PVC ceiling panels

Jabbah

Hello

I have searched and read everything i could find about PVC bathroom panels on the forum but haven't found anything that answers my questions. I have a more specific question on PVC ceiling panels.

I'm having work done in my shower (shower door, new shower and furniture - all have reached the end of their lifetime at the same time). I've had panels in my shower enclosure for over 10 years and am going to be replacing them with the same as they've done me very well. The other walls in that room are painted. The local plumber who is doing the shower installation has suggested that I also move to PVC panels on the ceiling as it should stop any mould growing (I do have to treat it every so often - the shower room is not an enormous mould sanctuary but it doesn't remain mould- free). I've done some reading about pros and cons of panels and would like to ask whether any of the experts here have knowledge of actual fading and yellowing of the ceiling panels over time (my previous panels were black so yellowing was not a prospect - going for white this time)? Or of mould growing and rotting the ceiling above?

Also wondering about the health risks of PVC panels leaching toxic chemicals into the atmosphere of my shower room.

I know sometimes there are many scare stories which are unlikely to happen in the real world - and that sometimes those stories should be taken heed of.

I'd appreciate any opinions, knowledge or experience from the forum.

Thank you

Albermarle

There is no health risk from rigid PVC panels. Otherwise they would not be allowed in a domestic situation.
Most houses have many UPVC items in them . Windows, drainage pipes, doors etc 

The scare stories were mainly around flexible PVC, where there is direct contact. Such as babies sucking on toys, or clingfilm wrapped around food. Although any possible toxic additives have been removed years ago.

White UPVC will fade to yellow ( as will many white plastics) unless it is formulated correctly during manufacture.
You can see UPVC windows do not fade to yellow, and are guaranteed for 10 years.
As panels are for internal use, they will not be formulated to such a high standard, but you would hope any from a reputable manufacturer will resist any yellowing for many years. 

Emmia

I'd probably just paint the ceiling in a proper mould resistant paint, like Zinsser permawhite. As you have a mould/damp problem, are you also ensuring you have a decent extractor fan installed with a humidistat as part of this refurb to help the new stuff not go the same way?

Jabbah

Thank you all so much. 

The electrician has just replaced my old extractor fan (rusted through) with something that was supposed to be like for like and very strong but wasn't a patch on my old one - I've asked for something stronger and he's just told me that my old one was commercial level and the new one is domestic use. I've asked for a true like for like in terms of strength and hopefully he'll find something.

The explanation about PVC is extremely useful - thank you so much.

Really swayed by the convenience and labour saving that PVC would bring - but will have a good think about Zinsser - at least I can see what problems might be brewing.

Emmia

Jabbah said:

Thank you all so much. 

The electrician has just replaced my old extractor fan (rusted through) with something that was supposed to be like for like and very strong but wasn't a patch on my old one - I've asked for something stronger and he's just told me that my old one was commercial level and the new one is domestic use. I've asked for a true like for like in terms of strength and hopefully he'll find something.

The explanation about PVC is extremely useful - thank you so much.

Really swayed by the convenience and labour saving that PVC would bring - but will have a good think about Zinsser - at least I can see what problems might be brewing.

Which fan did your installer put in? 

I'd recommend something like this, quiet, humidistat and decent extraction rate

https://www.screwfix.com/p/vent-axia-479087-100mm-4-axial-bathroom-extractor-fan-with-humidistat-timer-white-240v/617gy

diveunderthebonnet

We had our bathroom done two years ago ,took out the bath ,removed an airing cupboard and put in a walk in shower ,new toilet,handwash basin ,tiles etc. the original ceiling was artexed so we had it done in plastic sheets ,looks good and does not need painting ,it is an enclosed bathroom ,no windows but has a ceiling fan that comes on with the lights and runs on for a set time when the light are switched off ,does a great job regarding condesation. 

Jabbah

Thank you everyone - a lot of food for thought