How to install suspended ceiling Armstrong. Arrangement of suspended ceilings of the Armstrong type - design features. What kind of rooms is Armstrong suitable for?

Such suspension systems installed in both offices and residential areas. Installation of this system is carried out simply and quickly, so even a beginner can cope with it, and without outside help.

Before starting work, prepare ceiling space: securely fasten all communications going under the ceiling to prevent them from resting on the frame of the ceiling system.

To install the Armstrong ceiling, suspensions are used, this solution has simple design, but despite this, there are several types that are used during the installation of the Armstrong system.

The most commonly used types of suspensions are:

  1. Wire, you can make it yourself from ordinary wire, but its reliability is low, it all depends on the quality of the wire, so it is used very rarely.
  2. hard straight, made of a metal corner, which is attached to the ceiling, and the other end to the frame. Such designs are limited by the length of the corner.
  3. Adjustable single, it consists of two parts: an adjusting bar and a rod that can move inside it. In this case, it is possible to adjust the installation height of the frame, but this can be done in a small range.
  4. Adjustable double, he looks like previous model, but it has two rods, which allows you to significantly adjust the length of the suspension.
  5. Threaded hanger. It is made in the form of a rigid rod with a thread, withstands heavy loads.
  6. Rigid suspension withregulation, allows you to adjust the height of the suspension by moving the fixing brackets.


Installation, instructions

For execution specified works you will need the following tools and materials:

  • hammer drill;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • a hammer;
  • hacksaw for metal;
  • measuring instruments;
  • pencil;
  • building level;
  • water level;
  • dowel;
  • plates;
  • corner profile;
  • slats for creating a frame;
  • suspensions.

Ceiling markings


First, a ceiling diagram is made and the required amount of materials is calculated. With water or laser level, on the walls around the perimeter of the room, the height of the future structure is applied.

Armstrong ceiling installation scheme

Usually you have to cut the plates, so it is necessary to carry out the installation in such a way that their size on opposite sides is approximately the same.

Mounting the false ceiling frame

If you install Armstrong lamps in the ceiling, then this is done immediately after the frame is created, after which they are checked for performance.

If everything is fine, you can proceed to install all the other plates, do it from the center of the room and move towards the wall.

It is possible to paint the slabs, for example in one or more matching colors, but this must be done before they are installed.

To simplify the creation process hanging shelf Armstrong and make strong, beautiful, robust design You must adhere to the following expert advice:

  • preliminary calculations will allow you to purchase required amount materials;
  • take into account the features of the overlap in the room, if you get on the reinforcement, then the suspensions must be shifted and the number increased;
  • depending on the suspensions used, the distance from the ceiling to suspended structure may be different;
  • take a few hangers and plates in reserve, since no one is immune from mistakes and you will not have to run to the store for the missing element.

Useful video

Armstong suspended ceiling installation instructions, video:

In contact with

Slab-cellular suspended ceiling (Armstrong type ceiling) or simply Armstrong ceiling - the most common type suspended ceilings. Do-it-yourself installation of an Armstrong false ceiling is child's play compared to the installation of other types of suspended ceilings, and Armstrong beats all records in terms of cheapness. However, nothing is perfect. Armstrong ceiling has both undeniable advantages and significant disadvantages.

What is good and what is bad Armstrong

The armstrong ceiling, in addition to ease of installation and low cost, also provides excellent sound and heat insulation. The interceiling space is extensive, it conveniently accommodates lamps and communications. Access to them and ceiling repairs are easy and do not require tools.

However, the Armstrong ceiling is not very durable and does not actually protect against leakage from above, and if the plates are fibrous, then the moisture itself irrevocably deteriorates. It is impossible to get curvilinear in terms of configuration with Armstrong, and already the diagonal design of the ceiling negates all its simplicity and cheapness: only a highly paid master will undertake such work, and it will take a lot of time.

According to the height of the room, the armstrong ceiling “eats off” at least 250 mm, so it can be extremely rare in city apartments. Nevertheless, the armstrong ceiling is used not only in offices and supermarkets, as its creators intended, but also in restaurants, entertainment centers, etc. But in such cases, Armstrong is no longer an economic, but a design decision (see the figure above).

How Armstrong works

Armstrong type ceiling device is clear from the figure. Markings on it:

  1. Ceiling plate.
  2. Cross profile 600 mm long.
  3. Bearing profile 3700 mm long.
  4. Longitudinal profile 1200 mm long.
  5. Suspension, where 5a is a hook; 5b - barbell.
  6. Perimeter (wall) profile 3000 mm long.
  7. Fixing node in the base ceiling.
  8. Fragment of a ceiling plate.

Explanations for the figure:

Dimensions ceiling tiles- 600x600 and 1200x600 mm. The latter are almost completely out of use - the ceiling of them is not strong enough.

