Which is Better- POP or Gypsum False Ceiling

A supplemental ceiling suspended below the original ceiling or roof may be referred to as a false ceiling. The terms dropped ceiling, T-bar ceiling, grid ceiling, suspended ceiling, drop-in ceiling, drop-out ceiling, and ceiling tiles are also used to depict false ceilings. False ceilings are regarded as crucial components of contemporary construction and design.

A range of materials, including wood, Plaster of Paris (POP), gypsum, asbestos sheet, particle boards, and aluminium panels, are used to make false ceilings.

POP False Ceiling

POP, or plaster of Paris, is a powdered variant of calcium sulphate or low-moisture gypsum. The light powder rehydrates and hardens back into gypsum in the mold’s shape when mixed with water. The slurry starts to set and solidify in about 10 minutes, forming interlocking particles that are resilient and durable. The paste is placed on a chicken net on-site, moulded into the desired shape, and then dried until it reaches the highest hardness which takes approximately a month to solidify to produce a POP artificial ceiling. 

False ceilings made of plaster of Paris (POP) are often used throughout the world. Across all categories of false ceiling materials, it is a relatively prevalent variant. Plaster of Paris false ceilings are used frequently for a variety of reasons, including their affordability in comparison to other materials. Plaster of Paris, as we all know, is resistant to any weather, thus the likelihood of it being damaged by changes in the weather is relatively low. Any desired shape of your choosing can be achieved with it. 

The plaster of Paris can also be combined with other false ceiling materials, such as glass, wood, and fibre. POP also gives the ceiling a smooth and equal finish.

Advantages of POP False Ceiling

1.  Longer periods of time can be sustained using POP due to its high durability.
2. Plaster of Paris is a versatile material that may be easily moulded into a variety of shapes and patterns.
3. Ceilings made of POP are roughly 30 to 40 per cent less expensive than ceilings made of gypsum.
4. POP ceilings can be flawlessly moulded to meet odd angles because of their flexible surface and smooth finish.
5. POP ceilings are water-resistant.

Disadvantages of POP False Ceiling

1. Requires very trained artisans to design the plaster of paris ceilings.
2. Because plaster of paris is in powder form, there is more waste and it might make the site messy.
3. The plaster of Paris ought to be flawlessly and entirely dry. Otherwise, the moisture in it can make installation challenging.
4. Cracking may occur depending on the craftsman and the POP mix’s quality.

Gypsum False Ceiling

Gypsum plasterboards are used to create false ceilings consisting of gypsum boards, made of gypsum ( a long-lasting form of hydrated calcium sulphate) which is then screwed to a metal frame that is fastened to the soffit. There are fewer joints since gypsum plasterboard is available in larger sheets than POP sheets. The joints are finished with a jointing compound. Gypsum plasterboard installation is a speedier, cleaner, more practical, and safer approach because less trash and dust are created during the process. Plasterboard made of gypsum is more resilient than POP. One of the main reasons gypsum boards are utilised for artificial ceilings is their hydrophobic properties.

 Gypsum boards that have been prefabricated are created in a factory and assembled utilising metal frames on the project site. These boards can be found in various thicknesses of 9, 12, and 15 mm and are commonly constructed in sizes of 4 x 6 feet, 4 x 8 feet, and 4 x 10 feet. For long-lasting durability, always select premium metal frames that prevent rust. They are mainly utilised in settings with centralised air conditioning.

Advantages of Gypsum False Ceiling

1. The installation of Gypsum False Ceiling Boards is considerably simpler.
2. Gypsum boards provide the ceiling with a seamless appearance by minimising the number of joints.
3. When the product is made by machines in factories, the quality of the output is consistently upheld.
4. It does not easily crack because it is a flat board.

Disadvantages of Gypsum False Ceiling

1. False ceiling boards made of gypsum are more expensive than those made of plaster of Paris.
2. The process of uninstalling gypsum is a little complicated. Any type of repair will require damaging the entire ceiling.
3. Gypsum board water seepage from leaking roofs or air conditioning lines can occasionally cause boards to reshape.

Conclusion

Today, gypsum is unquestionably the substance that most people prefer. Despite being more expensive, individuals choose gypsum more frequently because its benefits outweigh its drawbacks in terms of cleanliness, ease of installation, and surface smoothness.

Gypsum’s less laborious installation procedure contributes to time savings. Also, it blends beautifully with other materials like glass and wood. Thus, it can be concluded that the gypsum false ceiling is superior to the plaster of paris false ceiling.