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When starting to install suspended ceilings, you need to know some of the nuances of assembling such structures. In particular, how the suspensions are attached to the ceiling. This part of the frame bears the main load, and the appearance and service life of the assembled structure depends on how correctly the installation of this component of the base is carried out.
Features of ceiling hangers for plasterboard
Ceiling hangers are a universal product, the functional purpose of which is to provide reliable fastening of drywall and perform certain decorative functions for the coating.
These elements not only help to obtain a perfectly flat surface of the ceiling covering, but also give the structure special stability and strength, significantly improve heat and sound insulation characteristics, and help in creating a design of any complexity.
General rules for installing a frame under gypsum boards
Before starting work, you need to create a diagram of the future structure, as well as calculate the required amount of materials. The parameters for attaching drywall depend on the purpose of the structure: applied or decorative. If you need to make a partition or sheathe a wall, and there will not be a large load on it, then additional reinforcement of the structure is not necessary. In this case, the fastening is performed on a simple frame. If you plan to hang furniture on the wall, then the thickness of the frame and the gypsum board sheet itself will necessarily increase. To improve heat and sound insulation, a layer of insulation is laid between the panels. With the help of such a partition you can hide all communications. To bring out sockets and switches, holes are cut in the drywall. Then the entire surface is puttied. If you plan to finish both the walls and the ceiling at once, then start with installing the ceiling.
Distance between hangers on plasterboard ceilings
When installing drywall, you must first determine how many hangers will be needed. This value directly depends on the load-bearing capacity of the part. It should be taken into account that a standard sheet of drywall with dimensions of 1200x2500 cm will weigh around 22 kg.
According to the stated characteristics, various types of parts can withstand this level of load:
- straight – 40 kg;
- anchor – 25 kg;
- vernier – 40 kg;
- vibration suspension – 12-50 kg;
- butterfly – 40 kg.
The optimal amount is calculated based on the load-bearing capacity and weight of the drywall. They should be located at a distance of 60-70 cm from each other. In some situations, this value can be increased to 100 cm, but no more.
Dimensions of drywall hangers
As practice shows, the choice of a suitable suspension depends largely on its dimensions and purposes. The most popular type is direct suspension, with standard dimensions of 12.5x6.3 cm. It should be used in a situation where the consumer plans to insulate the ceiling or level it. These dimensions are quite enough to hide the wiring between the base of the ceiling and the plasterboard structure.
If there is a need to create a ceiling with complex geometric shapes or plan to install volumetric elements (ventilation cabinet), then you need to use a wire rod. The length of the wire-type plasterboard hanger is 50 and 100 cm.
Types of drywall hangers
The building materials market offers a wide range of suspensions, which differ in shape, technological nuances and methods of fastening. Drywall hangers vary noticeably in size and type. Each type of product has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Direct hanger for drywall
The most common and popular option. In appearance, it is a rectangular plastic made of galvanized steel. The main reason for the popularity of this option is that, thanks to a slight mechanical effect, the suspension can be modified, as a result of which it will receive a U-shape.
Despite its small dimensions, the galvanized steel part can withstand significant loads (up to 40 kg). It is not susceptible to the negative effects of corrosive activity and has increased protection from moisture. The standard dimensions of a direct hanger for drywall are 12.5 x 6.3 cm.
The design features make direct suspension indispensable when it is necessary to install plasterboard sheets to concrete, brick and stone bases. Thanks to this, it can be used in premises for various purposes.
Often direct suspension is used for:
- frame assemblies for cladding wall and ceiling surfaces;
- preparing a frame base for subsequent lining with plasterboard (this option has become an ideal solution in rooms where there are serious ceiling defects, including an uneven base, cracks, etc.);
- leveling any surface.
Extended drywall hanger
This device is used in cases where a metal profile needs to be installed at a distance exceeding standard parameters. Often such parts are 52 cm long and are produced to order.
If there is a need for an elongated profile, it is possible to create it from a direct suspension thanks to simple steps.
Drywall anchor hanger
This option is also known as a clip hanger. Its main purpose is the installation of plasterboard structures and the fixation of suspended ceilings. The anchor helps create the required space under the ceiling. This means that thanks to the use of this design, the user will be able to independently adjust the height of the assembled ceiling.