Plates soft, mineral and organic, and hard - metal and glass, mirror and patterned. Rigid slabs are heavy, so they require special, reinforced profiles and hangers; correspondingly expensive. Mineral soft plates are also almost never used: they contain harmful mineral wool. Organic boards are made from waste paper and are harmless. Soft plates are easily cut with a mounting knife, hard ones require special tool; glass - diamond.

Profiles- painted metal or metal-plastic, with holes for suspension. Shelf width - 15 or 24 mm. Wall - L-shaped with a bend or just a corner; others - T-shaped. The profiles are connected along the length with spring locks or bent antennae. All profiles can be cut to size on the side opposite the lock.

suspension consists of a pair of 6 mm metal rods, smooth and with a hook, connected by a curved leaf spring with holes - a "butterfly". By squeezing the butterfly, the bars can be moved by adjusting the height of the suspension, and when released, it fixes them tightly. Top part smooth bar reinforced suspension profiled for secure fixation in the mounting unit.

Mounting knot- an ordinary dowel for a self-tapping screw or a metal collet. The latter is used for reinforced suspension or with a smooth, even bar. Such suspensions are required not only for hard ceilings, but also for places with a concentrated load: lamps, ventilation grilles, etc.

Ceiling fixing Armstrong is completely reversible and collapsible: an even bar is driven into or screwed into the mounting assembly without disassembling the suspension, a profile is put on the hook and, squeezing the butterfly, adjust the height along the tightly stretched cord. To access the interceiling space, one of the plates is lifted and shifted to the side. Close the opening in reverse order.

About homemade stoves

Plates from wood materials (solid wood, laminate, MDF) for some reason they are not produced for Armstrongs, but in vain. This ceiling looks great. Wooden plates for Armstrong can be cut independently from boards 600 mm wide or narrower. In the latter case, each square is assembled in a cell on standard tongues, and the excess across the width is cut off evenly on both sides. If for the frame we take the cheapest “tin” for soft plates, then each longitudinal bar will need to be reinforced with an additional suspension in the middle.

armstrong ceiling equipment

For Armstrong ceilings, a wide range of equipment 600x600 mm is produced: raster and ceiling lamps, ventilation grilles, indoor units of air conditioners, etc. round holes under spotlights in soft slabs, they are simply cut through with a mounting knife; you can also cut curly holes. For hard plates, of course, you need a special tool.

Armstrong factory plates

Armstrong calculation

Armstrong ceiling is mounted according to the results of the calculation. The purpose of the calculations is twofold: harmoniously fit the ceiling into the interior and determine the consumption of materials for it. The calculation of the perimeter is simple: measure along the walls and round up to a multiple of 3 m. For laying in corners wall profile can be cut and bent like any corner.

As for the grating, manufacturers do not recommend cutting the plates by more than half, i.e. up to less than 300 mm - additional cells appear, which requires extra work and materials. However, excessive trimming does not affect the strength of the ceiling, and the materials are cheap, so the plates are often made to fit, gradually reducing their width to the walls. This gives the ceiling a less austere look.

Example #1: the width of the room is 4.2 m = 7x0.6 m. We cut the slabs extreme to the walls into 400 and 200 mm.

  1. Along the length of the room, the cropped row refers to the wall farthest from the entrance.
  2. The width of the cut is supplemented with a solid size, the result is divided by 2 and a pair of slabs cut to this size is carried to the walls.

Example #2: room width - 2.7 m = 4x0.6 + 0.3 m. We take THREE rows in width solid slabs 0.6x3 \u003d 1.8 m. Divide the remainder 0.6 + 0.3 \u003d 0.9 m by 2. K long walls rows of slabs of 45 cm will adjoin. The number of frame cells will not increase.

The consumption rates of materials for rooms of a normal configuration are as follows:

For square or 3/4 aspect ratio rooms:

  • Bearing profile 3700 mm - 0.80 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Longitudinal profile 1200 mm - 1.60 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Cross profile 600 mm - 0.80 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Suspension - 0.6 pcs/sq. m ceiling.

For rooms with an aspect ratio of 2/3 to 1/2, the consumption rates increase slightly:

  • Bearing profile 3700 mm - 0.84 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Longitudinal profile 1200 mm - 1.68 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Cross profile 600 mm - 0.87 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Perimeter profile 3000 mm - 0.5 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Suspension - 0.7 pieces / sq. m ceiling.

In any case, the values ​​obtained are rounded up to the nearest higher integer values ​​of the pieces of the standard length profile or hanger. The perimeter is attached to the walls in increments of 0.6 m in the case of soft slabs without additional load or 0.3 m for a rigid or loaded ceiling. Spotlights and plastic ventilation grilles are not considered an additional load.

These standards are valid for premises ranging from 9-10 to 100-120 square meters. m. For other area values ​​\u200b\u200band for premises of complex configuration, the calculation of the Armstrong ceiling is carried out on an online calculator, in a building CAD system (computer-aided design system) or according to a diagram drawn on a scale, see the figure in the next section. The main rule is that the load-bearing profiles should be parallel to the short walls, this strengthens the structure (fewer joints of the load-bearing profiles) and saves material.

