How to choose plasterboard hangers?

Suspensions are used for fastening profiles (mainly metal) and drywall guides. It is not recommended to install drywall immediately on the surface: it is quite difficult and time-consuming, besides, the surfaces are not always perfectly flat. Plasterboard provides alignment of walls and ceilings, creates a unique design of the room and hides wires or pipes. In order for gypsum plasterboard structures to perform their functions efficiently, it is important to install them correctly.

The functional load of the suspensions consists in performing the decorative functions of the plasterboard coating and ensuring its reliable fastening. They not only participate in creating an even coating, but improve sound and heat insulation, give surfaces strength and stability, and also help in creating designs of any complexity.

Suspensions differ in types of structures and sizes, they are adjustable and straight.

The main types of suspensions are:

• straight;
• with wire traction;
• anchor.

There are also unusual types of products, such as "crab", "vernier" mounts and vibration suspension. The choice of these fasteners depends on the complexity of the design. A straight suspension is the most common option. Thanks to its U-shape, the installation time is significantly reduced. Its main advantage is that the straight suspension can withstand loads of up to 40 kg and has a pleasant price. Due to the ability to withstand heavy loads, such a suspension is attached after 60-70 cm.

If multi-level structures are used, it is necessary to reduce the step depending on the weight of the drywall. The standard length of such a suspension is 12.5 cm. There are also options with a length of 7.5 cm: their thickness is 3 cm, and their width is 6 cm. Only galvanized dowels are used for fastening, nylon dowels will not hold well.

The model with a clip (anchor suspension) is undesirable for rooms with low ceilings. This also applies to wire rod hangers. This type simplifies the adjustment of the position of the frame and is considered one of the most convenient types of suspensions. The model with a clip has a standard height of 10 cm and a width of 5.8 cm. The anchor model differs from others in that it is waterproof, does not corrode and tolerates too high or low temperatures.

The hanger with a wire rod can be installed when it is necessary to level surfaces with large deviations, as well as for the installation of multi-level structures. The wire rod makes it possible to adjust the height of the structure, which greatly facilitates the installation process. The suspended ceiling is fixed with this model thanks to a floating spring. A wire-drawn hanger (sliding hanger) consists of a butterfly-shaped spring and two steel rods inserted into it.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the weakening of the spring mechanismcausing the ceiling to sag. The weight that the wire rod hanger can withstand is 25 kg. This type of suspension has a standard height of 50-100 cm with a wire diameter of 0.6 cm.

Vernier consists of two parts - upper and lower, which are connected with screws. The upper part is fixed to the surface, and the lower part to the profile.This gives the metal frame strength.

Vibration suspensions are used in the installation of soundproof structures and are capable of withstanding a weight from 12 to 56 kg. They prevent the transmission of sound waves from the ceiling to the profile. The model has a rather high price and can be used in tandem with a seal.

Depending on the soundproofing capabilities, suspensions are divided into the following types:

• standard;
• with polyurethane (provide better sound insulation, used in public areas);
• with a removable platform "vibro" (differ in the ability to attach suspensions of various lengths);
• with anti-vibration mount (professional).

The standard view is used in private houses and apartments. Crab mountings contribute to structural strength and long service life. They are used to connect bearing profiles, as well as at the joints of longitudinal and transverse profiles.

For installation, you will need special tools: guide metal profiles, galvanized dowels or self-tapping screws, fasteners. Galvanized elements are needed so that rust does not appear. When carrying out installation work, you do not need special equipment or a machine, only a drill, a screwdriver and a level will be enough.

Installation of a direct suspension is divided into the following stages:

1. an elongated hole is drilled;
2. a dowel is inserted;
3. the profile is attached.

Often there is a need for lateral fixings when mounting on a wooden surface: wood is soft, it can expand or contract.

Manual mounting of a wire-pulled hanger is not much different from direct mounting. First, you need to drill a hole, fix with a galvanized dowel that end of the suspension where the loop is located. A metal profile is attached to the hook end.

The sequence of mounting a suspension with a clamp:

1. it is necessary to drill a hole;
2. attach the rod to the surface;
3. attach the profile to the guides;
4. put on the suspension on the traction;
5. attach the profile to the hanger.

After these manipulations, you can align and fix the height of the profiles.

Installation of vernier consists of the following steps:

1. marking the surface with a step of 60 cm;
2. drilling holes;
3. vernier is attached to the surface and inserted into the profile;
4. fastening adjustment.

It is not difficult to carry out the installation of suspensions with your own hands, but it is worth paying attention to such parameters as the weight and thickness of the material. The choice of fasteners and their number depends on this. With high-quality installation, you can get smooth, flawless walls and ceilings that will last a very long time.

Before mounting the fasteners, it is necessary to mark the points of attachment of the suspensions with a step size on the surface. During installation work, it is worthwhile to control the horizontal profile using a level.

For a better fit of the structure, an adhesive tape can be glued to the back of the rails and hangers. The bearing profiles should not fit snugly to the surface, and the caps of the self-tapping screws should be below the level of the drywall.

To check the reliability and strength of the fastener, it can be pulled down hard. If all the elements remain in their places, then the fastening was done correctly.

Galvanized elements are used not only to avoid corrosion, but also to ensure fire resistance. Nylon dowels can only be used to fix the track profiles to walls.

The distance between the main surface and the plasterboard structure must be sufficient to accommodate heating pipes between them, which expand when heated.The wires should also fit properly, without kinks.

When installing stretch ceilings, it is necessary to take into account not only the height of the room, but also the height of the furniture. The tallest is the cabinet, and it should have an optimal distance from the ceiling.

If there is a desire to hang not an ordinary chandelier, but to install interesting lamps, it is recommended to use a suspension with a wire rod for multi-level structures.

It is necessary to foresee in advance the places where decorative elements, lamps, wall cabinets and more will be placed. This is necessary so that later you do not have to partially destroy the drywall covering. It is also advisable to prepare water supply, wiring and ventilation in advance.

For information on how to attach suspensions, see the video below.