Stretch ceilings, thanks to the variety of textures and colors, are becoming increasingly popular. Traditionally, they are installed in bathrooms and living rooms. But when finishing a kitchen, fears rightly arise about whether the material will be damaged by high temperatures from gas equipment: a stove, a water heater or a boiler. Let's figure it out in order.
Do they make suspended ceilings in the kitchen?
When food is cooked indoors, heat is generated, humidity rises, and particles of fat and soot settle, especially when using a gas stove. Finishing materials in the kitchen are selected taking into account these conditions.
Stretch ceilings tolerate humidity well and condensation does not accumulate on the surface. In case of flooding, they will protect the kitchen from leaks. The water will be contained by the canvas; later it can be carefully drained, without affecting the appearance of the ceiling in any way.
The materials do not absorb odors, are easily cleaned from dirt, do not crack and do not require updating. But it is advisable to install a hood so that combustion products settle less on the finish.
But the biggest concern is whether the suspended ceiling will sag above the gas stove. There is no need to worry about this. When installing film stretch ceilings, a heat gun is used. To stretch the fabric, the PVC film is heated to 70°C. Under normal conditions in the kitchen, such a high temperature is only possible above the burner area, which is located quite far from the ceiling. The oven and microwave do not affect the material. Such temperature changes will have absolutely no effect on it.
Conclusion: you can use a suspended ceiling in a kitchen with a gas stove. Moreover, the material has a high fire safety class and is best suited for the given premises.
An additional advantage of suspended ceilings is the ability to integrate spotlights. This illuminates and at the same time highlights the cooking area. At the same time, the minimum distance from the ceiling is 2-3 centimeters, that is, the ceiling height will hardly decrease. Visually, it can even be increased if you choose a glossy finish.
Requirements for a kitchen ceiling
When choosing the type of finishing for the kitchen ceiling, take into account the features of this room.
The ceiling surface in the kitchen must meet the following requirements:
- Hygiene . The ceiling surface must be washable.
- Resistant to temperature changes . It is always hot above the stove, but when it is not working, the temperature drops sharply.
- Moisture resistance.
If the selected ceiling material does not have at least one of these properties, choose another option. In case of difficulty, sales consultants in construction stores will help with the choice.
Material selection
Two types of materials are used as fabric for suspended ceilings:
- Polyvinyl chloride film.
- Synthetic polyester fabric impregnated with polyurethane.
Film sheets can be matte, glossy or satin. They are easy to clean and affordable, but are damaged when in contact with sharp objects. Synthetic fabric is only matte and in appearance resembles a plastered ceiling. Caring for fabric is a little more complicated (although easier than painting or whitewashing) and the price is significantly higher. But polyester is stronger.
Based on surface type, ceilings are divided into smooth and textured. Only the first ones are suitable for kitchens, especially if there is no hood. They are easier to clean, since there are no microcavities in which dirt and dust would accumulate.
In small kitchens they choose film with a glossy effect - it makes the room seem taller. And for spacious ones, matte or satin ones are suitable. Fabric ceilings are combined with more luxurious or classic interiors.
The color can be any, the main thing is that it matches other materials and furniture. Light colors, like a glossy surface, visually make the room taller.
There are quite a few manufacturers on the Russian market, but the main ones are from China and France. Chinese ones are cheaper (on average 260 rubles per square meter), but the quality is lower. French ones will cost more, about 450 rubles. But the ceiling will last longer. In any case, when purchasing, you should check the hygiene certificate and fire safety class, and conclude an agreement before paying.
Rules for installing suspended ceilings in a kitchen with a gas water heater
When installing, they are guided by SP 41-108-2004. The chimney through which combustion products exit must be located no closer than 50 mm from the suspended ceiling. Otherwise, the canvas may become deformed or melt. In some cases, a thermal frame is additionally mounted.
The pipe requires a layer of thermal insulation. A corrugated chimney and suspended ceiling do not combine with each other, since the aluminum surface gets very hot. In a kitchen with a gas water heater, a coaxial chimney is chosen. These are two pipes of different diameters inserted into one another. Smoke comes out through the inside, and cold air from the street comes in through the gap between them. As a result, the surface does not overheat.
There is another option - to make a chimney using the sandwich principle: from a metal pipe with a layer of thermal insulation. The outer surface will not overheat either.
The suspended ceiling and geyser in the kitchen require regular ventilation, since vinyl film does not allow air to pass through well. Mold or mildew will not form on the ceiling if there is insufficient ventilation, but it will become more difficult to breathe in such a kitchen.
Under no circumstances should the tension structure block access to the ventilation shafts.
How to choose an outdoor hood
There are several types of hoods, which differ in their location in the house and installation.
The most common options:
- Ventilation in the wall. The standard type of ventilation described earlier. An air duct is installed through the wall, and it brings air from the street into the kitchen.