Suspension units

The rules for mounting armstrong ceilings provide for suspension by bearing profiles in increments of 1.2 m. Suspension units should be no further than 450 mm from the walls. The last condition is not always met. In this case, the rows of suspensions along the length of the room are arranged with a back and forth shift so that the suspension units are staggered.

Armstrong ceiling design scheme

Concentrated loads are supported by additional hangers located diagonally from the nearest main one. Very heavy earbuds (eg. indoor unit split systems or light-dynamic installation) are reinforced in the corners and, if possible, are located close to the wall.

Note: suspension hook will not allow to lay in a cell additional device, so additional suspensions should be taken a little to the side.

When marking holes on the ceiling for the mounting nodes of the suspensions, special accuracy is not required: a slight slope of the suspension is easily compensated by adjusting its height. An example of the Armstrong ceiling design scheme is shown in the figure.

Mounting the ceiling frame

Installation of Armstrong ceilings begins with the installation of the perimeter. SNiP recommend using a laser or bubble level at least 1 m long to mark the height of the perimeter, but in practice, the height of the perimeter is often beaten off from the opposite: they check the horizontalness of the floor (hacks often do without it, and nothing, they hand over the work), make height marks in the corners and the three of them beat off the contour with a chalked cord. Fast, simple and angry.

Armstrong ceiling assembly scheme (click to enlarge)

Next, the wall profile is cut to size and attached to the brick and concrete walls self-tapping screws in dowels. If the walls are sheathed with wood, there will be no special weights in the ceiling, and raster lamps no more than 1 per 5 square meters. m, then the perimeter can be fixed with nails: the suspensions bear the main load. It is strongly not recommended to hack on suspensions: take propylene dowels or put metal collets instead of dowels.

After marking with drilling holes in the ceiling, the supporting profiles are cut to size, connected on the floor into planks of the required length and laid in the perimeter. Then they are moved apart along the length, suspensions are installed and each carrier bar is aligned by sagging along a tightly stretched cord.

The next stage is the installation of longitudinal and transverse ties. Basically, two mounting schemes are used: parallel and cross, see fig.; longitudinal links are highlighted in green. In terms of material consumption, they are equivalent. The cross scheme is somewhat more laborious, but stronger, therefore it is used for places where communications will be laid or for additionally insulated ceilings. Of course, before mounting the frame, incomplete profiles are cut to size.

Armstrong ceiling assembly

How to assemble an Armstrong ceiling? Very simple: the contents of the cells are lifted one by one, tilted, inserted into the space between the ceilings and neatly placed in the cell. If it is oblique, you can not press from above to level it! It is necessary to gently push in the corners from below.

First of all, concentrated loads are stacked and communications are connected to them. Then - plates with pre-installed spotlights; wires are immediately connected to the lamps.

  • How Armstrong works
  • About homemade stoves
  • Armstrong calculation
  • Suspension units
  • Mounting the ceiling frame
  • Armstrong ceiling assembly

A cellular suspended ceiling (Armstrong type ceiling) or simply an armstrong ceiling is the most common type of suspended ceiling.


Do-it-yourself installation of an Armstrong false ceiling is child's play compared to the installation of other types of suspended ceilings, and Armstrong beats all records in terms of cheapness. However, nothing is perfect. Armstrong ceiling has both undeniable advantages and significant disadvantages.

What is good and what is bad Armstrong

The armstrong ceiling, in addition to ease of installation and low cost, also provides excellent sound and heat insulation. The interceiling space is extensive, it conveniently accommodates lamps and communications. Access to them and ceiling repairs are easy and do not require tools.

However, the Armstrong ceiling is not very durable and does not actually protect against leakage from above, and if the plates are fibrous, then the moisture itself irrevocably deteriorates. It is impossible to get curvilinear in terms of configuration with Armstrong, and already the diagonal design of the ceiling negates all its simplicity and cheapness: only a highly paid master will undertake such work, and it will take a lot of time.

According to the height of the room, the armstrong ceiling “eats off” at least 250 mm, so it can be extremely rare in city apartments. Nevertheless, the armstrong ceiling is used not only in offices and supermarkets, as its creators intended, but also in restaurants, entertainment centers, etc. But in such cases, Armstrong is no longer an economic, but a design decision (see the figure above).

How Armstrong works

Armstrong type ceiling device is clear from the figure. Markings on it:

  • Ceiling plate.

  • Cross profile 600 mm long.
  • Bearing profile 3700 mm long.
  • Longitudinal profile 1200 mm long.
  • Suspension, where 5a is a hook; 5b - barbell.
  • Perimeter (wall) profile 3000 mm long.
  • Fixing node in the base ceiling.
  • Fragment of a ceiling plate.

