Rack aluminum ceiling: pros and cons

Suspended ceilings have been very popular for a long time. They are distinguished by their simplicity of design and speed of construction. Previously, only plasterboard or plastic panels were used as a finishing material. Today, structures from aluminum slats have appeared. Ceiling systems of this kind allow you to create unique interiors.

Rack ceilings are suspended systems that are installed below the level of the main floor. Their main purpose is to decorate surfaces. The rack ceiling consists of several main elements:

• Wall profile. The design can have a different section. In most cases, U-shaped models are used. They are needed to fix the end rails and form a solid system. Therefore, outwardly, it must match the color of the entire canvas.

• Stringer. The element is a load-bearing profile made of stainless or galvanized steel. The decorative elements themselves are attached to it. The design can have different sizes of grooves, which are selected for the rails themselves.
• Suspensions. The main task of these elements is to connect the stringer to the ceiling. They are used as intermediaries to align the bottom plane at the same level.
• Aluminum slats. The products are supplemented with special grooves that allow them to be put on the frame.

Aluminum ceilings fit well with many modern interiors.

This is due to several significant advantages of them:

• Resistant to moisture. Aluminum practically does not corrode, since a kind of protective layer forms on its surface. The manufacturer additionally also processes materials with various primers. Therefore, the slatted ceiling can be installed both in the bathroom and in large swimming pools.

• Fire resistance. The metal is non-flammable and does not support combustion. When heated, it does not emit any harmful substances. If the room needs to adhere to strict fire safety rules, then rack systems will be an alternative solution to this problem.
• Quality indicators of light reflection. The surface of the rail is polished, after which it reflects the light flux much better. This feature allows you to equip the ceilings with low-power lamps, which are leveled due to the previously described phenomenon.

• Durability. The material is practically not damaged by external factors (bacteria, mold, etc.). Aluminum can retain its original properties for several decades.
• Strength. It is achieved due to the fact that the entire ceiling structure is made of metal that can easily withstand mechanical stress.
• Ease of installation. All elements are attached using self-tapping screws or other types of fasteners. The rails themselves just need to be inserted correctly, without using any fastening systems.

• Installation speed it is also achieved due to its low weight, which allows all operations to be carried out independently or with an assistant.
• Unique design features. But at the same time, it is undesirable to use them in bedrooms or children's rooms, since they differ in cold shades.It all depends only on personal preference and the correct combination of light and interior decoration.

• Ease of repair. Almost all ceiling elements are type-setting and do not depend on each other in any way. Therefore, it will not be difficult to replace a specific part if necessary. This applies not only to rails, but also to suspensions. But if the support profile fails, then to replace it, you will need to dismantle a certain part of the ceiling system.

As for the negative aspects, only a few facts can be noted here:

• The softness of aluminum. The top decorative layer of the strip is easily scratched with sharp objects. But if you do not intentionally carry out such actions, then this disadvantage can be leveled.
• Reducing the height of the room. This is achieved by means of suspensions, which can take up from 5 to 15 cm of space. Very often, to visually smooth out this phenomenon, mirror slats are used, which are fragile.

Aluminum ceilings are versatile systems.

Rack type suspended ceilings are stackable, which allows using various types of structures during installation. The technical features of this system mainly describe the parameters of the aluminum decorative panels.

Rack ceilings are distinguished by the following design characteristics:

• Externally, the panel is a kind of aluminum profile. The thickness of these elements ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 mm.
• The length of the slats. Standard modifications (according to GOST) have dimensions of 2-6 m. But some manufacturers provide the ability to manufacture structures with specific parameters.

• The form. The decorative panel is equipped with ends specially curved inward. Their shape can be different, but often stringers can be easily selected for it.
• Structure. Decorative strips can be solid or perforated. The latter option is more expensive and therefore less common.
• The weight. This characteristic depends primarily on other technical characteristics of the structure. Often, 1 m2 of a quality product weighs from 1 to 3 kg. You can find out this characteristic from a specific manufacturer, which will allow you to choose the best option.

As for the rest of the suspended ceiling components, they practically do not differ from standard modifications. They are made from the same aluminum or galvanized steel. The thickness of the profiles does not exceed 2 mm.