- It is also possible to install a hood in the countertop. The advantage of this type of hood is that it is invisible, does not occupy a large area and is silent. Typically, this type of ventilation will draw out vapors that would normally be found above the hob.
The power of the hood should be selected in accordance with the cubic capacity of the kitchen
Additionally read:
- Do-it-yourself installation of metal-plastic pipes: types of connections and tools
- Error codes for the Neva Lux gas boiler - malfunctions and what to do in a specific situation
Fume hoods should be selected based on the cubic capacity of the kitchen. The larger the kitchen, the more powerful the hood should be chosen. Its capacity is calculated in cubic meters per hour: that is, how much air can be renewed per hour using specific ventilation. Experts recommend choosing a hood that can refresh the air about five times in one hour. Calculating the desired hood power is not difficult: as a last resort, you can find a special calculator that will calculate everything for you. Based on this most important criterion, you need to choose a hood for the kitchen.
Features of ceiling finishing in rooms with a gas boiler
Typically, gas heating equipment is located in utility rooms (boiler rooms). They install massive floor-standing boilers, which are mainly used as instantaneous water heaters, and sometimes for heating. If you have gas, it is cheaper than electricity. But when using a coaxial chimney, it is allowed to install wall-hung gas boilers in kitchens. This is due to the fact that the surface of such a pipe heats up less.
It is possible to combine a suspended ceiling and a gas boiler. The main thing is to comply with building codes and regulations. They apply to both installation and operation of gas appliances. If they are difficult to implement, a combined ceiling is made: suspended above the boiler from non-flammable material, and film or fabric is stretched in the rest of the room.
Conduit for PVC ceilings
All procedures associated with cutting stretched polyvinyl chloride film must be carried out very carefully. Any careless movement may damage the canvas. Recommendations from professionals will help minimize the risk. Experienced specialists advise to first determine the point where the heating pipe will pass and make a bypass before starting installation work.
For pipes located at long distances, it is better to buy ready-made plastic bends. They are available in different sizes, so there should be no problems with the choice. If necessary, the size can be slightly increased with a knife.
Pipe lines
If two pipes are located next to each other, follow these steps:
- Measure the size of the pipes.
- Apply the measurement results to the workpiece in the shape of a rectangle.
- Make holes in the plastic.
- Glue the outline.
Measurements must be taken accurately, otherwise the workpiece may not fit and you will have to do everything again.
Which ceiling is best for a kitchen with a gas stove?
The choice of material is dictated by the necessary properties:
- Water resistance - the kitchen ceiling has to be washed frequently.
- Aesthetics - as in other rooms, the surface should be smooth.
- Wear resistance and durability.
Let's consider the most popular ceiling finishing options from the point of view of the conditions of the kitchen space.
Painting
In Soviet times, enamel was used, which emphasized all the irregularities. Then we moved on to whitewashing and painting. This makes the ceiling look smoother. But the coating cracked and turned yellow, and had to be renewed from time to time. Water-based paint is better suited for kitchen areas - it can be washed. But if there is flooding or high humidity, the coating will have to be completely renewed.
Vinyl wallpapers
A more modern option is gluing vinyl wallpaper. This coating does not require leveling. Subsequently, they are washed with a damp sponge. But gluing wallpaper to the ceiling is quite inconvenient. And if they flood, they will have to be completely replaced. There are liquid wallpapers that can be updated in parts.
Ceiling tiles
A more budget-friendly option is ceiling tiles that are glued to the base. If there are no large differences in height, leveling is not required. The tiles are durable and can be replaced in separate pieces if necessary. But it does not suit any interior. In kitchens without hoods, yellow or beige colors are chosen so that dirt is less noticeable.
PVC panels
Plastic panels are attached to guides, and the joints are sealed with sealant. But they turn yellow when exposed to sunlight, and cheap options emit harmful substances. They have to be cleaned frequently, since the fat is washed off only until it dries.
Drywall
A suspended ceiling made of waterproof plasterboard is more durable. It is made multi-level, lamps are built in, communications and floor beams are hidden. But the height decreases noticeably - by 10-20 centimeters. And over time, cracks form at the joints. If flooded, the entire structure will have to be redone.
Aluminum slats
An unusual option is a slatted ceiling made of lamellas. To prevent dirt from clogging, choose a system with closed seams. The most commonly used material is aluminum. But this finish costs much more than other options.
Stretch ceilings are resistant to moisture and detergents, do not fade in the sun, do not absorb odors, are easy to maintain and do not need updating. They are not even afraid of flooding. Thus, this is the most durable and practical coating.
In what cases can the canvas not be cut?
Sometimes you don’t need to do a tension contour; cutting the blade in this case is not necessary. Pipes that are located at window openings can be easily hidden by making a hidden baguette. In this case, the canvas will not need to be brought to the external wall, and cutting of the material will be avoided.
If a bypass of ventilation pipes or hoods is required, you can install a protective ring of suitable size. Large fixed pipes can be bypassed by joining the sheets. Another option is to use extra baguettes.