Explanations for the figure:

The dimensions of the ceiling tiles are 600x600 and 1200x600 mm. The latter are almost completely out of use - the ceiling of them is not strong enough.

Plates soft, mineral and organic, and hard - metal and glass, mirror and patterned. Rigid slabs are heavy, so they require special, reinforced profiles and hangers; correspondingly expensive. Mineral soft plates are also almost never used: they contain harmful mineral wool. Organic boards are made from waste paper and are harmless. Soft plates are easily cut with a mounting knife, hard ones require special tools for processing; glass - diamond.

Profiles- painted metal or metal-plastic, with holes for suspension. Shelf width - 15 or 24 mm. Wall - L-shaped with a bend or just a corner; others - T-shaped. The profiles are connected along the length with spring locks or bent antennae. All profiles can be cut to size on the side opposite the lock.

suspension consists of a pair of 6 mm metal rods, smooth and with a hook, connected by a curved leaf spring with holes - a "butterfly". By squeezing the butterfly, the bars can be moved by adjusting the height of the suspension, and when released, it fixes them tightly. The upper part of the smooth bar of the reinforced suspension is profiled for secure fixation in the mounting unit.

Mounting knot- an ordinary dowel for a self-tapping screw or a metal collet. The latter is used for reinforced suspension or with a smooth, even bar. Such suspensions are required not only for hard ceilings, but also for places with a concentrated load: lamps, ventilation grilles, etc.

Ceiling fixing Armstrong is completely reversible and collapsible: an even bar is driven into or screwed into the mounting assembly without disassembling the suspension, a profile is put on the hook and, squeezing the butterfly, adjust the height along the tightly stretched cord. To access the interceiling space, one of the plates is lifted and shifted to the side. Close the opening in reverse order.

About homemade stoves

For some reason, boards made of wood materials (solid wood, laminate, MDF) are not produced for Armstrongs, but in vain. This ceiling looks great. Wooden plates for Armstrong can be cut independently from boards 600 mm wide or narrower. In the latter case, each square is assembled in a cell on standard tongues, and the excess across the width is cut off evenly on both sides. If for the frame we take the cheapest “tin” for soft plates, then each longitudinal bar will need to be reinforced with an additional suspension in the middle.

armstrong ceiling equipment

For Armstrong ceilings, a wide range of equipment 600x600 mm is produced: raster and ceiling lamps, ventilation grilles, indoor units of air conditioners, etc. Round holes for spotlights in soft slabs are simply cut with a mounting knife; you can also cut curly holes. For hard plates, of course, you need a special tool.

Armstrong factory plates

Armstrong calculation

Armstrong ceiling is mounted according to the results of the calculation. The purpose of the calculations is twofold: harmoniously fit the ceiling into the interior and determine the consumption of materials for it. The calculation of the perimeter is simple: we measure along the walls and round up to a multiple of 3 m. For laying in the corners, the wall profile can be cut and bent like any corner.

As for the grating, manufacturers do not recommend cutting the plates by more than half, i.e. up to less than 300 mm - additional cells appear, which requires extra work and materials. However, excessive trimming does not affect the strength of the ceiling, and the materials are cheap, so the plates are often made to fit, gradually reducing their width to the walls. This gives the ceiling a less austere look.

Example #1: room width - 4.2 m = 7x0.6 m. We cut the slabs extreme to the walls into 400 and 200 mm.

  • Along the length of the room, the cropped row refers to the wall farthest from the entrance.
  • The width of the cut is supplemented with a solid size, the result is divided by 2 and a pair of slabs cut to this size is carried to the walls.

Example #2: room width - 2.7 m \u003d 4x0.6 + 0.3 m. We take THREE rows of solid slabs 0.6x3 \u003d 1.8 m in width. Divide the rest 0.6 + 0.3 \u003d 0.9 m by 2. Rows of slabs of 45 cm each will adjoin long walls. The number of frame cells will not increase.

The consumption rates of materials for rooms of a normal configuration are as follows:

For square or 3/4 aspect ratio rooms:

  • Bearing profile 3700 mm - 0.80 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Longitudinal profile 1200 mm - 1.60 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Cross profile 600 mm - 0.80 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Suspension - 0.6 pcs/sq. m ceiling.

For rooms with an aspect ratio of 2/3 to 1/2, the consumption rates increase slightly:

  • Bearing profile 3700 mm - 0.84 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Longitudinal profile 1200 mm - 1.68 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Cross profile 600 mm - 0.87 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Perimeter profile 3000 mm - 0.5 m / sq. m ceiling.
  • Suspension - 0.7 pieces / sq. m ceiling.

In any case, the values ​​obtained are rounded up to the nearest higher integer values ​​of the pieces of the standard length profile or hanger. The perimeter is attached to the walls in increments of 0.6 m in the case of soft slabs without additional load or 0.3 m for a rigid or loaded ceiling. Spotlights and plastic ventilation grilles are not considered an additional load.

