Plaster of Paris (POP) is a quick-drying POP plaster made primarily of calcium sulfate hemihydrate. Since ancient times, people have had ready access to the plentiful POP that gives Plaster of Paris its name.
Casting molds made from plaster of Paris are durable and resistant to shrinking and cracking. Plasterwork decoration on ceiling & cornices is a common application for this product.
While many contemporary orthopedic models are constructed of fiberglass or thermoplastics, plaster casts are still commonly employed in field of medicine to immobilize broken bones while they recover.
Plaster of Paris can be used to fix drywall or to create a false ceiling, among many other building uses. If you want to know more about advantages and disadvantages of plaster of Paris, continue reading.
Advantages of Plaster of Paris
1. Easy to apply
Plastering over masonry, block, etc. is a breeze when using POP. They can be completed concurrently without any additional effort.
2. Carries aesthetic value
The POP ceiling serves many purposes in our daily lives. POP ceilings were originally developed with the express purpose of hiding imperfections in the building. Perhaps there’s a split in the wall or some bare wires around the house. It’s possible that the POP ceiling suspension will save the day. It’s great for covering up sloppy building work.
3. Smooth surface
POP plaster, in contrast to sand cement, which causes fractures, creates a flawless surface with straight, level walls and right angles.
4. Saves construction time
POP plaster doesn’t need water curing; hence it reduces building time by 75% compared to cement plasters, which need 21 days for settling down.
5. Absorbs sound decibel
The residents have complained that the room can get quite raucous at times. However, this issue can also be addressed by the POP limits. POP suspended ceilings can provide additional decibels of sound absorption. In vast indoor spaces, it helps to lower the echo.
6. Fire resistance
Almost 21% of POP’s chemical composition is water that has crystallized. Below 1,200 degrees Celsius, it maintains a steady state. POP’s high water content makes it resistant to fire and a reliable material for use in interior wall coatings.
7. Ornamental effect
To make our homes more to our liking, we keep ornaments and plants. POP plaster ceilings, on the other hand, allow for a drastic alteration of the acoustic character of the interiors. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a classic interior design. However, an enormous interior can transform a cramped or otherwise unremarkable room into one with a striking appearance.
Light up the perimeter of your POP suspended ceilings for an extra visual punch. The maximum amount of light in a room can be reflected, giving the illusion of more space. It’ll provide a new depth to your home’s decor.
8. Environment friendly
POP is a cheap, environmentally friendly, and natural building material. The production of cement results in significant amounts of harmful carbon emissions.
9. Less supervision
Plaster made from cement requires rigorous and frequent quality control inspections, as well as precise sand proportioning. POP plaster, on the other hand, doesn’t need quite as many quality inspections, therefore it requires less oversight.
10. Lightweight
It comes with a relatively low density and strong compressive strength, reducing the weight of plastering by 35% and so increasing the strength of tall buildings.
11. Good audiovisual properties
It acts as a noise barrier, blocking outside sounds from entering the room. Therefore, institutions like medical centers, hotels, & workplaces with lots of people will benefit the most from them.
12. No germs
It’s a natural disinfectant that keeps surfaces free of germs and helps prevent the spread of disease.
13. Low thermal conductivity
Since it has a low level thermal conductivity it reduces the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a given space.
14. Reduce shrinkage
POP plaster reduces shrinkage fractures to a lesser extent than cement mortar plaster.
15. Versatile
Because of their versatility as framing material, they can be employed for ornamental purposes.
16. Readily available material
A Traditional cement plaster uses natural sand, however this is increasingly difficult to source as its use is outlawed in many countries. However, POP plaster is inexpensive and widely available.
Disadvantages of Plaster of Paris
1. Not good for exterior walls
Since it readily absorbs moisture, it can’t be utilized for exterior walls. So, you can’t use POP plaster in the bathroom, the toilet wash area, or anywhere else that’s constantly damp.
Also, it shouldn’t be used somewhere there’s a lot of moisture or humidity in the air.
2. Expensive
Plaster of Paris is an expensive finishing material because it requires skilled hands to apply the final coat.
3. Less water resistant
Plaster weakens when subjected to water or moisture on a consistent basis.
It is not recommended for usage in damp or humid areas because of its limited water solubility.
4. Short shelf life
It has a short shelf life of only 3–4 months, but can be kept for up to 6 months with proper storage. This plaster will deteriorate after three months, even if stored in a dry environment.
5. Need expert assistance
If you’re interested in its potential uses, you should definitely consult with experts. The same is true since no one with fresh perspective can handle it well.
Conclusion
Since the cost of POP has no effect on the consumer, it is widely used as a false ceiling material in most major cities. Property owners are willing to pay the premium because the advantages exceed the disadvantages in terms of finishing, installation process, and cleanliness.
Furthermore, POP will complete the work most effectively if the aesthetic is arduous or intricate, like involving organic forms and multiple layers. The time savings and compatibility with other materials make POP a popular choice among homeowners.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.