Page 17 - Laqfoil Technical Catalog

The next step is to bring the temperature in the room up to a range between 40° and 450°C (104°-1100°F).
During the installation, we try to close off any sources of drafts or cold air into the space. These can mechanically disturb the membrane, and can also create temperature irregularities along it, which will cause varying degrees of stretch and flexibility, complicating the installation process. Installation may begin when membrane is stable, flexible, and wrinkle- free.
Our installers then use specially shaped spatulas (The shape is determined by the exact type of profile we’re using) to push the harpooned edges of the membrane into the installed profiles. As the insertion is completed, the harpoon catches on to the inside of the track like a hook. After the corner is hooked up, the same procedure is repeated on the diagonally opposite corner, and so on until all corners are firmly attached. Until the ceiling is fully installed, it still looks wrinkly and rubbery. It is important to maintain balanced stretching of the membrane, especially in the early stages of installation, to prevent skewing. Polyurethane coated polyester canvas material requires no harpoon, and does much less stretching, but with either type of membrane, the result is guaranteed to be perfectly flat regardless of imperfections in the surface behind it, as the two surfaces are completely separate from one another. Depending on the exact design of the profile, the space between the two surfaces is usually a bit less than one inch. It can be any greater amount if the original ceiling is too high, or an air space is required or desired. PuPVC needs to be stretched and then shrunk. We carefully and evenly apply hot air from heating units which we bring to the site, making the material more stretchy. Once installed, it shrinks as the temperature returns to normal to produce a perfectly smooth surface.
The final stage of the installation is to affix the remaining areas of the stretch ceiling to the track. During the entire process, the installers must keep an eye on the whole membrane to maintain balanced stretch and prevent wrinkles.
The Installation Process
PAGE 17