These standards are valid for premises ranging from 9-10 to 100-120 square meters. m. For other area values ​​\u200b\u200band for premises of complex configuration, the calculation of the Armstrong ceiling is carried out on an online calculator, in a building CAD system (computer-aided design system) or according to a diagram drawn on a scale, see the figure in the next section. The main rule is that the load-bearing profiles should be parallel to the short walls, this strengthens the structure (fewer joints of the load-bearing profiles) and saves material.

Suspension units

The rules for mounting armstrong ceilings provide for suspension by bearing profiles in increments of 1.2 m. Suspension units should be no further than 450 mm from the walls. The last condition is not always met. In this case, the rows of suspensions along the length of the room are arranged with a back and forth shift so that the suspension units are staggered.

Armstrong ceiling design scheme

Concentrated loads are supported by additional hangers located diagonally from the nearest main one. Very heavy liners (for example, a split indoor unit or a light-dynamic unit) are reinforced at the corners and, if possible, placed close to the wall.

Note: the suspension hook will not allow placing an additional device in the cell, so additional suspensions should be taken a little to the side.

When marking holes on the ceiling for the mounting nodes of the suspensions, special accuracy is not required: a slight slope of the suspension is easily compensated by adjusting its height. An example of the Armstrong ceiling design scheme is shown in the figure.

Mounting the ceiling frame

Installation of Armstrong ceilings begins with the installation of the perimeter. SNiP recommend using a laser or bubble level at least 1 m long to mark the height of the perimeter, but in practice, the height of the perimeter is often beaten off from the opposite: they check the horizontalness of the floor (hacks often do without it, and nothing, they hand over the work), make height marks in the corners and the three of them beat off the contour with a chalked cord. Fast, simple and angry.

Armstrong ceiling assembly scheme (click to enlarge)

Next, the wall profile is cut to size and fastened to brick and concrete walls with self-tapping screws in dowels. If the walls are sheathed with wood, there will be no special weights in the ceiling, and raster lamps no more than 1 per 5 square meters. m, then the perimeter can be fixed with nails: the suspensions bear the main load. It is strongly not recommended to hack on suspensions: take propylene dowels or put metal collets instead of dowels.

After marking with drilling holes in the ceiling, the supporting profiles are cut to size, connected on the floor into planks of the required length and laid in the perimeter. Then they are moved apart along the length, suspensions are installed and each carrier bar is aligned by sagging along a tightly stretched cord.

The next stage is the installation of longitudinal and transverse ties. Basically, two mounting schemes are used: parallel and cross, see fig.; longitudinal links are highlighted in green. In terms of material consumption, they are equivalent. The cross scheme is somewhat more laborious, but stronger, therefore it is used for places where communications will be laid or for additionally insulated ceilings. Of course, before mounting the frame, incomplete profiles are cut to size.

Armstrong ceiling assembly

How to assemble an Armstrong ceiling? Very simple: the contents of the cells are lifted one by one, tilted, inserted into the space between the ceilings and neatly placed in the cell. If it is oblique, you can not press from above to level it! It is necessary to gently push in the corners from below.

First of all, concentrated loads are stacked and communications are connected to them. Then - plates with pre-installed spotlights; wires are immediately connected to the lamps.

The assembly is completed by the laying of deaf slabs. The last plate should lie with the bottom surface on the spread palms of both hands. We start, level, let go; if it gets up obliquely, we push the lower corner with a finger. Everything, Armstrong is ready!

Video instruction on installation technology

But you can still do it in an apartment!

Armstrong ceiling can be installed even in Khrushchev with ceilings of 2.5 m, if ... abandon the spring-pin suspensions. In this case, the interceiling space can be compressed up to 120 or even up to 80 mm.

How will it hang? Fasteners will be galvanized or tin corners with two holes on self-tapping screws, and suspensions will be bundles of 4-6 turns copper wire 0.6-0.8 mm, elongated. The length of such a suspension should be slightly greater than the height of the interceiling space, and the bundles are pulled up to the norm by twisting the middle of a metal pin threaded into the bundle.

The wire is cut in advance into segments of the required length, its running end is inserted alternately into the holes of the profile and the fastening unit in a kink on them. The ends of the wire are twisted. With some skill, the installation of such a suspension requires no more time than a regular one.

Video: implementation of the apartment version of the mirror Armstrong

Conclusion

Armstrong ceilings have not yet exhausted their structural and aesthetic resources. New structural elements, the material of the plates is being improved. If a suspended ceiling in an apartment is needed primarily for sound and heat insulation, then first of all, the Armstrong option should be considered; possibly - with homemade wood boards. And for garages, insulated balconies and outbuildings, armstrong is indispensable.

The ceiling of the Armstrong design has been known for a long time. We can say that this installation technology was one of the first in the market of suspended ceiling coverings.