Height adjustment is carried out using a wire rod. The anchor design includes a rod and an anchor element with a clamp. It is inserted into the profile, after which the location is fixed with a clamp located at the bottom of the structure.
Important! Unlike direct suspension, the anchor has a weaker load-bearing capacity (no more than 25 kg).
Suspension rod for drywall
Often, when installing a plasterboard ceiling, it becomes necessary to change the height of the structure by up to 0.5 m. There can be many reasons for this, the most popular ones include the need to lay utility lines, install a ventilation duct, or install a multi-level ceiling.
In this case, you need to use a drywall sliding hanger, also known as a drywall hanger. The diameter of the suspension is approximately 4 mm. On one side it has a special eye for anchoring to a reinforced concrete floor, on the other there is a clamp made of galvanized steel.
The height of the ceiling structure can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the length of the wire rod. They are produced with standard length parameters, there are two types - 50 and 100 cm. When changing the height of the ceiling structure, the excess draft is cut off.
Vernier suspension
A special device that provides additional rigidity to the structure. The vernier suspension consists of the following elements:
- The lower part is presented in the form of a clamp, a fastening part with protrusions. For ease of fastening in the required position, this part has many holes.
- The suspension itself, the length of which is in the range of 40-100 cm.
- A fixing element in the form of a fastening bracket, due to which the suspension is secured in the desired position.
Important! The standard load-bearing capacity of a vernier is 40 kg. During installation, it is necessary that the distance between the hangers be at least 60 cm.
Vibration suspension
A special type of adjustable drywall hanger, which is designed to impart soundproofing functions to the structure. It is not used so often when installing plasterboard ceilings. This can be explained by its excessive cost and the ability to muffle extraneous sounds using other methods.
As practice shows, the use of this device in combination with a seal allows for maximum sound insulation. This type of design is available in several variations:
- standard suspension;
- polyurethane vibration suspension with high sound suppression capabilities;
- design with anti-vibration mounting, externally resembling a standard anchor;
- removable vibration platform. This is an adjustable design, thanks to which profiles can be fixed at different lengths.
Technology of fastening the profile to the wall
The stages of work include marking the surface, setting up guide units, installing vertical posts, and introducing horizontal jumpers.
Marking
To get an even frame, it is important to correctly outline the plane of the wall; the markings will also extend to the floor and ceiling (the profile must be indented from the base). At this stage you will need the following tools:
- construction plumbs – 2 pcs.;
- nails or dowels necessary for fastening;
- chalk or pencil;
- fishing line or construction cord;
- rule with level.
The procedure for applying markings:
- The most protruding point on the wall plane is determined. Using a plumb line, make a corresponding mark on the ceiling and floor, step back 3 cm from it to place the profile and fix it with straight hangers.
- At the extreme points of the walls, plumb lines are fixed to create vertical guidelines: they are hung on dowels or nails in the ceiling so that the tip of the load does not reach the floor surface. Nothing should touch the fishing line or rope, otherwise the vertical will be distorted.
- The fishing line or cord is pulled horizontally so that a point of contact with the thread is formed from a plumb line. If you manage to organize three horizontal lines, you will get the most accurate and fast markings.
- Marks are applied every 50 cm, so the entire perimeter is demarcated. It is necessary to monitor the indentation in the most protruding area of the wall so that during assembly the frame does not rest against the surface.
- After the cords and plumb lines are removed, a line is drawn along the perimeter.
If you have a laser level in your arsenal, all manipulations are carried out much faster, since with its help you can automatically set the verticals and horizontals.
Installation of vertical racks
This segment of the structure determines the strength and flatness of the wall; for it it is necessary to prepare:
- the main profile, marked PP, PS, CD, its linear parameters are 27x60 mm. The blanks are tightly placed in the guide frame and form a high-quality base for further fastening of the finishing material. Products with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more are optimal; it is important that the zinc coating is uniform and streak-free;
- straight metal hangers are necessary for rigid fixation of elements; they look like perforated strips up to 30 cm long;
- quick-installation dowels for fastening hangers, self-tapping screws with a sharp tip;
- hammer drill, screwdriver;
- building level;
- chalk, pencil.
