How does a plank ceiling handle thermal expansion compared to strip ceilings?

As an aluminum ceiling manufacturer familiar with installations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, we design plank ceilings with thermal expansion in mind: aluminum expands roughly 23–24×10⁻⁶ /°C, so profiles, clip spacing and exposed joints must allow movement without buckling or visible distortion. Compared to narrow strip ceilings, plank ceilings—because they are wider and often thicker—can be engineered with discrete expansion joints, floating clip systems, and end-cap details that distribute movement across the run and hide differential gaps. Strip ceilings (very narrow linear profiles) can accommodate linear expansion more readily per individual strip, but their multitude of joints increases cumulative thermal tolerance complexity and may show uneven reveals under large temperature swings typical of the Middle East. For long continuous runs in airport concourses in Doha or façade-covered atria in Jeddah, we recommend dividing runs at calculated intervals, using slip clips that permit longitudinal slip, and providing end anchors to control direction of movement. Additionally, specifying pre-punched slots, loose-fitting fasteners and controlled tolerances at penetrations (lights, sprinklers) prevents stress transfer. Coatings and sealants should be flexible to avoid cracking under movement in humid hot climates like Muscat. In practice, a well-detailed aluminum plank system offers visual uniformity and controlled thermal behavior while strip systems can be acceptable for shorter spans; the right choice depends on run length, exposure and maintenance preferences.