You can mount such an Armstrong ceiling as in office space as well as apartments and private houses. The structure is made of modular plates of mineral origin. Installation of such suspended ceilings can be ordered from specialists, or you can assemble the Armstrong ceiling at home on your own. Let's take a closer look at the technology, how to do it correctly.

Advantages

Ceiling profiles made of mineral fiber can have various additives in their structure. Depending on destination ceiling covering, choose a material with a greater or lesser content of a certain additive. For example, to install an Armstrong ceiling in a room with high humidity, you need to take a profile with great content latex.

This type of ceiling coating has the following advantages:

  1. easy installation technology;
  2. the possibility of dismantling and, if necessary, repair of individual elements;
  3. does not require additional work: primers and paints;
  4. masks the defects of the ceiling surface;
  5. absorbs sounds;
  6. the possibility of mounting on the structure of any lighting fixtures and fire extinguishing systems;
  7. big choice profiles;
  8. easy care.

The advantages of a ceiling covering are many. It remains to learn how to make the Armstrong ceiling with your own hands.

disadvantages

Like any product, Armstrong has its drawbacks:

  • do not tolerate constant exposure to moisture. If neighbors from the upper floors flood you often, then set another option;
  • cannot stand sudden and frequent temperature fluctuations. Plates may turn yellow and deform;
  • brittle material. But, replacing one or two tiles is not difficult, so buy them with a margin.

The disadvantages are not so significant. But, if you decide to mount the Armstrong ceiling, you still need to know about them.

Varieties

The structure of the structure differs in color, texture of the material and additives to it. Such a large selection allows you to create a structure from several levels at the installation stage of Armstrong.

The material from which the profile plates are made is:

  • embossed;
  • decorated with various elements;
  • perforated;
  • all plates form one geometric pattern.

The profiles are produced in two versions - square rectangular. The profile is also divided into the following types, and it depends on the installation location:

  1. economy class. This is the most a budget option but the quality is good;
  2. functional. Absolutely moisture-proof profile;
  3. acoustic. Handles noise issues well
  4. hygienic. Plates are treated with a protective, bactericidal layer against fat sticking;
  5. designer. Plates can be with a pattern or other original design.

The choice is impressive. It remains only to decide on the installation technology, and for which room to make the Armstrong ceiling.

Calculation of the material for the structure

To calculate accessories for an Armstrong ceiling, start with a sketch or diagram. This will make it easier to figure out how much and what you need. With the right calculations, you save money, because there is no excess material left.

  • measure the perimeter of the room. To pass the wall corner, plastic self-tapping screws and dowels are needed (fastening step 40-50 cm);
  • longitudinal guides are mounted between the walls (step not less than 3.7 m). The distance between the guide profiles is 120 cm;
  • transverse profiles (120 cm) are fastened between the carriers in increments of 60 cm; and between them - short, 60 cm long. You need to take as many short jumpers as long ones;
  • suspensions. Extreme mounted at a distance of 40 cm from the wall. The rest - in increments of 40-80 cm from each other The number of hangers for the Armstrong ceiling per 1m2 is calculated;
  • if it is planned to install lighting fixtures, 2 suspensions are required, located at the corners of the cell.

In order not to get confused in your own sketch when calculating, label each element different color . So you can easily calculate the required number of all parts for installation.

You can use online calculator . You just need to enter your parameters.

Installation

The installation technology of each suspended canvas includes several stages. So in the case of Armstrong ceiling installation technology. Preparation includes purchasing necessary materials, the choice of colors and profile textures.

You can see how to install Armstrong ceilings with your own hands in the video below. The whole installation includes several steps:

  • the first thing to do to assemble the Armstrong suspended ceiling is to install the frame;
  • we make markings with indents from the surface of at least 100 mm. Use a level. We put marks in the corners.

With the Armstrong ceiling installation technology, the second stage is the fastening of the profiles after marking:

  1. we mount the corner profile around the entire perimeter with dowels. The fastening spacing is not more than 400 mm;
  2. now we install long, load-bearing rails (370 cm). Sometimes a longer length is needed. In this case, we connect the rails with locks located on them. The layout of the rails is carried out in parallel. There is a diagonal mounting option, but this is too difficult a process.

At the final level of installation, it remains to install suspensions. The element is two metal rod small diameter. Details are threaded through the plate - petal:

  1. between the supporting profiles we mount suspensions, which are adjustable in length, to fix the rails to the ceiling;
  2. rails (120 cm) are attached perpendicularly load-bearing elements. Be sure to follow the step, otherwise the plates may fall out or not fit into the cells;
  3. if you want to mount lighting devices, then you need to do this during the installation of the frame;
  4. laying slabs. If necessary, you can cut off the excess parts with a hacksaw.

Profile cassettes, if necessary, can be painted in any color. But, do this before installation..

This is how the Armstrong suspended ceiling installation technology is carried out with your own hands. If follow step by step instructions, then there is nothing complicated, quite can handle the task on your own.

