PVC wall panel is a popular choice for modern home decor, combining decorative and practical features. It is durable, moisture-resistant, affordable, and available in custom styles. However, it also has some disadvantages, including a lack of fire resistance and a toxic odor when burned. In this article, we'll examine the materials, properties, applications, and drawbacks of this siding to help you make a more informed decision when purchasing.
PVC wall panels are interior decoration materials made of polyvinyl chloride, calcium powder, and other additives. They are often used on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. They are waterproof, moisture-resistant, and light in weight. Their surface can usually simulate various appearances, such as wood grain, marble, diatom mud, skin texture, etc.
PVC wall panels are a composite profile, the main components of which are polyvinyl chloride resin adhesives and calcium carbonate, and auxiliary materials such as plasticizers (such as phthalates), stabilizers (such as lead salts, calcium zinc complexes), lubricants, colorants, etc. are added. Some products also add flame retardants or UV inhibitors to enhance performance.
Lightweight and easy to install: lightweight can be cut， spliced, and easy to construct.
Waterproof and moisture-proof: suitable for humid environments, not easy to mold and deform.
Rich colors: the surface is coated with PVC film technology to present a variety of patterns and textures.
Low cost: compared with natural materials such as solid wood and stone, the price is more affordable.
High humidity areas: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other spaces that are susceptible to moisture.
Temporary decoration: rental houses, exhibition hall layouts, and other scenarios that require quick installation.
Projects with limited budgets: Projects that pursue basic decorative effects.
While PVC wall panels are a durable and cost-effective option that typically lasts 20-30 years, it is important to understand their drawbacks. If not applied and maintained correctly, they can shorten their lifespan and pose a risk to human health.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC): Inferior PVC wall panels may contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde and vinyl chloride monomer, which may release harmful gases when used in closed indoor spaces and affect human health.
Plasticizer risks: Phthalates are restricted in many countries because they may affect the human endocrine system.
Disposal issues: PVC materials are difficult to degrade naturally, and incineration will produce toxic gases such as dioxins, which pollute the environment.
PVC materials are sensitive to temperature and are prone to thermal expansion and contraction in environments with large temperature differences. If sufficient expansion gaps are not reserved during installation, cracking, and warping may occur at the joints later.
The softening temperature of PVC material is about 80℃. When it is close to high-temperature areas such as heaters and stoves, it is easy to soften or deform, and even release hydrogen chloride gas, producing a pungent odor.
Compared with materials such as tiles and metals, PVC wall panels have a lower surface hardness and are easily scratched by sharp objects (such as keys and pet claws). In addition, the surface may look old after long-term use.
PVC wall panels will fade and turn yellow in an exposed environment (such as balconies and sunrooms), especially for inferior products, which will affect the decorative effect.
Although the surface can imitate wood grain, stone, and other surfaces, it feels more like plastic and lacks the natural texture of wood, so it is not suitable for luxury spaces.
The wall needs to be leveled before construction, otherwise problems such as hollowing and looseness may occur.
In addition, if the workers are not professional, improper joint treatment will aggravate the defects caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
We all know that PVC wall panels are popular in humid environments or projects with limited budgets due to their excellent waterproof performance, low price, and easy installation.
However, its environmental protection and poor temperature resistance are also worthy of our attention.
In addition, it is undoubtedly a wise choice to choose products that meet E0 environmental protection and B1 fire protection standards. Also, avoid installing them in high temperatures and exposed places.
CREATEKING is a manufacturer engaged in the research and development and manufacturing of high-end PVC wall panels. If you are interested in PVC wall panels, please leave your contact information on the consultation page so that we can provide you with more help!
