Dampening and mold-ridden interiors are a turn-off. This could be eliminated with the right wall paneling solution. For years, vinyl-covered drywall was a popular choice despite its downsides. People adjusted to the frequent upkeep and repair needs with no choice. The industry felt the need for a reliable and practical substitute.   

PVC panels, made of virgin vinyl, have taken over the paneling industry by storm. They are affordable drywall alternatives and come with installation convenience. PVC panels are everything that drywall is not. Designers trust these panels for their versatility and efficiency. We will learn more about PVC panels, but before that, let’s look at drywall’s limitations.

Reasons why you should rethink installing drywall

Vinyl drywall comes with limitations that make it unfit for most commercial facilities. They fail to meet the requirements of modern-day facilities. They are prone to damage and require extensive maintenance to ensure functionality. Here’s all that you need to know about drywall before investing in one:

Absorbs moisture, resulting in rotting

Drywall has a porous surface that absorbs moisture. This leads to damp patches, which can cause the walls to rot over time. Thus, drywall is not recommended for facilities with highly humid conditions. It can rot, dampen, and promote mold formation. 

Prominent joints are a hub for mold and mildew

Crevices are formed during drywall installation. These crevices make for breeding grounds for mold and mildew, contaminating the indoors. The crevices also make it difficult to clean and maintain. And you end up spending money on mold removal processes. Drywall does not assure a contamination-free environment in your facilities. 

Inflammable and can fuel a fire

Drywall is not fire-resistant. Rather, it can fuel a fire, causing severe damage or mishaps. So, they are not the ideal solution for most commercial spaces like kitchens, restaurants, etc. Installing drywall in livestock facilities is also not recommended because of the threat it poses. 

Complicated installation that takes time

Drywall is time-consuming and complicated to install. It takes more than one person to install. The installation also requires skilled laborers and specialized tools. It also needs backer boards and adhesives for the process, adding up to the expenses. 

High maintenance and replacement requirements

Drywall is a high-maintenance material that requires frequent repairs and regular upkeep. It is vulnerable to damage from excessive moisture and strong impacts. This adds up to the upkeep expenses, making them a costly option.

If not drywall, then what? 

There are reasons enough to ditch drywall for your projects, but what could be an alternative to them? PVC panels are a modern solution that has stirred the paneling industry. Designed to last long and remain unaffected by humidity, they are gaining popularity. They are also lightweight drywall alternatives, so they are easy to install. Apart from the installation aspect, there are many other reasons for choosing PVC panels for your projects. 

PVC panels: Effective for versatile applications 

Right from its construction to its customization, PVC panels emerge as an effective solution for commercial facilities. These panels are lightweight, which makes them easy to install with little time and effort. PVC panels are known for their versatility. Hence, they apply to both residential and commercial projects. But before investing in PVC panels, look at the impressive features that make them a practical choice. 

Resistant to moisture and mold

Manufactured from 100% virgin vinyl, PVC panels exhibit moisture-resistant features. They have a non-porous surface that does not absorb moisture. This eliminates the scope of dampness and other moisture-related issues. PVC panels have a smooth and crevice-free surface. The seamless surface prevents moisture, oil, or dirt accumulation. This further eradicates the chances of mold or mildew formation on the surface.

Meets FDA standards for hygiene and safety

Another feature of PVC panels that makes them trustworthy is that they meet strict hygiene and safety standards. These panels are FDA and CFIA-compliant. They are also ASTM-certified after rigorous quality testing. These qualities make them a reliable option for facilities that need to maintain a hygienic and clean environment. PVC panels also have an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacterial and microbial growth. Hence, they help create a contamination-free facility. 

Low maintenance and easy-to-clean

PVC panels are exceptionally durable. They can withstand strong impacts without cracking or peeling off. They are also class-1 fire-resistant and do not release toxic gases when burnt. These aspects make the PVC panels low-maintenance. The smooth and stain-resistant PVC panels are also easy to clean. They do not need rigorous scrubbing or cleaning exercises. 

Simple and fast installation

The lightweight PVC panels interlock using the tongue and groove method. They are ½” thick and do not need additional backer boards. They directly fit the walls or surfaces with the help of studs and fasteners. So, they can save up to 40% on material and 50% on labor expenses during installation. 

Get your PVC panels from Duramax for the best pricing and warranty

Duramax is a leading PVC panel brand. We manufacture and supply high-quality PVC panels nationwide. Our panels are affordable drywall alternatives as we offer factory-direct pricing. Get a limited lifetime warranty on the panels when you buy from us. Visit the website now to place an order.