Peculiarities

Now you know how to properly assemble the Armstrong ceiling. Like any design, it has its own characteristics during installation.

The Armstrong technology is open type suspended structure. It means that ceiling elements do not completely close their elements - something remains outside.
Ceiling tiles are produced for rooms with high humidity, which can be installed in bathrooms. You can also install the Armstrong ceiling in any other room, like an ordinary, non-moisture resistant profile.

Even after the installation of the coating, there is access to the space under the plates - they are easily moved away. This is his advantage. If mounted stretch fabric, then get to concrete pavement won't work anymore.

Light bulbs for lighting fixtures mounted in the ceiling can be halogen and LED.

Most often, the Armstrong ceiling is mounted with a cellular or perforated slab structure.

If you need to install optional accessory, then this is done simply - the configuration of the plates changes.

How to care?

How to make an Armstrong suspended ceiling is already clear, but how to care for the structure? The coating is also popular because it does not need any special care.

But, after a while, any surface can become dirty. It is possible to tidy up the structure slabs with the help of dry or wet cleaning. To remove the web, use a vacuum cleaner. It happens that specks or plaque appear on the surface - erase them with an ordinary eraser.

To make the Armstrong ceiling clean with wet cleaning, you need to dilute soap solution. Just do not use compounds containing abrasive particles. You can wash the surface with a soft sponge or flannel cloth.

In the description of how to make an Armstrong ceiling, two types of construction were considered. One of them is cellular. You can wash such a profile under running water. To do this, you can remove the plates and clean them in turn from contamination. After washing, be sure to dry the cassettes, wipe them, and only then put them in place.

Requirements

When you need to assemble the Armstrong ceiling, you must follow some requirements for installation technology. So, you can install the tiles of the structure only when everything is finished installation work. This includes more than just ceiling installation. If conducted general repair rooms, finish with walls and floor, glaze window openings, and then proceed to install the cassettes.

How to mount a suspended ceiling is known, but should be observed indoors certain temperature during its installation. It is desirable that the heating system works, and the bar did not fall below 16 degrees. Humidity in the room should also be optimal - no higher than 70%.

Before you make an Armstrong ceiling, think in advance about location of lighting fixtures and their fixing between cassettes.

If you decide to make Armstrong ceilings, then you should not overpay the craftsmen. The technology is considered the simplest, and it is not at all difficult to complete the entire installation yourself. You can cope during the day in a separate room.

In the process of work, protect your hands with gloves, because the mineral component of the plates can cause irritation. When laying cassettes with a printed pattern, make sure that the image is not lost, choose the right plates.

Armstrong ceilings are considered simple given their design and construction. Their design is really simple, it consists of light metal profiles and mineral fiber panels. However, the simplicity of design today is often a common stereotype when it comes to the Armstrong ceiling system. Modern suspended ceilings are characterized by a wide variety of colors, materials and shapes.

Advantages

This method of finishing ceilings hides surface irregularities and makes it possible to lay communications under the ceiling. This can be electrical wiring, fire alarms, fire extinguishing, ventilation or climate control systems.

- Ease of installation.

- Easy access to hidden wiring, pipes.

- A wide variety of materials color spectrum cassettes, invoices.

- Good soundproofing properties.

— The materials from which the system is made do not harm the environment.

- Good moisture resistance and safety in case of fire.

- Acceptable price.

disadvantages

There are not many disadvantages of this type of ceilings. These include a slight (8-10 cm) reduction in the height of the ceiling and instability to a large amount of moisture. If the roof starts to leak or the neighbors flood, the cassettes will begin to deform.

When hit very a large number the waters may even fall. However, the installation of new cassettes is not difficult and will take little time. Another disadvantage is that the cassettes are easily damaged mechanically.

Armstrong plates are not suitable for lovers of complex curved surfaces. Although modern systems provide curved cassettes, but they are designed for halls with high ceilings and large area.

Armstrong ceiling design

To install a suspended ceiling, three types of profiles are used plus plates, which are commonly called cassettes.

Materials from which cassettes are made:

  • wood fiber;
  • mineral raw materials;
  • panels covered with natural wood or plastic laminate;
  • chipboard;
  • Metal slats, powder coated.

Today the market provides a large selection of types of plane cassettes. The selection includes a wide color scheme, smooth or rough surfaces, embossed or perforated and even 3d effect.

The load that the profiles of the system can withstand is 15 kg per square meter. If this indicator is less than 4 kg per square meter, the profile can be mounted at a distance of 60 cm from the profile mounted on the wall. If this condition is not met, the distance must be 45 cm or less.

The ceiling suspension mounting pitch is 120 cm or less. The distance of the lower part of the frame structure to the base ceiling is 12 cm, it may be less. Adhering to these parameters, they ensure the convenience of mounting the cassettes and, if necessary, dismantling.

Another element of the Armstrong ceiling design are suspensions. Suspensions consist of two spokes connected by a curved metal plate. The plate not only sets the desired length of the suspension, but also plays the role of a spring. Knitting needles, if desired, are made by hand using hard wire.

