PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
How do thermal expansion behaviors of slat ceilings differ from wooden ceiling planks?
Temperature fluctuations in Central Asia—from −30°C winters in Siberia to +40°C summers in Turkmenistan—challenge ceiling materials. Wood planks expand and contract unpredictably, causing gaps or overlaps. Aluminum exhibits a known linear expansion coefficient (~23×10⁻⁶/°C), enabling engineered tolerances in clip-in systems. Slat profiles include expansion joints every 4 m, accommodating up to 5 mm movement without visible distortion. In Astana’s high-rise towers subject to solar gain, metal slats maintain even spacing, whereas wood planks can shift by several millimeters, leading to uneven surfaces. Predictable behavior simplifies design and installation across Central Asia and southern Russia.