How do aluminum ceilings compare with gypsum or PVC ceilings in durability and appearance?

When specifying ceilings in Southeast Asia, comparing aluminum with gypsum and PVC is common. Aluminum ceilings lead in durability: they resist moisture, warp, and rot—key advantages in humid or coastal cities like Singapore, Manila, and Bali. Unlike gypsum, which degrades when exposed to water, aluminum maintains structural integrity and finish over time. Aluminum is also non-combustible, offering better fire performance than standard PVC, which is combustible and can emit toxic fumes. Visually, aluminum provides a wide range of high-quality finishes—powder coat, anodized, PVDF—that retain color and sheen longer than painted gypsum or lower-grade PVC surfaces. Aluminum’s precision profiles (linear, perforated, baffle) support modern aesthetics preferred in commercial projects across Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. However, gypsum can offer a seamless smooth plaster look and is often less expensive for plain ceilings in dry interiors; its sound-damping mass can be an advantage in some acoustic strategies. PVC is lightweight and cheap but suffers from discoloration under UV exposure and limited premium finish options. Aluminum’s higher initial cost is offset by longer life, lower maintenance and superior performance in tropical climates, making it the preferred choice for many architects and facility managers in Southeast Asia. From a manufacturer’s perspective, specifying corrosion-resistant coatings and correct fastening systems maximizes aluminum’s benefits in the region.