Styrofoam ceiling tiles are one of the most popular materials for interior decoration. Consumers are tempted not only by the affordable cost, but also by the extensive possibilities that this finish opens up in terms of creating an exquisite and original interior. Another factor in favor of choosing polystyrene foam ceiling panels is the ease of installation. Repair can be done without much difficulty with your own hands, without attracting workers on the ad.
Features of the material of the ceiling tile
Ceiling slabs made of expanded polystyrene are deservedly popular in private and industrial construction. This is an inexpensive type of finish that is made from lightweight and environmentally friendly raw materials. The base is polystyrene, pressed from small balls up to 1 mm in diameter. Thanks to this, the structure of the coating looks smooth and uniform. Expanded polystyrene tiles are well suited for decorating premises for a wide variety of purposes - living and auxiliary rooms in apartments, summer cottages and private houses, offices and studios, museums and galleries.
The modern market offers consumers polystyrene foam tiles made in various colors, sizes and textures.
To choose a ceiling finish for the style of the room, you can choose a product that imitates the following materials:
- snow-white molding;
- whitewash;
- natural stone;
- leather;
- the cloth;
- wood;
- brick;
- carbon.
The products are distinguished by their lightness and simplicity of processing. It will not be difficult to find the right model, ideally suited to the decoration of any interior. Moreover, polystyrene tiles look good on walls, along with the function of decoration, fulfilling the task of warming the surface. When laid from floor to ceiling, such a coating looks impressive and presentable.
Types of expanded polystyrene ceiling tiles
The industry produces tiles in square, diamond and hexagonal shapes. The standard size is 50x50 cm, but you can find rectangular products 40x60 cm.The thickness of the coating is 6-14 cm, depending on the type and purpose.
The following technologies are used in the manufacture of tiles:
- Pressing. The shape and size of the raw materials are given by stamping. Finished products omet have a relief surface and a small thickness of up to 8 mm. Since the front side is not covered with a protective film, it is recommended to treat it with impregnation or paint. Otherwise, the foam will darken over time and may become stained.
- Extrusion. The heated polymer mass is passed through the slots, while a protective film is applied, imitating one of natural or artificial materials. The tiles are distinguished by their small thickness (3 mm), density, resistance to moisture and mechanical stress. She does not need additional decoration, since she herself is part of the interior.
- Injection. Raw materials are baked under pressure, as a result of which the final product acquires strength and water resistance. These tiles are thick and embossed and can be washed and painted.
The edges of the panels can be flat and stepped.The second option is more expensive, but allows you to create an almost seamless surface that looks smooth and monolithic.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other finish, polystyrene tiles have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The pluses include:
- affordable cost;
- light weight;
- ease of installation;
- ease of care;
- flexibility to trim areas with slight bends;
- good insulating qualities;
- waterproofness.
Cons of foam products:
- the need for careful leveling of the base, which takes time and money;
- the material does not allow air to pass through, so there must be effective ventilation in the room;
- polystyrene is brittle, crumbles if handled carelessly;
- the presence of joints that spoil the impression of the finished ceiling and walls.
The material remains popular, as it allows you to quickly, inexpensively and beautifully arrange a room of any type.
Gluing technique
The tile on the ceiling will look aesthetically pleasing only if the technology of its fastening is followed exactly.
First you need to prepare the following tools and materials:
- level, tape measure, stationery knife;
- spatula, miter box, grater;
- paint brush or roller;
- hacksaw for metal;
- long steel ruler, pencil;
- tile adhesive, putty, primer, paint.
Since the work will not be carried out at a height, you will need to buy or rent a stepladder. The respiratory organs are protected with a respirator, and the hands - with gloves.
After this, the preparation of the base is carried out.
This process consists of the following steps:
- Dismantling. Lighting fixtures, wiring and baseboards are removed from the ceiling. All unstable fragments of the old finish are removed. Stains of grease, mold, rust streaks are removed. Dust and dirt are washed off from the ceiling.
- Alignment. It is carried out with cement mortar or starting putty. After the composition has dried, it is sanded with a grater.
- Primer. The surface is covered with the solution several times until it ceases to be absorbed. It is advisable to add an antiseptic to the primer.
You can glue polystyrene foam on the ceiling diagonally, in even or offset rows.
Installation is carried out in the following sequence:
- Marking.
- Kneading the glue. You can use the ready-made composition in tubes.
- Applying the solution to the tiles. Better to apply it with a line around the edges and a few dots in the middle.
- Applying fragments to the floor in accordance with the markup. They must be pressed tightly to the base. Remove protruding glue immediately.
- Surface decoration with skirting boards. It is advisable to use lamellas of one with the composition and texture of tiles.
After the glue has completely hardened, the coating can be painted. An additional coating will protect the foam from mechanical damage, give it a presentable look, and make the cleaning procedure easier and faster. For work, it is advisable to use water-based or acrylic paints that do not dissolve the polymer.
Calculation of the purchase of tiles
The calculation of material requirements can be carried out in several ways.
The first option involves measuring the area of the ceiling and dividing the result by 0.25 (area of one tile). The resulting number is rounded up to one.
Another method is to measure each side, increase the length and width to a multiple of 0.5 and divide the result by 0.5. Then the numbers are multiplied.
When laying with a diagonal, it is necessary to add 20-25% of the material to the resulting number, based on the fit along the walls.
Ceiling tile selection criteria
Since the ceiling plays an important role in the design, the choice of material for its decoration must be approached thoughtfully and responsibly.
You should pay attention to the following details:
- evenness of shape and edges;
- material structure;
- uniformity of thickness and density;
- clarity of the picture;
- originality of design;
- color.
It is better not to spare time and money, but buy a quality product, which is accompanied by a certificate of conformity.
Styrofoam ceiling tile manufacturers
Products of domestic and foreign manufacturers are on sale. Considering that it is made using the same technology and the same equipment, the quality of the tiles is practically the same.
You should pay attention to the following trademarks:
- Lagon;
- Nitram KIN;
- TMV Format;
- Sorex;
- Romstar;
- Baikal;
- AFM;
- Armstrong.
The tiles of these manufacturers are distinguished by their precise shapes, original design and long service life.
