a screwdriver.
5. Remove the canvas.

If there was a sufficient supply of fabric left when installing the stretch ceiling, then it can be reused.

Harpoon mounting system

The harpoon is a flexible plastic strip that is characterized by medium rigidity. Dismantling this type of fixation is easier than other clutch options. This is explained by the fact that the harpoon mount is characterized by easy assembly and the possibility of reusable disassembly of such a canvas. In this case, you should start removing the suspended ceiling from the wall, which is located directly near the corner. First, you should evenly heat the entire ceiling using a heat gun so that the canvas is flexible and stretchable. In this case, the heat flow is supplied at a temperature of 70°C. Sometimes owners practice alternately heating all corners, starting from where they first remove the harpoon, and use a regular household hair dryer. If the fasteners were removed in a certain place, it means that the entire canvas can be removed very easily.

The algorithm for removing the ceiling using a harpoon mount includes the following steps:

1. Detaching a decorative strip that is located around the entire perimeter of the room or on a certain side of it.
2. Uniform heating of the stretch ceiling, starting from the center of the room and covering all corners.
3. Search in the corners of the ceiling for a place with a large gap between the wall and the canvas itself.
4. Using a blunt spatula, the harpoon is pryed and lifted. To do this, move the spatula in different directions at a distance of 15 cm.
5. Using pliers, the free hook of the harpoon is grabbed and removed.
6. Further actions can be easily carried out manually, while carefully pulling out the film.

When the room is small, the suspended ceiling is removed without heating with a gun, but for large canvases, preliminary heat treatment is mandatory. It is worth noting that to install the canvas in its original place, the same actions are performed as during dismantling, only in the opposite direction.

Cam mounting system

The principle of cam fastening is to use a special plastic profile that has a cross-section in the form of a clamp. Dismantling of such structures is particularly simple and economical, because it does not require any heating of the room. It is worth noting the importance of taking special care, since the spatula has direct contact with the film when working.

So, to dismantle a suspended ceiling with a cam fastening, one of two methods should be used:

1. The work begins from the middle of the wall, where two screwdrivers are inserted in the place where the cams are located, the pressure of which will gradually weaken, which makes it possible to freely remove the film from the clamp. These actions continue until the canvas is completely removed.
2. Dismantling is carried out using a spatula, which is inserted between the cams. After that, the one that turns out to be movable is pressed. Thus, due to the tension of the web, the material will come out of the clamps. Next, the process is carried out manually.

It is worth noting that the material may have characteristic notches from the clamps. When re-installing, they will be useful as a kind of guide.

Wedge mount

The wedge fastening system is one of the easiest to dismantle. Work begins from the corner of the room. In this case, you should perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect the decorative insert, which acts as a wedge. This will relieve the pressure that is placed on the plug area.
2. Use a screwdriver to hook the insert by the edge.
3. Remove the plug from the baguette system.
4. Remove the canvas from the frame.

The result of dismantling work and re-installation in this type of fastening depends directly on the skill of the master and on whether a small allowance was left by the installers. This fact is very important when reuse canvas, since this will require tensioning the material, and if it is not enough, then it will be difficult to stretch the ceiling again.

Features of removing fabric

Dismantling the fabric sheet does not require the use of high temperature conditions. When a glazing bead or wedge fastening system is used, the canvas is removed in the same way as PVC. The only difference in this process is that work should begin from the middle of the wall towards the corner. Installation is carried out according to a similar principle.

The question arises - is it possible to reuse a suspended ceiling? Yes, it is possible, but it should be noted that re-stretching the fabric is possible if the installation was carried out in good faith, adhering to all the subtleties and rules. For example, if, when installing the covering, the edges were cut off closely, then the ideal tension will be difficult to repeat. After all, the fabric does not have the same capabilities as PVC film and it will not be able to stretch. But with a margin of only a few centimeters, it will be very easy to tension the canvas again. In addition, when dismantling, it is important to carefully and slowly carry out all necessary actions.

It is also worth noting that when installing fabric using clip-on baguettes, it is impossible to partially remove the ceiling. This fastening requires complete dismantling of all material. If these recommendations are not followed, the canvas may jump out of the clips, since the fastening is not so reliable. And with this outcome it will be necessary complete replacement the entire ceiling.

When removing the fabric sheet and its subsequent installation, it is necessary to regularly warm up the room. It is important to remember that it should not be as strong as when working with PVC. If you notice small unevenness, after installation, you should heat these areas with a heat gun, which will help them level out. These actions should be carried out without bringing the thermal device too close to the fabric to avoid deformation.

Thus, you can dismantle the stretch ceiling yourself, the main thing is to comply with certain requirements and technologies. To remove the canvas quickly and efficiently, you should follow some rules:

1. It is best to carry out dismantling with one or two assistants. This advice will ensure the accuracy of the entire work process and, importantly, safety.
2. When installing a ceiling, you should choose only high-quality materials.
3. When removing the blade, do not use tools with sharp edges. They can damage both the suspended ceiling itself and any finishing materials.

As we see, dismantling work, as well as the installation itself, stretch ceilings are quite simple, but labor-intensive processes. This task can be completed independently if you have information about all its details and features, as well as act according to a certain technology.