When stretching the ceiling, problems often arise with the installation of lighting fixtures, especially if it is a bulky chandelier. The optimal solution is a mortgage under the chandelier in a stretch ceiling, which allows you to create a rigid frame of the required shape and size.
You can install a mortgage element yourself, after selecting the necessary type of structure. Agree, there is no need to overpay for the five-minute work of the master, which you can do for free and no less high quality.
Modern manufacturers offer several types of embedded construction, which is selected depending on the parameters of the lighting device. Next, detailed instructions will be presented on how to install the platform under the chandelier, which will help you navigate the installation process and complete it correctly.
The purpose of the mortgage platform
The design is a special element that allows you to securely fix the lighting device on the base ceiling, which will be hidden under a tension coating.
Many masters make embedded items with their own hands, however, such work requires additional time, skills.
To simplify the installation of the chandelier in a stretch ceiling, ready-made platforms made of durable plastic will help, which are selected in accordance with the parameters of the lighting device
The embedded element performs the function of a kind of frame that holds a certain structure. A robust platform avoids the impact of a heavy chandelier on a stretched canvas.
Since such mortgages are often made of heat-resistant plastic, they also perform the function of protecting the stretch ceiling from the heat emitted by the device.
Varieties of fixtures for the chandelier
If universal fixed elements are used when fixing spotlights, then special platforms are made for installing a bulky chandelier. The former externally resemble a monolithic pyramid, made up of several rings, the inner opening of which can be adjusted depending on the parameters of the lamp.
In the second case, monolithic structures made of durable plastic are used, which ensures reliable fastening even for a dimensional chandelier. Round, square and cross-shaped elements are produced, when choosing which it is important to rely on the dimensions of the base of the chandelier.
Do not choose too soft and fragile areas, because otherwise they can bend under the weight of the chandelier, and subsequently deform when heated
For convenience, on the front side of the structure there is a perforation for self-tapping screws, which makes it easy to screw a bar or cross of any size.
On the reverse side, markings of non-through holes are marked, which are intended for fastening metal suspensions.
Preparing to install a mortgage
Before starting work, you should carefully inspect the ceiling for cracks, chips, and other damage. The strength of the installed structure depends on this, especially if it is designed for heavy loads.
In order to mount the platform under the chandelier, you need to prepare the following tools:
- drill with a set of carbide drills;
- material for marking drilling points;
- hand saw or jigsaw.
In addition, you will need a set of corks or dowels, tape suspensions and scissors for metal. When installing plastic embedded elements, you can restrict yourself to a screwdriver, scissors or a sharp knife.
At the stage of installation of the platform, wiring is also laid and connected, which must be done before stretching the blade.
It is advisable to clean the ceiling from cracked plaster in advance and cover it with a special primer, which will protect the surface from the formation of mold or fungus
For proper installation of parts, it is necessary to determine the height of the stretch ceiling, since the bottom of the embedded structure should be at the level of the stretch web. First, a baguette is mounted, and only after that mortgages are installed. The smallest distance from the ceiling to the tension coating when installing the chandelier should be at least 5 cm.
If the canvas will be located closer to the established ceiling to the base ceiling, then it will not work correctly to mount the chandelier. In order to hide communications and the filling of electrical appliances, 5-6 cm of height is enough.
Mounting the platform under the chandelier
Before starting the installation, it is necessary to determine the place of attachment of the lighting device, and then mark the surface of the ceiling. Further, flexible steel suspensions are screwed to the platform, while small screws are used as fasteners.
Now in the ceiling you need to drill holes, hammer in plastic dowels and attach the platform with long screws. The platform should be on the same level as the skeleton of the stretch ceiling - this can be checked using a conventional thread connecting metal baguettes on opposite walls.
The ends of the conducted electric cable are recommended to be immediately inserted into the terminal block and fixed so that they do not interfere with further work. Immediately after stretching the web, you need to find the location of the mortgage, stick the o-ring in the center and cut out the inner film.
To prevent the film from dispersing, in the area of the chandelier to the embedded material, the material should be reinforced with reinforced tape or small tread rings
Next, a strip is screwed to the platform, after which the lighting device is connected to the wiring. In this case, it is important that the second person holds the chandelier.
If there is no help, then it is better to hang the device on a rope. At the final stage, you need to attach the chandelier to the metal bar and install all the shades.
How to “drown” a chandelier in the ceiling?
Luminaires with a base diameter of more than 40 cm have a high side hiding the transformer. Such a chandelier will look more aesthetically pleasing if it is slightly “drowned” in the ceiling.
To do this, you need to prepare a large tread ring corresponding to the size of the base of the chandelier. Since thermal rings of such dimensions are simply not sold, you will have to build the part yourself.
You need to purchase a regular sheet of PVC, from which you will need to cut a ring with a diameter slightly larger than the base of the lamp. Next, the chandelier is applied to the ceiling and circled around with a special marker. It is to this circuit that you need to glue a homemade tread ring.
The embedded platform is installed immediately after the film is stretched, while the platform should be placed above the ceiling level so that the luminaire side completely disappears behind the tension sheet
After securely fixing the ring, it is necessary to cut out the film inside. However, this should be done not flush with the tread, but with an allowance of about 2 cm.
The inner edge of the film is incised, bent and glued to the ring. After that, you will need to fasten the bar to the mortgage and attach a chandelier to it. So, the effect of immersing the chandelier in the ceiling space is created.
You can read the instructions for building a home-made mortgage under a stretch ceiling for a chandelier in this video:
The article revealed the purpose of the mortgage structure under the chandelier in a stretch ceiling, and also presented a variety of platforms. Here, beginners will be able to study all aspects of the preparatory process and consider in detail the step-by-step instructions for installing a mortgage, both for small lamps and for overall chandeliers. So, you can independently install a chandelier in a stretch ceiling without resorting to the help of a master.
If earlier you had to install a mortgage platform for lighting devices in a stretch ceiling, then you can always share your experience with our readers. You may know the secrets of a simpler installation. You can leave a comment in a special field immediately after the article.