Pros and Cons of PVC Ceiling

PVC pipes.

Polyvinyl chloride ceilings, or a "PVC ceiling," as it's often called, is one of the most common types of ceiling today, but it's also very controversial. PVC is a largely manufactured plastic that is a dominant presence in many different materials, from toys and tools to construction materials and more. PVC has many different advantages over other materials and types of plastic, but there are some inherent disadvantages and risks to using it in your home as well. Read on for some of the pros and cons of using PVC ceiling materials in your house.

Pros of Using PVC Ceilings

Heavily plasticized PVC, which is the type used for ceilings in most cases, contains very few additives and additional ingredients that might make it dangerous. This is in comparison not only with other types of plastic, but also with other ceiling materials. Many ceilings make use of asbestos coatings that are dangerous to the health of the people who live in the rooms with those ceilings; heavily plasticized PVC is less dangerous in many ways than those.

PVC ceilings are inexpensive to make and install. They are mass produced, meaning that they're available through a wide variety of distributors and in practically every color imaginable. PVC is easy to manipulate, meaning that you should have no problem coming up with ceiling tiles that are perfect for your needs and design aspirations. There are also a good number of workers in most urban areas who install PVC ceilings and other materials as a trade, so you shouldn't have any problem finding someone to help you with the installation of your ceiling.

Finally, PVC ceilings are durable and sturdy. They will last for a very long time and require very little maintenance.

Cons of Using PVC Ceilings

One of the biggest arguments against PVC as a material is that it makes use of chlorine, which is a dangerous and toxic gas in its natural state. Of course, PVC pipes and ceiling materials do not generally contain vast amounts of free chlorine. However, over time they may break down in such a way that minute traces of chlorine are introduced into the air. This is a cause for concern for many people, although PVC, especially heavily plasticized PVC, has been found to be quite safe for long-term use.

PVC is not the most attractive ceiling covering. Many people think of PVC as inferior in appearance and choose to avoid it for aesthetic reasons.

PVC is one of the most common materials used by contractors and DIYers alike for ceiling reconstruction and design. If you're planning to redo your ceiling, or if you're building a room and wish to consider all of the different options for ceiling materials, you'd be remiss to not think of PVC as a viable option. Speak with a professional for more advice.