Installing vinyl-covered drywall in commercial facilities can be expensive in the long run. From installation to maintenance, these panels are time-consuming and costly. They are vulnerable to excessive moisture, resulting in dampness and mold growth. This makes them impractical for commercial spaces that want to save on daily maintenance and repairs. Drywall absorbs moisture and rots, requiring frequent repairs and replacements. Hence, the need arises to look for a solution that could reduce expenses and offer years of functionality. That’s where PVC panels step in as a reliable alternative. Through this blog, we’ll explore how PVC panels can replace drywall in your upcoming projects.

Downsides of installing drywall in commercial spaces

Commercial facilities deal with challenging conditions, including humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and accidental impacts. As a result, you need to look for wall paneling solutions that can endure these challenges without compromising the structural integrity. Vinyl drywall fails to meet these expectations and is high maintenance. The most significant downsides of installing drywall in commercial spaces with a humid environment are:

Mold and mildew 

The porous surface of PVC panels absorbs moisture and becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Molds thrive in humid conditions and grow rapidly, contaminating the entire facility. This, further, poses severe health risks like respiratory issues, coughing, irritation, and allergy. 

Structural weakness

Constant humid conditions weaken the gypsum core, making the drywall brittle. As a result, the drywall remains vulnerable to crumbling down or collapsing over the years. Hence, they require repairs and replacements quite often. 

Warping and bloating

As drywall is prone to absorbing moisture in humid conditions, it tends to warp and bloat, forming bulges and soft spots on the walls. This deteriorates the appearance of the interior and weakens its structural integrity. 

Peeling paint

When moisture is retained by drywall, it triggers peeling of the paint. This results in frequent touch-ups that will escalate the upkeep expenses. 

Do PVC panels really make for a practical alternative to drywall?

Manufactured from 100% virgin vinyl, PVC panels are extremely durable and long-lasting. Plus, they feature a moisture and mold-resistant surface. Hence, unlike drywall, they remain unaffected by humid conditions and last a lifetime with minimal maintenance and repairs. Here’s how they outshine drywall with their practical features. 

Moisture and mold resistant

PVC panels are inherently moisture-resistant because of their non-porous and seamless surface. These panels do not absorb moisture, eliminating the risk of dampness and rotting. Plus, the seamless finish of these panels prevents mold and mildew from harboring and thriving in the joints. Hence, installing these panels ensures a hygienic and damp-free environment in commercial facilities. 

Durable and long-lasting

They are ½” thick with a unique inner webbed truss design, making them exceptionally durable and sturdy. These panels can efficiently handle attic insulation loads without falling apart or deteriorating in structural integrity. This also makes them impact-resistant as they do not crack or peel over the years. Further, the PVC panels from Duramax come with a shelf life of 100 years, backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

Hasslefree installation

PVC panels are lightweight drywall alternatives, ensuring ease of installation. Plus, these panels have an interlocking design where the panels join using the tongue and groove mechanism. Thus, they are fast and easy to install with minimal effort. Being ½” thick, these panels do not need additional backer boards as they directly attach to the walls with studs and fasteners. Hence, they save around 40% on material and 50% on labor costs.  

Low maintenance and repairs

The durable and sturdy PVC panels do not deteriorate, peel, crack, mold, or discolor over the years. These panels remain unaffected by the everyday challenges in a commercial environment. Hence, they have minimal maintenance needs, eliminating the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Thus, they save significantly on the upkeep costs. As a result, they make for a cost-effective solution by saving during installation and maintenance. 

Meets hygiene and safety standards

Duramax PVC panels adhere to the stringent safety and hygiene requirements. They are CFIA and FDA compliant. Plus, they come with an antibacterial coating that eliminates the risk of bacterial and microbial contamination in commercial facilities. Plus, PVC panels are Class 1 fire-rated and are non-flammable. These panels can withstand an hour of fire and flame without damage or releasing toxic gases. Hence, they ensure a safe space for the occupants and smooth operations. 

Ease of cleaning

The smooth and crevice-free surface of PVC panels is easy to clean and sanitize. These panels do not need rigorous scrubbing as they are stain-resistant. A normal wipe down, using a damp cloth and mild detergent, helps maintain a clean interior. You can also opt for a pressure wash using a garden hose. The ease of cleaning helps to save time and resources that could be utilized elsewhere. 

Case Study: How Nina’s Farm to Plate cafe saved on maintenance? 

Nina runs a cafe named “ Farm to Plate” in Florida with the vision of serving nutritious and organic foods to her customers at reasonable pricing. She, however, found herself overwhelmed with expenses from maintenance and repairs of the vinyl drywall installed in the cafe interior. The costs escalated to the point where at a point she decided to shut down the place due to the regular losses. It was then that she discovered Duramax PVC panels and decided to give them a try. She requested a free consultation after reading our customer reviews. Our team reached out, and in no time, we renovated the cafe with PVC paneling. Cut to a year later, she had saved on maintenance and was now smoothly operating the cafe with ease, thanks to the reduced cleaning. The hygiene and safety compliance is an add-on that helped her pass the FDA inspections. 

Like Nina, you can also consider Duramax panels instead of drywall to enhance the functionality and efficiency of your space.

Final Word

Your search for affordable drywall alternatives ends with Duramax PVC panels. Our panels are ASTM-certified and available at ½” thickness, 16” width, and customizable length. We deliver the panels nationwide at factory-direct prices. Request a free sample now!