Another design feature is that the panels are not rigidly attached to the frame, but simply fit into the grid. Therefore, they are easy to dismantle. The size of the ceiling cassettes is standard: 59.5 by 59.5 cm, the thickness may be different, but, as a rule, it is 20 mm. Therefore, the frame grid consists of squares with sides of 60 cm. The profile of the mounting edges can have a different shape.

Standard profiles used in the design of the Armstrong ceiling frame:

  • main T15, T24, length 370 cm;
  • crossing T15; T24, length 60 or 120 cm;
  • corner 19 by 24 mm for wall mounting.
  • The main profile is made with slots for connection with the crossing profile. For fixing these profiles, special locks are used.

    Preparing for installation

    All provided communications and wiring must be laid under the ceiling before installation. Places for the output of communications should be provided, for example, wiring for lamps or fire alarm to install clips. Because the cassettes are not rigidly attached, you can always remove them again. But this operation will require additional time.

    It is necessary to allocate time to calculate the quantity and type of material and check the availability necessary tool. The waste of material is also taken into account by introducing a coefficient of 1.05-1.1. An accurate calculation will allow you to complete the work quickly, without additional trips to the hardware store. Time is also needed to select the plate. You should take into account the tastes of all family members, because the ceiling will decorate the house for many years. Most of the offered cassettes can be painted in a different color. It would be correct to ask about such an opportunity at the point of sale where the ceiling system is purchased.

    Next, markings are applied on the walls for the future frame. Ceilings are rarely perfectly flat, and on the upper floors they used to be made with a slope. Therefore, you first need to calculate the lowest point of the main ceiling. To determine it, determine the value of all internal and external angles and choose its minimum value.

    Via building level draw a horizontal line along all walls, defining the level of the ceiling. The distance of fastening the profile from the ceiling, as a rule, is 10 cm, does not exceed 20 cm. The drawn line must be horizontal, which is ensured using the same level - a laser axle builder or a simple hydraulic one. The marked points on the wall can be connected using a dyeing cord. They do the same for drawing the ceiling line. For lack of it, you can use a flat rail.

    The next step is to determine the center of the ceiling. opposite sides rectangular room must be connected with threads. The place where they intersect is the center. Draw two lines through the center parallel to the walls premises. Thus, the stream will be divided into four equal parts.

    Correct marking of the ceiling will make it possible to determine the attachment points of the frame guides. 30 cm recede from the two central lines in both directions. The rest of the ceiling is drawn in parallel lines with a step of 60 cm - this corresponds to the dimensions of the frame lattice. Narrower stripes will remain along the edges of the markings. This means that the cassettes adjacent to the walls will have to be cut. Under the walls, it's not so conspicuous. In addition, this technique provides a symmetrical arrangement of ceiling tiles.

    Installation and installation of false ceilings Armstrong

    A wall profile is mounted along the walls. The marking line corresponds to the bottom of the profile. The profile is screwed to the wall long side. to concrete or brick walls the profile is attached using dowels, under which holes are drilled. If the walls are made of wood, the profile is screwed immediately, without drilling holes. Using scissors for metal, cut the profile at the ends. The angle should be 45 degrees.

    Installation of hangers

    The next operation in the process of installing the Armstrong ceiling is the installation of suspensions. Suspensions are fixed to the main ceiling with dowels. Dowel holes are drilled into concrete, so a drill with a pobedite tip is needed. Suspensions are attached in increments that do not exceed 90 cm. In this case, the row from the wall is 45 cm or 60 cm, depending on the load, as already described above. If the ceiling needs to be insulated, the number of hangers must be increased, taking into account the load that occurs due to the weight of the insulating material. Lighting mounted on their own, separate suspensions, which must independently bear the load.

    Longitudinal profiles are attached to the suspensions, their length is 3.7 m. Fastening is provided with a hook inserted into a special hole in the profile. Locks are installed in the slots to secure the transverse profiles. The ends of each profile rest on a horizontal shelf of the wall rail. At the ends of the rails there is a lock that allows you to increase the length of the rails to the required length. Thus, the composite rail serves as a monolithic one.

    Stacking cassettes

    The next step, laying the cassettes in the frame, should be carried out with room temperature. Therefore, all windows and doors are installed at this moment, the floor is ready and there is no dust in the room. Under such conditions, Armstrong suspended ceiling cassettes are placed in cells. In the drilled holes, lamps are installed on special suspensions.

    After a few days, the installed ceiling must be checked for horizontality. In case of deviations, the frame is adjusted using suspensions.

    Instruments

    • Hammer drill, powerful drill or screwdriver, depending on the material of the walls and floors.
    • Phillips screwdriver.
    • A hammer.
    • Pliers.
    • Building level.
    • Construction pencil or ink ribbon.

    DIY Armstrong false ceiling installation video