Fiber Ceiling: Characteristics and Installation

Fiber Ceiling: Characteristics

Fiber ceiling consists of a metal frame – a suspension system – and metal panels mounted on this structure. The ribs are made from aluminum or steel and coated with a protective-decorative layer. The suspension system is built from special aluminum or steel profiles with slots into which the ribs, fasteners and suspensions snap.

Aluminum ceilings are suitable for use in any conditions, while steel suspended ceilings can only be used in dry rooms, and combining aluminum and steel elements in one suspension system in humid conditions is undesirable as it may cause corrosion.

The most widespread application has suspended fiber aluminum ceilings. The ribs are produced in various lengths and widths, which allows for finishing the same ceiling using different combinations of panels.

These suspended ceilings come in closed and open types: the open type is distinguished by the fact that the ribs are installed with a small gap between them, into which decorative inserts can be placed.

Photo 1 — Two-color fiber ceiling

Aluminum Fiber Suspended Ceilings – Advantages

• Aluminum ceiling is universal – it can be used to finish the ceiling in both residential and non-residential spaces.
• Aluminum ceilings are available in various colors and textures, with matte or glossy finishes. Mirror elements in golden or silver tones especially enrich the interior.
• The suspended ceiling can be installed at any level, which is convenient for concealing all possible ceiling utilities. Adjustable suspensions allow creating a perfectly flat surface.
• One of the main advantages of aluminum fiber ceilings is their resistance to moisture and water. Prolonged exposure to these factors, such as in a bathroom or pool, will not affect the metal and they retain their appearance.
• The ceiling is resistant to household chemicals and disinfectants, making it easy to clean. Water resistance and thorough cleaning capabilities make aluminum ceilings clean, hygienic, and safe for health.
• The metal ceiling has a much longer service life than, for example, a ceiling made of mineral wool boards. It can last for decades without any changes, and in case of repair, the structure allows easy replacement of any part.

Diagram 1 — Components of a Suspended Ceiling

Installation of a Suspended Fiber Ceiling

Before installing a suspended ceiling by yourself, you need to buy it. For that, accurate ceiling measurements and a detailed plan of the suspension system are required, based on which you can calculate the number of components. Their purchase is made with a small surplus to avoid shortages.

To create a fiber ceiling, you need: end profile installed along the perimeter, load-bearing beams and their suspensions, ribs and inserts – intermediate profiles.

Installation of a suspended fiber ceiling begins with marking its level. The optimal height of a suspended ceiling is determined based on the overall ceiling height and the utilities that will be located underneath.

A horizontal line is drawn along all walls at the required height, and angle brackets – end profiles – are installed using dowels and screws with a drill.

Next, load-bearing beams are installed: the required length of the beam is measured from protruding to protruding part, and using suspensions, the beams are mounted to the ceiling. Their edges are fixed in the end profile by making small cuts in its upper part.

After that, the ribs and inserts must be cut to the appropriate length (it should be less than the distance between opposite walls but greater than the distance between the edges of opposing end profiles). The edges of these elements are inserted into the end profiles and snapped into the beam mounting. First, two ribs must be mounted, followed by installing an intermediate profile between them. Holes for light fixtures are cut during the installation process.

Photo 2 — Stylish curved fiber suspended ceiling

Installation of Fiber Suspended Ceilings, Video:

Fiber Suspended Ceiling – Price

Fiber ceilings made of aluminum are offered by many manufacturers. Products from domestic companies cost less than those from internationally recognized brands.

Among Russian companies, one can highlight well-established manufacturers such as Albes and Bard. German quality is offered by the company Geipel, one of the most famous and, accordingly, more expensive brands of aluminum suspended ceilings – Dutch Luxalon.

One square meter of an Albes ceiling costs on average 550 rubles, while Geipel costs 960 rubles.