What is PVC – Know Its Advantages and Uses

If you have been in the construction, engineering, or interior business long enough, chances are you have some familiarity with PVC vinyl. But what exactly makes this polymer-based material such a long-standing favorite among veteran and newbie professionals in the industry? In this article, we get to the bottom of what PVC is, its pros and cons as well as its different PVC uses and types. Read on to learn more about PVC and how you can make the most of it in your current or future projects!

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What is PVC?

Before we start to discuss the many uses and advantages that using interior PVC can bring us, it is important to get a fundamental understanding of the material first. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a frequently used thermoplastic under the polymer family. PVC is a commonly used construction product that is featured as wall panels or dividers. Polyvinyl comes in many different finishes and colors, suitable for use in living spaces, kitchens, and even bathroom areas.

PVC comes in two common forms—rigid polymer and a more flexible plasticized counterpart. When in its unplasticized state, rigid PVC (also known as ‘PVC vinyl’ in some parts of the world) is easier to apply in more industrial uses that require its solid state to course different materials through them. Examples of this are water for irrigation or sewage when coursed through pipes. On the other hand, its plasticized or flexible counterpart is more suited for high-pressure uses like wire insulation, hospital use, and construction purposes.

What is PVC Board?

Now that you have a better background of what makes up PVC, let us get to know the forms that it is most commonly used in. PVC board (or PVC foam board) is a solid yet plasticized version of polyvinyl plastic that is fit for construction use both indoors and outdoors. In this state, it is durable enough to be used as a weather and water-resistant wood replacement. Because of these features, you can rest easy when using it in spaces with occasional water hazards like kitchens, kiosks, outdoor patios, and even garages.

What are the Different Types of PVC Panels for Interior Use?

Depending on your intended purpose, the ideal type of PVC you use can sometimes change. Below are the different types of interior PV.

PVC Foam Boards

Distinguishable by their significant thickness of over 6 mm, PVC foam boards are more commonly used in external wall applications, but they can also be used indoors for sound suppression and room insulation. Though they are known for their thickness and durability, these boards are actually amazingly lightweight. Because of this, they can make good movable room divider solutions for some added privacy and noise suppression in open layout spaces.

PVC Sheets

Typically used for decorative purposes, these thin sheets of PVC are held strong by their built-in PVC grid. This is why PVC sheets are able to maintain their thin, low-profile, and lightweight properties while being able to hold up against day-to-day exposure to the elements. PVC sheets can have your desired design carved into them, so your space can look great in any weather.

PVC Sheet Wall Panels

The most commonly available type of PVC, PVC sheet wall panels are typically used for wall and ceiling cladding applications. Usually available in 10 by 10 foot strips, these materials come in a variety of colors and finishes that are sure to suit any interior design style. Below are the commonly available finishes:

  • Wood Finish Panels
  • Solid Color Panels
  • Marble Color Panels

Additionally, contractors, designers, and home owners can opt to add PVC wall trim or cladding to hide the edges of PVC wall coverings for a neat and clean look as well as a longer lifespan to protect the edges of your PVC panels from day-to-day wear and tear like errant water splashes or spills.

Now that we know more about PVC, it is time to take a deep dive into their various PVC advantages and disadvantages .

What are the Advantages of PVC Boards?

PVC boards have been a long-time industry favorite for a reason. Below are the main advantages that you can expect to experience by using PVC in your current or future projects.

Versatile Resistance

Whether you use it for outdoor paneling or as a wall covering in your kitchen, powder room, or entertainment area, you can be confident in the integrity and resistance of your interior PVC. Polyvinyl plastic boards and sheets come with built-in water, fire, and corrosion resistance—making it a safe choice for wall and ceiling panel applications

Impressive Strength & Durability

Though known to be fragile in its unplasticized state, plasticized PVC is actually strong and durable enough to withstand the regular wear and tear of daily life. PVC is safe from all the regular risks of deformation, and can survive up to four long decades with the proper maintenance and care. In this way, you can make the most of your PVC panels and their longevity.

Good for the Environment

PVC is also environmentally friendly! It can be recycled and is not harmful to the environment when disposed of properly. As long as you get your PVC ceiling panels from a credible supplier in the Philippines, you can also rest assured that it won’t create off-gas, making it a safer choice for food storage and home insulation.

What are the Disadvantages of PVC Boards and how to face them?

No material is perfect, and naturally PVC is no exception. Here are some disadvantages that you can expect and thus prevent!

Risk of Toxic Fumes

Though PVC is fire-resistant, it can pose a health risk should it ever catch ablaze or be exposed to temperatures that are high enough to melt it. When melted or burned, PVC can emit toxic fumes that can cause respiratory damage and bodily harm. However, the chances of this happening are slim because PVC vinyl comes with heat stabilizing additives incorporated into it during its production.

Risk of Scratches

PVC panels are already finished products that have been sealed to lock out any water and chemical damage. Because of this, its coating can be in danger or scratches from sharp objects and abrasions.

While these cons are unavoidable, it is easy to mitigate these problems with preventative maintenance and cleanliness.

What are the Common Uses of PVC?

Here are some ideas on how to use the PVC across your residential, commercial, and corporate spaces.

Decorative Divider

In open-floor layouts like studio apartments or offices with co-working spaces, it can be a bit distracting to not have a means to divide the space for their designated function. Use cut-out PVC sheets for a stunning custom divider that can help you section off the areas into purposeful segments for better focus and productivity.

Wall and Ceiling Coverings

Wood, marble, and other wall or ceiling coverings can be pricey to purchase and even pricier to repair and maintain in case of damage or need for replacement. PVC vinyl sheets are a stunning yet inexpensive way to get the distinct appearance of other materials without going through the financial stress that purchasing and buying these materials can bring.

These are just a few of the examples of using PVC as a material!

Now that you know more about PVC in greater detail, we hope that this article gave you some confidence in using PVC in your current or future space. Get in touch with Decocity for high-quality PVC ceiling applications in the exact right finish and design to suit your taste!

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