FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is PVC?
Polyvinyl chloride (commonly abbreviated as PVC) is a widely-used plastic. Globally, over 50% of all PVC manufactured is used in construction. As a building material, PVC is budget-friendly and easy to assemble. In recent years, PVC has been replacing traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and clay in many areas.
Are all PVC ceiling products the same?
No, please be aware of cheap imitations! Many of the imported PVC products that are sold in South Africa are "non-genuine" and manufactured by using poor quality materials and compounds. Our PVC ceilings are manufactured in South Africa with high quality PVC and come with a 20 year manufacturing product guarantee.
Can I install the PVC panels on my existing brandering?
There is no need for the installation of additional brandering. The standard brandering (and sizes) which is used for regular ceiling boards, can be used for our PVC ceiling panels. Your brandering should not be more than 400 mm apart. If you prefer, the PVC panels can simply be attached to your old ceiling, eliminating the need to remove it.
What are the standard panel sizes which are available?
Printed PVC panels (B, C & MSeries): Width: 250 mm Thickness: 7 mm Length: 1-12 m
Hot Stamped PVC panels (A and D Series): Width: 300 mm Thickness: 10 mm Length: 1-7 m
Standard lengths that are kept in stock are 4.3 m and 6.0 m.
Upon request we can provide you with longer panels and these standard sizes can be customised according to your specific requirements. However, you will be required to collect and transport the panels yourself. Please visit our SPECS page for more detailed information.
In order for your to work out how many panels you need and what sizes they should be, please click here.
Can normal down-lighters be fixed or mounted to the PVC panels?
Normal down-lighters (or any other type of lights or light fittings) can be fixed to the PVC panels. And before you ask... no, the panels will not melt from the heat that is generated. Due to the high heat resistance of the PVC panels they will not soften, melt or discolour. Please click here to view our range of LED lights.
How much weight can the PVC panels support?
Although the PVC panels are very lightweight themselves, they are extremely durable and strong. The weight that can be supported or carried by these panels can be compared to that of any other normal ceiling board.
What type of joints and strips do I need to use?
Usually joints are not required because our PVC panels are available up to 12 meters. However, should it be necessary, do not use normal joints and strips that are used on regular ceiling boards. Normal joiners are not compatible with the PVC panels and will not fit. Special PVC Joints and Strips have to be utilised and unfortunately they are not available in stores. The PVC joints and strips can however be ordered from us or purchased in-store.
What type of cornices do I need to use?
Cornice products differ in their suitability with our PVC panels. It is recommended that only PVC or Polystyrene cornices are used. Please go to our Cornices page for more information.
What type of trapdoors do I need to use?
Any type of trapdoor can be purchased and installed with the PVC panels.
What materials do I need to use for insulation?
Our PVC products have great insulating qualities and no additional insulating materials are required. The honeycomb design is specially intended to aid in the circulation of heat and air and thus they ensure that the area remains cool in summer and retains heat in winter. According to thermal conductivity tests that were done by the CSIR, our panels have athermal conductance of 8.0075 W/m².K, which is comparable to the insulating value of a normal brick house.
How do I clean and maintain my PVC panels?
Only use a damp cloth to clean the panels. Be very careful when using ordinary household products for maintenance. You can polish the panels to their original condition using a soft, non-abrasive cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive, aggressive substances or cleaning products based on chloride. Solvents may also not be used. You will forfeit your guarantee if any chemicals were used for cleaning or maintenance.
Do not kick, knock, bump or hit the PVC panels with hard elements or objects.
How well does the PVC panels dampen sound?
The dampening qualities of our PVC wall panels can be compared to that of a normal brick wall.
How waterproof are the PVC panels?
Our PVC panels are completely impermeable, meaning that they are not merely water-resistant like most other products that are available on the market, but that they are completely watertight. For example, should your geyser burst, the water will not damage the ceiling panels and you will not need to replace them. They will not leave permanent watermarks and will not bend or buckle the way regular ceiling boards do.
Does the PVC panels give off toxic fumes when burning?
According to test results from the CSIR’s Firelab, our PVC panels are completely environmentally friendly and do not produce toxic fumes when it comes into contact with heat or fire.
What is meant by avirulent insipidity?
This means that our product provides great health benefits compared to regular ceiling or drywall panels. Our PVC products, in effect, prevents or hinders the growth of bacteria and funguses since there is no chemical composites or any other materials within the panels that will attract or harbour suitable breeding grounds for bacteria or funguses.
Can the PVC panels be recycled?
Unfortunately this type of PVC cannot be recycled due to the specific compounds and technology that is used to manufacture them. China is the only country that has the required technology and facilities to recycle this specific type of PVC.
Although no paint work is required, can I paint these panels if I really want to?
Our PVC panels are suitable for painting, especially the “White Matt” design.
Is it easy to install PVC products myself?
PVC panels are easy to install by the average DIYer. Panels can be cut by using a saw (manual or electric) or a sharp utility knife. Panels can be attached to a framework of battens (brandering) using ordinary fine thread drywall screws. Stapling and gluing methods should not be used under any circumstances.
Please note: The PVC panels are fitted together with a tongue-and-groove system. They are fixed on a lip that is concealed when the next panel is fitted. Once the PVC panels are installed the screws should not be visible. If you can see the screws after installation is completed, the fitment has been done incorrectly! Do not kick, knock, bump or hit the PVC panels with hard elements or objects. Ensure that you are using the same batch of panels in one area. Before installing the panels around sources of heat, for example radiators or fire places, make sure that the temperature does not exceed the permissible level of 60°C. When installing the panels in areas with high back-pressure from the rooftop, ensure that the panels are secured properly with screws. If necessary, place silicon sealant in the groove on the back of the lip. Please download our Installation Guide for more information.
Where can these PVC panels be installed?
Mostly anywhere... They are particularly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. In some instances they have been installed inside showers, industrial coolers as well as freezer rooms. Due to their high fire-resistance they have also been installed in factories that manufacture and use highly flammable and hazardous materials.
Can I install PVC panels to the ceiling of my swimming pool?
Our PVC panels will have enough chemical resistance for an indoor swimming pool. The maximum allowed concentration level of chlorine around swimming pools lies around a couple of milligram per cubic meter of air, and this will not have an effect on the PVC panels.
What is the advantage of PVC wall cladding over wood paneling, tile board or FRP panels?
PVC panelling is highly resistant to moisture and water. When compared to wood, PVC panels will not warp, delaminate or swell. PVC panelling is also superior to wood panelling, tile board and FRP panels because of their non-flammability.
Are the PVC panels suitable for outdoor use?
Even though our PVC panels will not damage when used outdoors, we do not recommend it. Although, our products are extremely durable, waterproof and fire-resistant, they are not UV-resistant and will discolour if used outdoors where the product comes in contact with direct sunlight. You will also forfeit your guarantee if you install the PVC panels on an outer surface.
Can the PVC panels be removed and reused?
Our PVC wall panels can be removed easily, without damage and can be reinstalled somewhere else.
How can I pay for the products that I want?
You can pay with cash or via EFT. We also accept debit and/or credit card payments (Speedpoint).
Please contact us should you have any additional questions or require any other information.
