Did you know a quarter of a million new homes are built each year in the UK? Up to 100,000 of these new homes are flats in apartment blocks.
For convenience, developers of apartment buildings have tended to stick with traditional materials, and when it comes to ceilings that has meant plasterboard, a layer of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two sheets of paper.
However innovative, forward thinking, developers are starting to explore working with new materials with a search for more sustainable options, for obvious reasons, being a key driver. In the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, safety of materials is also high on the agenda.
Stretch ceilings are one of a new type of ceiling materials being considered by these developers. In this article we give you a summary of what stretch ceilings are and then detail their key advantages for use in new apartment block buildings.
What are Stretch Ceilings?
The clue to what stretch ceilings are made of is in the name, they are made of PVC elastic. PVC elastic canvases are fitted to an aluminium track around the perimeter of a room and then stretched into place. They are lightweight, durable, low maintenance, safe, sustainable and 100% recyclable.
That is all well and good, we hear you say, but why are they such a good choice for apartment blocks in particular? Here are ten compelling advantages for your consideration!
Ten advantages of stretch ceilings for use in apartment building developments
1. Aesthetics
Stretch ceilings offer almost unlimited design flexibility, allowing developers to create visually stunning interiors. They are available in various colours, finishes (matt, satin, supermirror), and even customisable prints. For premium apartments, they add a touch of sophistication and modernity that can enhance the overall appeal of the property.
2. Quick and clean installation
Unlike traditional plasterboard ceilings, stretch ceilings can be installed quickly with minimal disruption and waste. This makes them an excellent choice for large-scale apartment projects where time is a critical factor.
3. Durability and low maintenance
Stretch ceilings are highly durable, resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew, and can withstand minor impacts without cracking or peeling. This longevity reduces long-term maintenance costs for property developers and appeals to prospective buyers or tenants looking for low-maintenance living spaces. Because of their durability, stretch ceilings come with a guarantee of 10 – 15 years, at least 2 to 3 longer than you might expect with plasterboard guarantees, if they are offered.
4. Improved acoustics
One of the lesser-known benefits of stretch ceilings is their ability to improve room acoustics. Sound from other apartments and communal areas is a common downside to apartment living so residents will be delighted to hear that this is addressed by sound-absorbing and perforated stretch ceilings.
5. Energy efficiency
Stretch ceilings can contribute to better energy efficiency. Reflective finishes or insulating layers can enhance natural and artificial lighting, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the gap between the original ceiling and the stretch ceiling membrane can house thermal insulation, further improving energy performance.
6. Perfect for concealing imperfections and utilities
Stretch ceilings are excellent for hiding unsightly wiring, ductwork, and structural imperfections. This capability allows developers to maintain a clean, streamlined appearance without the cost and labour associated with traditional solutions.
7. State of the art lighting
The versatility of stretch ceilings extends to lighting design. Developers can integrate LED strips, fibre optic star effects, recessed lighting, or even create illuminated ceiling panels to give apartments a unique, high-end ambiance.
8. Non-flammable
When stretch ceilings are exposed to fire the material just melts away. Hot bits of material do not drop off the ceiling and the fire does not spread (fire safety classifications: EN 13501=1:2002, NF EN 13501-1+A1:2013).
9. Waterproof
Stretch ceilings are waterproof, protecting rooms from the risk of leaks and floods. If a leak does occur the ceiling expands to accommodate the water and once this is safely removed it returns to its original form, preventing damage to the contents of a room and other apartments below. Stretch ceilings can hold a lot of water, up to 100 litres per square metre!
10. Sustainable
Unlike plasterboard stretch ceilings are 100% recyclable and manufactured with minimal environmental impact. Incredibly light versus other ceiling options they also require less energy to manufacture, transport to site and produce almost zero waste during the installation process. Developers looking to achieve green building certifications or reduce their environmental footprint should consider stretch ceilings as part of their sustainable design strategy.
If you are a developer looking for innovative ceiling options which can promise quality, safety and sustainability then hopefully we have made a good case for stretch ceilings. Please get in touch with more details on your project, we would love to see if we can help.
Read more about the advantages of stretch ceilings versus other ceiling options.