Decorative Ceiling Panels: Create a High Class Look at a Lower Cost
Have you ever thought about plastic as a construction material? Plastic is actually everywhere in the buildings where we live and work, from pipes to more visible elements, such as moulded ceiling tiles. There are several properties that make plastic an excellent option for creating modern and sustainable buildings:
- Durability
The durability of plastic makes it ideal for applications such as pipes and window frames. Plastic pipes will last more than 100 years due to their anti-corrosion properties, while underground and exterior cables have an average lifespan of 50 years.
- Insulation
Plastic ensures excellent insulation from both cold and heat and reduces energy leakage. Aside from lowering your energy bills, it will reduce noise pollution and ensure a more pleasant environment at home.
- Cost-effective
Even if you opt for custom-made plastic components, this amazing material costs less than traditional alternatives.
- Hygienic
Plastic is easy to clean and impermeable, which means it can be used everywhere from water pipes to household surfaces and floor coverings.
- Versatility
The use of plastic makes it possible to create buildings with innovative designs, while also enjoying the benefits of low costs and building efficiency.
- Low Maintenance
Plastic is easy to install, and also easy to maintain - actually no maintenance is required in many cases. Plastic pipes, for instance, are flexible and easy to cut and can fit various home interiors with no problem.
In today’s building and construction industry there are 100s of applications that plastic is being used for. From start to finish, plastic is a key material in many construction projects. We are focusing on finishes, and more specifically on the decorative ceiling panel. By the end of this article, you will know the ins and outs of moulded ceiling tiles - their benefits, how to install them, and whether they represent a good option for you or not.
Why Use Plastic Ceiling Tiles/Panels?
Decorating your ceiling can change your interior design completely, but it's important to choose the right moulded ceiling tiles. The most common materials are metal, fiberglass, mineral fibre, wood fibre, gypsum, and cork. Plastic, however, is the preferred choice of many constructors because it is lightweight, controls noises better, and can be easily replaced.
Dropped ceilings, for instance, can be particularly impressive, but only when executed with the right materials and finishes. Ceiling panels will provide unique lighting and sound control solutions, while also creating a luxurious style. These elements are usually included in office decor, where they elevate the design and complete it in a way that makes sense for that particular space and brand.
In high humidity spaces such as bathrooms moulded ceiling tiles are used to combat and deter unsightly and unhealthy mould. They prevent issues such as mould, mildew, and water damage while also providing a sleek design to your bathroom.
Using Plastic Ceiling Panels or Tiles to Transform Any Space:
Staircases are the best applications for moulded ceiling tiles; this is generally a noisy space where you have a lot of height and space to cover. Optimal sound absorption can be obtained by covering the wall behind the staircase and the ceiling above with plastic panels.
Interior wall cladding provides texture and dimension in your home and will feed that interior design obsession for making walls talk. A very powerful trend in the 90s and 2000s, textured walls and ceilings are making a comeback, although in a less obvious manner.
Folded ceiling panels are a unique solution that helps absorb sound from below and creates a distinct, dynamic appearance for your room.
Lacy patterns are ideal for long hallways that need something to help dress them up and make them less plain. Geometric patterns alternated with solid sections allow you to move your eye down the hall naturally, thus enhancing the space.
You don't need to make your ceiling flat; you can change the overall appearance of a room with moulded ceiling tiles shaped as arches. This solution will definitely compliment spaces with high walls and reduce the echo that high walls and ceiling produce.
PVC Ceiling Panel Specifications
Plastic is one of the most popular materials to work with in construction due to a series of properties it has:
- Easy To Cut
Being able to cut it with scissors or other tools makes moulded ceiling tiles easy to work with and convenient.
- Low Weight
Plastic is one of the most lightweight materials available for ceiling panels and can be transported and installed with little effort. Heavier materials require more labour, while plastic enables you to save money as installing it requires less work.
- Low Maintenance
When properly installed, plastic does not require much work to keep it looking good, except for regular cleaning with a damp or dry cloth. No painting or varnishing are necessary.
- Can Be Installed Over Existing Ceiling
When you have existing plastered ceiling, you don't need to remove it in order to install moulded ceiling tiles - just a few basic tools such as a hand saw, screw drill, and silicone gun are enough to get the job done.
- Excellent Technical and Safety properties
PVC-made decorative ceiling panel is water resistant, fire resistant in accordance to CSIRO AS/NZ 3837, uses tongue and groove system for easy installation, and has amazing flexibility and adaptability for unique design.
- Using the Most Versatile Materials Available
Most moulded ceiling tiles are made of PVC or polyvinyl chloride, a high strength thermoplastic used in an endless list of applications. It is the world’s third largest thermoplastic material by volume after polyethylene and polypropylene. Flexible PVC like the one used in moulded ceiling tiles has properties such as high impact strength, electrical insulation, non-flammable, and abrasion-resistant.
How They Are Installed
One of the reasons why an increasing number of homeowners and constructors opt for the decorative ceiling panel is easy installation, a consideration just as important as the price. Here are the main steps you will need to complete to have a brand-new, stunning ceiling:
1. Prepare your tools
You will need a scissor or a razor, spray primer if you want to paint the moulded ceiling tiles, tape measure, chalk line reel, and construction adhesive. You may want to protect the floors with a drop cloth and use a wet rag to wipe off excess adhesive.
2. Prepare the surface
Make sure the ceiling is clean and secure first. The surface should be perfectly dry so you avoid the formation of mildew under the ceiling tiles.
3. Find the centre of your ceiling
Mark it with a pencil and start applying panels from the centre.
4. Apply adhesive
You can apply adhesive either on the ceiling or on the back of the panels. Use glue for one or two panels at a time.
5. Time to apply the panels!
Attach it at the centre first and apply firm pressure.
6. Next panel
For panels that fit into each other like puzzle pieces, apply a small amount of adhesive in the channel of your next ceiling so you glue it to the other panel.
7. Make the necessary cuts
Let the adhesive set in for 15 minutes and use a razor knife to cut places for electric cables or other appliances.
8. Trim the tiles where necessary
Trim to create the finished appearance and enjoy your new-look ceiling!
Thinking about installing moulded ceiling tiles in your home, office, or retail space? This versatile and affordable solution is available through Plastic Online Australia, a plastic fabrication company providing full turn-key service from design to manufacture. Together we can create your very own, original decorative ceiling panel and we produce it from scratch right here on the Gold Coast. Contact us now to organise your desired quantity- as small or large as you require.