Slatted ceilings are sold in small standard sets. Their parameters often indicate the dimensions of the lamellas and the area they cover. When choosing a rack system, it is important to take into account not only its design features, but also technical parameters. Some low-quality modifications of long length can sag over time and lose their elasticity. Therefore, all technical characteristics must be optimally assessed before mounting in a particular room.

Suspended slatted ceilings fit well into any modern office.

This is due to the unique design features:

• Colour. Manufacturers produce panels in almost any color shade. White and gray designs are considered classic and are suitable for many modern offices. But if you are planning to adapt the ceiling in a private house, then the market presents red, black and other colors. Systems for gold or silver have gained particular popularity. Please note that plain ceilings are somewhat less common. The best option is the use of several shades, which alternate in the form of long stripes.

• Texture. The top layer of the lath can be smooth or textured. The first type includes classic office ceiling modifications. Today you can find lamellas, which are made under a tree.This makes it possible to imitate ordinary wood paneling, while combining different types of structure and colors. Such systems are supplemented with unique lighting devices that give them high-quality decorative indicators.

Depending on the location of the slats on the ceiling surface, these structures can be divided into the following types:

• Closed. Here all the slats fit together tightly. Outwardly, it is somewhat similar to an ordinary plastic lining. The elements are interconnected with the help of special grooves that allow the ends to be snapped in. Closed ceilings are a unique opportunity to obtain a classic conservative surface with a minimum of decorative inserts.

• Open. A feature of this system is the incomplete joining of the rails. After installation, small grooves (up to 16 mm) remain between these elements. After installation, special decorative inserts are inserted into these slots. They can be made of both plastic and aluminum (the second option is preferable). By combining these segments, you can get a beautiful and original surface.

Suspended ceilings allow you to visually divide the room into zones. But only rectangular shapes are supported here. But if you choose the optimal direction before installing, then you can get a rather interesting design effect.

The quality of a suspended slatted ceiling depends not only on correct installation, but also on the quality of the materials. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to the reviews of users and manufacturers of these products. Today, among the various brands, several high-quality brands of slatted ceilings should be distinguished:

• Albes. The company produces unique structures from a profile with a thickness of at least 0.6 mm. According to user recall, these ceilings are very rarely sagging and are also easy to assemble. The range of colors of products is practically not limited by anything, which allows you to choose a unique design for yourself. Please note that the manufacturer produces not only smooth but also curved slats. Such peculiar arc designs look beautiful and non-standard.

• "Bard". One of the leaders in the production of slatted ceilings in the domestic market. Among the advantages of the products, one can single out the low weight of the canvases (up to 1.5 kg / m2), as well as the presence of a dust-repellent and moisture-resistant coating. The ceilings of this brand are perfectly combined with various types of lamps. The range includes both household and office modifications.

• Geipel. Ceilings from a German manufacturer, distinguished by the high quality of all components. Among the positive qualities, one can note the environmental friendliness and safety of materials, which, even at high temperatures, do not emit toxic components into the external environment. Reiki tolerates moisture well, retaining its structure even with prolonged exposure to water. The assortment is presented by constructions of a closed and open type.

• Hunter Douglas. The ceilings from this Dutch manufacturer are some of the finest in the world. The service life of such systems exceeds 25 years. The only drawback of these products is the high price, which corresponds to the quality.
• Prometal. The products of the Italian company are also of high quality, corresponding to modern standards. In terms of rating, they are practically not inferior to the previous representative. The company produces many different modifications of rails, which can be matched in both color and size.

In this kitchen, the aluminum strip ceiling accentuates the overall high-tech design, matching the furniture and the reds and whites used in the interior. The room looks elegant, sterile and beautiful.

In this case, the slatted ceiling plays with a luxurious chandelier, which is reflected in it in all its splendor.

In a long hallway of a public building or hotel, such a ceiling is necessary so that it is not only cozy and light, but also solemn. The furniture and green plants are well chosen.

Aluminum slatted ceilings are also suitable for decorating pools in spa centers. They allow you to get the necessary atmosphere in these places, they are hygienic. Lamps are built into them, then a large room always receives enough lighting.

For information on how to make a do-it-yourself aluminum slatted ceiling in the bathroom, see the next video.