Waterproof Ceilings have never been easier!
Written by Milan Jara on 4th Sep 2024
Waterproof Ceiling Tiles
If you’re looking for a finishing material to really tie a room together, ceiling tiles are often a good bet. Not only can they be found in many different colors and patterns, but they’re also really easy to install and relatively inexpensive when compared to similar finishing materials.
While it may be tempting to decorate your entire home or business using the same types of tiles to ensure a uniform and easy-to-maintain installation, that’s not always a good idea. Not because it won't look great (it probably will!), simply because not all tiles are built the same.
If you want to benefit from the convenience and aesthetics of tiled ceilings in moisture-laden and humid environments, you’ll need a special type of ceiling tile. To understand why, join us as we discuss the ins and outs of waterproof ceiling tiles, and a little about other wet room finishing materials, to help you design and install attractive and reliable waterproof ceilings.
Why can’t I use standard ceiling tiles in my bathroom?
Standard ceiling tiles, including traditional fiberglass and urethane tiles, are not completely waterproof. Some tiles may be water-resistant, and so able to withstand a little exposure to moisture over time, but most are simply not rated to withstand constantly wet environments.
This problem isn’t unique to bathrooms, though they are the most obviously moisture-laden rooms in most buildings. Dripping water from leaking pipes and condensation in humid areas can also cause significant issues over time if the tiles you use are not completely waterproof.
What happens when standard ceiling tiles get wet?
When standard ceiling tiles get wet, they begin to break apart. This happens because water can be freely absorbed into tiny gaps in the material where it then begins to break down the structure of the tile itself. If moisture levels are low, this process can take several months or even years, but in many cases standard tiles will completely fall apart in a matter of seconds.
If you don’t use waterproof ceiling tiles in moisture-laden rooms, you’ll likely face issues with:
- Visible staining Even just a small amount of water from a leaking pipe or trapped condensation in a building can cause visible staining. You might have seen this in person if you’ve ever looked up at old acoustic ceiling tiles in a typical office or store.
- Sagging and distortions: Alongside dirty yellow and brown stains, standard tiles exposed to water often start to sag and distort fairly quickly. Not only does this look unattractive, but it can also be a safety risk as bits of tile begin to drop from the roof.
- Non-uniform finishes: Tiles exposed to water will become discolored and stand out like a sore thumb even if they don't totally fall apart. Replacing such tiles can also be hard as suppliers adjust their products regularly, so you may not find an exact match.
All in all, it’s simply not worth risking the use of non-waterproof ceiling tiles in any rooms you expect to experience even a little bit of moisture or humidity. This is especially true as there’s a perfectly ideal alternative that’s just as cost-effective, easy-to-install and visually appealing.
What are waterproof ceiling tiles?
Waterproof ceiling tiles are, as the name suggests, special ceiling finishing materials for commercial and residential properties that are completely waterproof. Unlike traditional tiles, waterproof ceiling tiles don’t absorb water through any holes in their surface as they’re made from a single layer of waterproof material, meaning they won’t warp or discolor in wet rooms.
What are waterproof ceiling tiles made from?
Waterproof ceiling tiles are made from specially-manufactured sheets of PVC, which is why you’ll often find them categorized as PVC ceiling tiles in hardware stores and online. PVC ceiling tiles can be further manufactured to display a slightly-reflective metal-like finish, while they’re still made from PVC, these products are commonly referred to as faux tin ceiling tiles.
Without going too deep into the science behind its waterproofing capabilities, PVC is able to repel moisture consistently due to its unique chemical composition. In simple terms, if PVC is water-reistent enough to be used in 70% of water pipes and as a waterproofing membrane in modern buildings, you can be sure that it’s able to prevent water from damaging your ceiling.
The benefits of waterproof ceiling tiles
Of course, the main benefit of using PVC or faux tin ceiling tiles to decorate your bathroom, office or other similarly moisture-laden space is that you won’t need to worry about damage, distortion or discoloration. However, there are plenty of other reasons why it can be a great idea to install PVC ceiling tiles in just about any part of your property, consider the following:
- Multiple installation options: Waterproof drop ceiling tiles are ideal for offices and retail spaces where unsightly pipes and wires need to be covered up, while glue up and nail up ceiling tiles can be easily installed in any normal residential property.
- Highly customizable: Unlike traditional ceiling tiles made from thicker and more brittle materials, PVC ceiling tiles can be cut to size using a fixed blade knife or a pair of scissors, so they’re perfect for any unconventionally shaped rooms in your home.
- Loads of design choices: Waterproof ceiling tiles are not restricted by the natural color of their base material, meaning you can find hundreds of different options in terms of colors, patterns and even 3D designs to match your interior design style.
- Simple maintenance: PVC ceiling tiles are scratch-resistant as well as waterproof, so you can easily wipe them down during your normal cleaning routine, you can also replace individual tiles easily and they’re fire resistant for some added peace of mind.
Speaking of waterproof finishing materials. . .
While we’re on the topic of waterproof ceiling tiles, we may as well talk a little bit about some other finishing materials that can be put to good use in moisture-laden areas like bathrooms and wetrooms. Below are a couple of products that are currently proving popular on our site.
Waterproof shower wall panels
Just like waterproof ceiling tiles, PVC shower panels are completely waterproof and specially designed to be used in wet environments. Our current stock includes a wide range of panels featuring different designs and textured patterns, with multiple color options available in each style to ensure you’ll find a perfect match between your ceiling tile choices and shower walls.
Decorative PVC fretwork
Do you currently have a big blank wall in your bathroom that you just don’t know what to do with? If so, you might consider turning it into a feature wall by installing a set of intricate and interesting PVC fretwork panels. Landing somewhere between an art piece and a wall panel, these tessellating finishing materials can help you to create a truly unique looking bathroom.
Faux tin cornices and moldings
Finally, to really tie together your choice of waterproof ceiling tiles and PVC wall panels, why not think about updating your cornices? Faux tin cornices and moldings can add an extra bit of definition to your interior design choices and really help to blend the rest of your materials together. Order our sample pack here if you want to see how different styles suit your space.
Wrapping up
So, there you have it, the ins and outs of waterproof ceiling tiles. Whether you’re in charge of a commercial property that suffers constant issues with leaking pipes, or a homeowner looking to spruce up your bathroom, these specially designed finishing materials will help you to avoid costly repairs and maintenance while improving the visual appeal of your space.
Remember, they’re not always sold as waterproof ceiling tiles, so make sure to look for PVC or faux ceiling tiles if you’re struggling to find the right products. Better yet, try browsing our very own selection of carefully curated waterproof ceiling tiles by clicking on this handy link.
Range of Ceiling Tiles
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Wall Panles
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Cornices and moldings
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