Gypsum or POP?

You need to choose between gypsum boards or POP (plaster of paris) when deciding on the raw material for fabrication of a false ceiling. Both are essentially composed of gypsum, a naturally occurring mineral.

Gypsum board is factory-manufactured from gypsum with water and a few additives, sandwiched between paper. 

When gypsum is semi-dehydrated by heating, it forms plaster of paris or POP, a quick-setting fine white powder, which has many uses, including making false ceilings on site.

However, false ceilings of these materials have their respective strengths and weakness. If you are planning to install a new false ceiling in your home here are the pros and cons that will help you decide what to go for.

Gypsum

Gypsum boards or panels come in a prefabricated ready-to-install form. They are fixed with screws to a metal frame that is attached to the ceiling slab or soffit (the underside of a structure). 

Pros:

o    The biggest advantage of going for a gypsum ceiling is that it is a quick and clean method of installation that generates less dust during execution.

o    Gypsum boards are easy to work with and paint because of their smooth factory-produced finish.

o    Since the mixture is made with precision in factory conditions, the quality remains consistent in boards of good brands.

 

Cons: 

o    In case of any repairs, the ceiling needs to be broken down.

o    The joints of the gypsum boards may show signs of cracks with the passage of time.

o    If moisture seeps into the gypsum ceiling through leaking roofs or air conditioning drain pipes, it may result in fungal growth or cause warping. 

POP (Plaster of Paris)

POP is available in the powdered form and is mixed with water on site. POP can be moulded into any shape in its hydrated form; as it dries, it hardens and retains the set shape.

Pros:

o    Unlike gypsum board, plaster of paris offers great flexibility in designs and can be moulded into different curved shapes.

o    Also, POP is ideal for designing cornices or creating an etched effect, as in this image.

o    It is cheaper than gypsum board.

Cons:

o    The process of mixing the contents of a POP false ceiling on site is a messy and lengthy process that requires lot of cleaning up afterwards.

o    One major concern in using a POP mixture is that a lot of material is wasted during the application process and it requires adequate drying time.

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