- Preliminary marking is organized. If you plan to install plasterboard sheets, the width of the panel is measured from the wall and marked on the floor. This way the entire plane is demarcated so that it is clear where the joints will be placed. In the case of window and door openings, the cladding should be positioned so that the joint is not close to the edge.
- Another line is drawn in the middle so that the stiffener does not fall on it. The transfer of lines between planes is carried out using a plumb line.
- As a standard, the profile is supplied in 3 m lengths; it must be cut in accordance with the markings, making it 10 mm shorter so that it becomes possible to correctly place the product in the guides.
- The cutting is performed as follows: the desired area is limited by a line on all sides to create a clear landmark. The side boards are cut first so that the profile can be bent and divided along the resulting line. It is important to be careful not to injure yourself on sharp edges.
- Next we start attaching the hangers. Each of them is placed on vertical lines or marks set perpendicular to the profile; the middle of the strip should coincide with the markings. For fixation, use 2 screws or dowels. A distance of 40-60 cm is maintained between the hangers; the smaller the step, the stiffer the wall structure will be.
- When setting the outer profile, they also adhere to the marking line, after which the hangers are bent and pressed against the stand. The plane is checked with a level and all elements are brought to the optimal position.
Installation of horizontal lintels, arrangement of openings
Cross members help strengthen window and door openings and increase structural strength. In most cases, horizontal jumpers are not fixed to the work surface; they are installed directly between the vertical components.
How to extend a straight drywall hanger
Direct suspension is a universal mount, presented in the form of a narrow perforated strip of galvanized steel with increased flexibility. When using these parts, it is recommended to fix them on the ceiling at a distance of 50-70 cm from each other.
If there is a need to lengthen the profile, for example, to create a multi-level ceiling structure, you can purchase a special hanger for the plasterboard profile. However, due to its high cost, it is often cheaper to enlarge a standard straight part.
The simplest extension option is to screw small pieces of another part to the existing hanger. They can be secured using small screws (it is recommended to use at least two fleas for each plate).
Another popular way to increase the length of a straight part is the use of a UD guide element. You can cut a suspension from it to the required length.
To assemble the metal structures of the suspended ceiling frame, you will need the following components:
Types of profiles for drywall.
- guides;
- suspension elements;
- elements for joining the profile and guides.
The main element of the metal frame structures for suspended ceilings made of plasterboard sheets are guides. Structurally, the guides are a U-shaped profile of various lengths and thicknesses made of galvanized steel.
Suspensions are used to attach the frame to the base surface and give it rigidity. Each manufacturer, as a rule, can offer several types of suspensions. Their main task is to withstand weight loads from the ceiling, regardless of design features.
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How to attach ceiling hangers for plasterboard
The fastening of ceiling profiles for plasterboard is carried out during the process of assembling the base for gypsum panels along the entire length of the part. If for guide-type profiles it is enough to select fastening material that matches the material of the wall ceilings, then with ceiling slats the situation is somewhat different.
The main nuance of attaching ceiling suspensions is that it is necessary to connect several different parts to form a single structure. Therefore, you will have to use special devices for this.
In most cases, the fixation of most metal parts of the profile occurs thanks to self-tapping screws. This is a special group of hardware products. To create an effective fastening, you need a large number of hardware of various types:
- press washers and bugs (flea beetles). Two similar types of hardware for working with metal parts. The first option is characterized by a wider cap and larger size. The second option has small dimensions (length no more than 10 mm). For the installation of ceiling structures and drywall, it is recommended to use “flea beads”, since they do not create difficulties when installing the sheathing;
- dowel-nails. Externally, this hardware is practically indistinguishable from standard plastic dowels. The difference between them is manifested in installation technology. If a classic dowel needs to be screwed in, then the dowel-nail must be driven in using a hammer or impact drill.
Important! Dowel-nails guarantee a strong fastening in the thickness of the ceiling, however, due to its structural features, this option is not suitable for a ceiling base that has a fragile structure (buildings with clay and wooden ceilings).
DIY installation of plasterboard hangers on the ceiling
Installing profiles for drywall is a simple procedure; any user with minimal knowledge of installation technology can handle it. Despite this, you need to know that the process has some features that should be foreseen in advance.
