Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

PVC Wall Panels vs. Drywall: Which is a Better Wall Cladding Material for Basements?

22 March, 2024

Are you worried about basement moisture and its long-term effects on the walls and ceilings? Consider installing PVC panels instead of vinyl-covered drywall to protect your basement walls from moisture damage. Drywall might be a durable and versatile wall-covering material used for decades. But, it is certainly not an ideal wall cladding solution for wet and moist areas like basements. Did you know that about 98% of basements undergo water damage? Groundwater and rainwater making their way into the basement due to snowmelt, flooding, and rainfall are the biggest contributors to basement moisture. Other reasons are damaged plumbing, foundation problems, poor grading, water leakage, gutter issues, and the use of electrical appliances like cookers, humidifiers, and dryers. Water easily penetrates drywall because it has a porous surface. When water penetrates the drywall, it results in rotting and staining, prompting you to replace it quickly.

Maintenance-free PVC panels don’t need replacement and repair once they are installed. They are moisture-resistant, which helps to ward off moisture-related damage on the basement walls. PVC wall panels also have the longest lifespan than drywall, proving a great solution for commercial facilities. Let’s keep reading to know more about what makes PVC wall panels a better alternative to drywall for basements.

High Moisture Damages Drywall, PVC Wall Panels Remain As Good As New

The drywall’s structural integrity is compromised when exposed to moisture for a prolonged period. Excessive moisture can turn the drywall weak, soft, and vulnerable to mold attack. Unlike vinyl panels, whose seamless surface prohibits moisture seepage, drywall absorbs water, creating a favorable breeding ground for mold. Mold can damage your drywall covering. And regardless of the severity of the drywall damage, it demands immediate restoration.

High-quality vinyl-made PVC panels protect your basement walls from moisture and mold attacks. The vinyl panels’ seamless surface doesn’t let moisture seep through the walls. As a result, mold cannot form and disturb the air quality of the basement. Since PVC wall panels are water-resistant, they aren’t affected by high humidity, so expect them to last for around 100 years.

Drywall Requires Frequent Replacement; PVC Wall Panels Last A Lifetime

Moist basements are neither suitable for storage nor habitation. An increase in humidity level can result in mold formation. Not only this, but uncontrolled moisture can also be a menace to your drywall covering. The drywall is unable to withstand water absorption. Over time, water penetration can rob drywall of its rigidity. While drywall often begins to sag, in worst cases, you might see drywall falling off from the wall in large chunks. Fortunately, an effective way of safeguarding your basement wall is PVC wall panel installation. Irrespective of how minimal the drywall damage is, restoration is the only option to prevent the moisture inside the wall from affecting the insulation and studs.

On the other hand, PVC wall panels need zero replacement and repair and are, therefore, the most affordable drywall alternatives. Their impact and abuse-resistant properties retain the professional look of the panels, keeping them as good as new for over a century. Since PVC panels don’t need you to replace or repair them, you even get a $25,000 money-back guarantee for assurance.

Drywall Installation Takes Time, PVC Wall Panel Installation Feels Like a Breeze

Installing drywall on basement walls takes hours because you must invest in surface fasteners like adhesives, taping, and mudding. You would also require additional tools and multiple laborers for the job. FDA-compliant PVC panels are easy to install because of their modern interlocking tongue and groove system. Unlike drywall, PVC is directly screwed to the walls using studs and fasteners. Lightweight drywall alternatives like PVC panels also help save transportation costs. The drywall is heavy and is not flexible like PVC. PVC panels, on the other hand, offer dual benefits during installation. They are interlocked to create a smooth surface, which not only helps make your commercial facility appear professional but prevents moisture from seeping through and causing further damage.

PVC Panels Are Easier to Clean, Drywall Maintenance is Tough

Keeping the wall panels dirt-free is the key to maintaining a clean and hygienic basement. While drywall maintenance is tough because of its porous surface, the smooth surface of PVC panels makes its cleaning stress-free. PVC panels don’t attract dirt or debris and need occasional cleaning to stay brand new for years. Rely on a damp cloth and mild antibacterial soap to clean the vinyl panels.

Vinyl Panels Can Fire-Proof Your Basement; Drywall Cannot

Vinyl panels are grade-A-fire-resistant, making them suitable for commercial facilities like basements. They can hold fire breakouts for an hour, keeping your basement and stored goods safe. Drywall is not an ideal wall cladding material since it lacks fire-resistant properties.

Easy-Recyclable PVC Panels

Look no further than Duramax PVC Wall Panels for an eco-friendly wall cladding material. The PVC panels leave behind minimal carbon footprint and can be recycled multiple times. The easy-to-maintain PVC panels are made from high-quality vinyl and are more durable than any other wall cladding material.

Customize PVC Panels As Per Your Required Length

Duramax PVC Wall Panels, the 40-year-old experienced vinyl supplier, offers PVC wall panels in different construction lengths. All their panels are available in ½ inch thickness and can fit seamlessly into the walls.

Duramax PVC Wall Panels: US-Based Suppliers of Vinyl Panels

We, Duramax PVC Wall Panels, take pride in offering premium-graded PVC panels. They are impact and abuse-resistant, prolonging their lifespan and making them the most resilient wall paneling solution. Our panels undergo quality tests before being dispatched and meet FDA requirements.

Wrapping up

To get a mold-free basement, trust PVC wall panels instead of drywall. Order our PVC panels online, and we will let you customize them per your needs. We ensure a seamless and timely delivery of all our panels. For a free professional consultation with our experts on your paneling needs, visit the website or call us at 323-991-7507.

It is more than pleasing for us to get highlighted in edmchicago.com.

Place your order – Request for a quote:

Our panels are ASTM certified and FDA compliant; also quality checked. We ensured Kevin that the kitchen would be free from the fire outbreak. The panels have a -hour fire grade also chemical resistant.

Duramax is a top wall panel supplier in the USA. Visit our website for a free sample, get a free consultation and request a quote.

Have a question? Tell us how we can help.

First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 10 MB.

    GET A SAMPLE
    GET A SAMPLE
    Save & Share Cart
    Your Shopping Cart will be saved and you'll be given a link. You, or anyone with the link, can use it to retrieve your Cart at any time.
    Back Save & Share Cart
    Your Shopping Cart will be saved with Product pictures and information, and Cart Totals. Then send it to yourself, or a friend, with a link to retrieve it at any time.
    Your cart email sent successfully :)