In a recent Construction News article, plasterboard topped the list of building materials in short supply. The article goes on to suggest that the current stock will run out if production doesn’t recommence quickly. It is likely that many building projects requiring plaster will grind to a halt unless alternative materials can be sourced. If you are looking for an alternative to a plasterboard ceiling, for example, you might want to consider stretch ceilings.
Plasterboard ceilings versus stretch ceilings
If you’ve heard of plasterboard ceilings you might be surprised to hear that stretch ceilings – very strong PVC elastic which is stretched to create a suspended ceiling – can not only be used as an alternative to plasterboard but they also offer a number of advantages. With a plasterboard or plastered ceiling you are looking at up to a week for completion of the job. You will also have to clear and put back all items in the room concerned, dispose of all construction waste and do a thorough clean. Stretch ceilings can be installed in a day, you don’t need to remove any items in the room and no cleaning is required. If you have a number of ceilings to do, going stretch might be able to get your project schedule back on time.
But there are even more benefits to stretch ceilings:
- They are very strong and long lasting – so much so that they typically come with a 10 year guarantee
- They are resistant to flooding, capable of holding up to 100 litres of water per square metre, returning back to their pre-flood condition once water is removed
- There are a huge range of design options in terms of colour, shape and finish
- You can employ a variety of lighting affects via the use of translucent canvases and LED lighting – starry night skies are becoming very popular
- They are more energy efficient than plasterboard ceilings, saving you even more money in the long run
How much do Stretch Ceilings cost?
Though the material cost of stretch ceilings might be higher, the reduced installation time means the cost of stretch ceilings is comparable to plasterboard at around £40 per square metre. And that’s before you consider the other advantages mentioned above.
If you are interested in making the switch from plaster to stretch ceiling for your building project please contact us for a quote now.
Elena