Basic Installation Procedures
- SITE SURVEY / FIELD MEASUREMENTS
- INSTALLATION OF PROFILES
- STRETCHING OF MEMBRANE
- PENETRATIONS
- ACCESSIBILITY
- CLEANING
- REPAIR
- MEMORY
1. SITE SURVEY / FIELD MEASUREMENTS
The project site needs to be surveyed to obtain exact field measurements for the custom fabrication of the ceiling membrane. Said measurements include perimeter as well as diagonal measurements. Also survey the mechanicals above the ceiling system and cooperate with the different trades involved to determine ceiling height and support procedure for lighting fixtures, sprinklers, HVAC, etc.
2. INSTALLATION OF PROFILES
A. Perimeter Profiles
The perimeter profiles are cut to size on site and mitered for inside and outside corners. In the case of concealed profiles (Ghost or Shadow), the corners can be mitered or turned (radius look). The perimeter profiles are then fastened using the following options:
| FASTENER WALL COMPOSITION |
COARSE SCREW | TAPCON SCREW | SELF TAPPING SCREW | AIR DRIVEN STAPLE | ALUMINUM RIVET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRYWALL | X | ||||
| PLASTER | X | X | |||
| WOOD | X | X | |||
| CONCRETE/BRICK | X | X | |||
| MARBLE/CERAMIC TILE | X | X | |||
| METAL | X | X |
All visible profiles, including Elegance, can be matched to the chosen color and finish of the ceiling, either by spray painting or wrapping with matching ceiling material. The Elegance decor covers are available in satin colors to match ceilings or in various wood finishes to imitate wood moldings; aluminum or gold finish covers are also available.
B. Double Profiles
The double profiles are used either as a design tool to realize curves, domes, shapes, etc., or as a technical tool to divide large ceiling areas into ceiling panels (maximum size for monolithic ceilings is approximately 1,200 square feet) or to create a junction behind a column penetration. The double profiles are either visible (Double Classical) or concealed (Double Ghost). They are cut to size on site. The Double Classical can be matched in color and finish to the ceiling. The Double Ghost offers an insert option which can also be matched in color and finish to the ceiling. When used as a divider, both types of double profiles must be secured to a structural support; which support will be determined by the size of the ceiling and the span of the double profile.
3. STRETCHING OF MEMBRANE
The custom fabricated ceiling membrane is delivered by the manufacturer with a semi-rigid, pre-welded perimeter harpoon, ready to install. Using heat to render the membrane more flexible, it is stretched into place by inserting the harpoon into the perimeter profiles, starting with opposite corners and then moving on to the sides until completion.
4. PENETRATIONS
Penetrations are made on site to allow for lighting fixtures, sprinkler heads, HVAC registers, etc. A reinforcement PVC ring of necessary size and shape is glued to the ceiling membrane to act as a grommet and protect against tearing.
5. ACCESSIBILITY
For every maintenance procedure below, we recommend doing the work with very clean hands in order to not damage the panels and/or the membrane.
A. Field stretched wall-to-wall system
The harpoon (on the perimeter of the ceiling membrane) can be removed from the profile on a portion as large or as small as necessary to allow access to the plenum and mechanicals. Using heat, the harpoon can then be reinserted in the profile to close the ceiling.
B. Custom fabricated pre-stretched panels
1. Drop-in panels: For this type of system the panels can be removed and/or re-installed by just tilting them to fit in a grid opening and then letting them rest in the grid.
2. Torsion spring panels: For this type of system, you must follow the procedure below.
i. Insert release tool if needed on one side of the panel, which has the springs as shown. The number of springs on one side will vary from two (2) to five (5) depending on the size of the panels, but they are always on the two (2) opposite long sides.
ii. Pull down with the tool first, then by hand so that the entire side is in a down position with the springs completely extended as shown.
iii. Pull down the other side by hand so that the full panel is in a down position and all springs are completely extended.
iv. Release the springs on one side only by pinching them and sliding them out through the slot as shown, and lay the springs on top of the panel.
v. Let the panel rotate down gently so that it hinges on the remaining springs from the other side. Now the panel is vertical and allows you access to the plenum above same.
vi. Rotate the panel back in a horizontal position and while holding it, insert the springs back into their position by pinching them and sliding them back through their slot.
vii. When all the springs are back into their slot, push the panel back up and the springs will snap it back into its up position.
3. Pivot Panels: To access the pivot panel system, you need to push up on the latch side to release the panel down, or if it is a quarter-turn screw latch, then insert a small screwdriver in the slot and release the latch that way. The panel will rotate on its pivot point; make sure that you hold the panel down as it is rotating – do not let the panel rotate freely or it could get damaged. To reinstall, rotate the panel back and either push it up on the latch side for the latch to engage again or use the small screw driver for the quarter-turn screw option.
6. CLEANING
Before cleaning any ceiling membrane, it is important to know the nature of the soil. If the membrane is covered with only a small film of dust, you can use either a feather duster or a compressor and just blow the membrane evenly. If you try to use a microfiber towel with or without a cleaning product, you could make the situation worse. If the ceiling membrane has any soil other than dust, please clean it with a microfiber towel only, according to the chart below:
| CLEANING SOLUTION NATURE OF SOIL |
HOUSEHOLD CLEANER SUCH AS FANTASTIC, 409, ETC. | INDUSTRIAL CLEANER MIXED IN WARM WATER | DENATURED ALCOHOL OR MINERAL SPIRIT | TEE OFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt | X | X | ||
| Grease/Tar | X | X | ||
| Paint | X | |||
| Crayon | X | |||
| Nicotine | X | X | ||
| Glue Residue | X | |||
| Soot | X |
The above is for a spot cleaning option. If you have a membrane that needs to be cleaned entirely, then contact us and, depending on the finish of the membrane and the nature of the soil, we will give you the best option for same.
7. REPAIR
A. Definition
A tear in the ceiling membrane can be repaired under the following conditions:
1. the tear is clean, no more than 3′ in length and 5″ in width,
2. the tear should be repaired within no more than 10 days from occurrence, and
3. the edges of the tear are smooth, not too jagged.
B. Procedure
To repair a tear, the harpoon needs to be released from the perimeter profiles at the location of said tear, so that no tension is applied to the damaged portion of the ceiling. The two sides of the tear can then be temporarily brought back together using tape from the face side of the ceiling. A patch of the same color and finish of ceiling can be applied from above and cold-welded into position. The tape should then be removed, and the area cleaned.
8. MEMORY
In the event that fallen debris or water accumulates above the ceiling, the NEWMAT membrane will expand, containing same. To remove the accumulation, you may either release a portion of the harpoon from the profiles at necessary location, or use an existing penetration. Once removed, the ceiling membrane might have been overstretched or deformed. In a short amount of time, the built-in memory will return the ceiling membrane to its original state. However, if you wish to speed the process, you may apply heat to the area using a hair dryer or similar source. Do not use a heat gun at any time.