We are all for choosing the right ceiling for our bathroom to make the perfect room design. However, be reminded that your bathroom is that space in your house that’s far different from the rest. By using the space for your everyday bathing, washing, and showering within a constricted space, it is bound to result to moisture buildup.
So, how do you have a waterproof bathroom ceiling? Choosing the right materials and applying additional methods and techniques to your project may just seal the deal.
Why need a waterproof Bathroom Ceiling?
You need a waterproof bathroom ceiling since moisture buildup can be damaging to your bathroom resulting to mildew and mold on bathroom ceiling. This results to black spots on bathroom ceiling most especially in areas which are highly humid. And the worst thing you would want to have in your bathroom are the unsightly appearances of mold on bathroom ceiling above the shower.
Since moisture will always be present in your bathroom, the best that you can do is how to deal with the problem. In the case of bathroom ceilings, the best approach is to find alternative materials that may repel moisture in your bathroom ceiling. You can find some good materials to use for your bathroom ceiling ideas below.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is in itself not waterproof. It is made from glass fibers which are impermeable to water. Because the material has tiny gaps between them, it’s possible for water t permeate through.
In its manufacture, fiberglass is heated to a certain melting point. This allows it to be filtered in tiny holes creating a thin filament. This makes the material lightweight yet tough and sturdy. Its characteristic makes it also a good material for insulation.
While fiberglass is not waterproof on its own, a process may be done to make it completely waterproof. When fiberglass is heated, its filaments can be mixed with resins. Once resin is applied and has dried, the fiberglass becomes 100% waterproof, not to mention its acquired added strength.
However, the process will require a catalyst. Without adding the catalyst, the fiberglass will not be effective at waterproofing. This is why hardened fiberglass are generally used in the construction of things that are exposed to water like boats, bathtubs, and even ceiling tiles.
Fiberglass is highly durable and does not degrade even if exposed to the elements. It can stand heavy winds, not affected by UV rays, and not prone to moisture.
CONS
Fiberglass is not eco-friendly as they are not biodegradable. Due to some properties enhancing its durability, they do not decompose, resulting to the filling up of our landfills.
Fiberglass also poses health hazards. Studies show that inhaling fiberglass for long periods of time can have adverse effect to your airways and lungs.
Acrylic Sheets
Acrylic sheet is entirely waterproof. This makes it a good material for your bathroom ceiling which are constantly prone to moisture buildup.
In addition, the material is better than glass because it has a better impact resistance. It also weighs lighter which makes for a better material due to ease of installation and removal, especially for cleaning purposes.
Also, unlike other plastic materials, acrylic displays weather-resistance qualities. UV resistant grades of acrylic and polycarbonate sheet are frequently used for outdoor glazing. It also comes in clear or frosted designs which are good for lighting purposes, especially in dark and windowless bathrooms.
More importantly, acrylic sheets have increased impact strength and resistance to the growth of mildew, mold, and moss which causes its glass to get obscured in time.
These combined qualities of the acrylic sheet make it a good material for both indoor and outdoor use. This said, acrylic sheets are good to use as bathroom ceilings, especially if you are intending to brighten your bathroom with skylight above your shower area.
CONS
While some fiberglass material boasts of UV protection, long term wear and tear from exposure to the sun can still result to some discoloration, as is the normal fact with plastic materials. However, the rate of degradation will depend on the material’s UV stability.
Tiles
Designing with bathroom ceiling tiles are one of your best choices. They are tough, easy to clean, and most importantly, waterproof. They also come in numerous varieties, textures, and designs you can work with in your vast imagination. No wonder that many opt in using tiled floor-to-ceiling patterns in their bathroom design.
However, bear in mind that waterproof bathroom ceiling tiles do not always come mold-proof. While the tile on bathroom ceiling maybe waterproof in itself, it’s the spaces in between them that are not. Without protection, these spaces may seep in water which can damage your tiled ceiling.
To make your bathroom ceiling tiles work effectively and waterproofed – especially in the areas above your shower – ensure that you are using good waterproof materials in sealing the joints.
The key to a good waterproof bathroom ceiling tiles is a good grout sealer. Grout is basically a mixture of sand and cement, so water can easily permeate it. Otherwise, without a good grout sealer, the grout can absorb water, bacteria, and stains.
You can try using a grout sealer from Clean Eez (from Amazon), as it is primarily designed for shower tiles. It’s an effective tile grout sealer that can protect your bathroom ceiling tiles against water and help repel moisture. This can also prevent your grout from mildew and mold in bathroom ceiling, which ultimately results in ugly visible black spots on bathroom ceiling.
CONS
Without good sealant or grout sealer, tiled ceiling can be prone to accumulate mold in between them. However, this problem can easily be solved by using a good grout sealer. It also helps to re-apply grout sealants every year or two.
False Glass Ceiling
False glass ceiling is your next best option if you wanted glass but hesitant to do so because of safety hazards and cost. False glass gives you the same effect as glass since it makes your bathroom look luxurious and your bathroom space bigger. Due to the infusion of natural light, false glass ceiling is very cost efficient, as it prevents the use of unnecessary artificial lightings, lowering your electrical bills.
Aside from the aesthetics, false glass is a good insulator both to thermal and sound. As a thermal insulator, it can keep your bathroom cold during the summer months and warm during the cold months. This is due to the fact that a false ceiling is installed inches apart from the main ceiling, giving ample space in between the main and the false ceiling.
False glass ceiling is also a good sound insulator as it can minimize bathroom echo and block sounds from outside the bathroom, leaving you with a quiet space. In addition, the ceiling panels have moisture resistance features.
CONS
Like many other false ceilings, a false glass ceiling will make the height of your bathroom ceiling lower. This is because the false ceiling hung below an existing ceiling, resulting to some height reduction by several inches.
Skylight
Skylight ceiling is a good option for small bathroom ceiling ideas as it helps infuse light into your bathroom. Natural light can simply make your bathroom look brighter and make your small bathroom look bigger. In addition to the dimension it gives to your bathroom space, it also exudes elegance.
Skylights are also energy-efficient as it simply draws natural light into your space. However, with the use of various skylight materials, exposure to too much light can be subdued. It can prevent hot-spots and glare, thus, can diffuse the light coming in.
Gone were the days when fiberglass were made from glass. Nowadays, manufacturers use acrylic or polycarbonate material which are equally of excellent quality since they are extremely impact resistant. These improved skylight materials come with more advantages as they can block infrared heat and harmful UV rays.
Contrary to the glass skylight versions, acrylic and polycarbonate can be heated and formed into domes. The flexible design helps in preventing breakage from hail and other elements.
Another good thing about using skylights made from acrylics and polycarbonate materials are in their variety of shades. Transparent acrylics comes in white or bronze and gray tints, while polycarbonate materials are merely transparent, transmitting as much natural light as glass.
CONS
The worst thing that can happen to having skylight is bathroom ceiling leaking. Improperly sealed skylight can cause water leakage. This is because of the gaskets and deck seals or flashing used which gets affected thru natural wear and tear. However, this problem can be easily fixed by a professional.
Large amounts of condensation brought about by a humid bathroom can cause serious moisture problems to your skylight. However, this problem can be fixed by maintaining a clean bathroom skylight which is featured in another article.