The technology for laying and fixing the ceiling profile is carried out according to a strict procedure:
- The metal strip must be cut according to the required dimensions. This task should be performed using a hacksaw or metal snips. You should absolutely not use an angle grinder. This is explained by the fact that due to high speeds, the angle grinder will cause irreparable damage to the anti-corrosion coating of the profile.
- Markers are placed on the ceiling, according to the location of which the installation takes place. This operation must be treated with special attention. The pendants should be positioned as evenly as possible to avoid any distortions. Otherwise, problems may occur when attaching the slats, as the structure will be deformed.
- Suspensions for drywall guides are installed in special grooves. They are mounted according to previously established marks on the plane. The profiles need to be attached to the guides using fleas. In this case, it is necessary that at least 2-3 fasteners be installed on each side.
- After completing all the above steps, you need to level the structure. To do this, the free ends of the hangers are bent at right angles to the slats. So that they touch as tightly as possible, they are fastened with “fleas” (2-3 pieces on each side).
Important! When cutting the required length of the strip, you need to make the workpiece a few millimeters shorter than necessary. This will make it more convenient to place parts in the grooves without deforming the ends.
Expert advice
Despite the fact that installing hangers is not considered an unnecessarily difficult task, not all users are able to complete the installation work efficiently. During the installation process, great attention should be paid to such criteria as weight and thickness of the material. Based on the available information, make a choice of fasteners.
Experts also recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Before installing fasteners, you need to mark the fastening points on the surface. At the same time, they should be as close as possible to the joints of the profiles; ideally, the distance between the hangers on a plasterboard wall should be 60-70 cm. When fixing plasterboard, it is necessary that there are small gaps between the sheets of building material.
- To ensure maximum density of the suspensions and guides, you can stick a special spacer tape between them.
- The supporting profiles should not adhere too tightly to the surface; the heads of the screws should not be left below the level of the drywall.
- The easiest way to check the strength of the fasteners is to pull it with a little force. If all the components remain in place, this means that the fixation is as strong as possible and the fastening was done correctly.
- To fix the structure you need to use galvanized fasteners. They will help not only prevent corrosion, but also increase the fire resistance of the structure. Nylon-coated dowels are best used for attaching guides to wall surfaces.
- It is necessary to determine in advance the places where lamps, wall cabinets and decorative elements will be located. This will avoid subsequent partial destruction of the plasterboard coating.
Technical characteristics of Armstrong ceiling panels with components
The standard size of decorative slabs is 60x60 cm; for high-rise ceilings, for example, in industrial premises or entertainment facilities, Armstrong panels measuring 60x120 cm can be used. Structurally, this ceiling is no different from the previous one, the only thing is that there are fewer transverse strips and more installed wire hangers.
Main characteristics of standard mineral fiber board:
- Thickness - 12-15 mm;
- Moisture resistance – water vapor content in the air up to 70%;
- Thermal conductivity – 0.05562 W/m*oC;
- Sound insulation – up to 54 dB.
For your information! Fiber panels are the cheapest, lightest and most accessible, so half of all Armstrong ceilings are built on vermiculite and mineral fiber.
Disadvantages include extremely low mechanical strength and moisture resistance. As soon as you drop the stove once or fill it with water, the material completely or partially fails.
Calculation of the number of components for Armstrong
Armstrong ceiling weight with components per m2
The thickness of the panels may vary, depending on the material and category of the room. The standard thickness is 12 mm, but can be 8 mm or 22 mm. Accordingly, the mass of the structure also differs. For example, the weight of an Armstrong suspended ceiling per 1 m2, when using PVC or mineral fiber cladding, is 2.75 kg, metal panels are tightened up to 6 kg.
The weight of 1 m2 of Armstrong ceiling with panels in a vintage design, for example, made of mineral glass, can reach 11 kg. Decorative panels always come complete with a supporting profile. The edge of the slab must match the shape of the supporting shelf, otherwise it will be impossible to lay the material on the frame.
Of the most popular models, Stepped, Tegular, Square, the latter is most often used for making Armstrong ceilings yourself due to its simple installation scheme.