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PVC panels (lambris or decorative) used in Morocco as economical alternative to tiles or plasterboard for: false ceilings, bathroom/kitchen wall covering, slopes, balcony ceilings. Advantages: quick clip-install, easy clean, moisture-resistant, low price. Drawbacks: heat sensitivity >70°C, flammability.
PVC: 3-5× faster install, 50-70% cheaper, 100% waterproof, demountable. Plastic look, 10-15 year life (yellows). Tile: noble look, 30-50 year life, hygienic, resale value. Slow expensive install. Rental: PVC. Main residence: tile. Compromise: PVC in shower/laundry, tile in main bath.
1) Fix 30×40 mm wood battens or metal profiles to concrete ceiling, 50-60 cm spacing. 2) Verify laser alignment (3 mm/2 m flatness). 3) First panel on natural light side. 4) Clip next panel into previous groove. 5) Cut for windows/lights. 6) Perimeter trim. 8-15 m²/day per experienced installer.
PVC is combustible and releases toxic fumes (hydrogen chloride, dioxin in intense fire). Standard Euroclass: B-s2,d0 (acceptable housing). For public buildings: demand fire-retardant PVC B-s1,d0. Avoid PVC on large continuous areas in stairwells/corridors. Private SDB or balcony ceiling: managed risk.
Sun-protected interior: 15-20 years (slight ceiling yellowing). Sun-exposed exterior Morocco: 5-8 years (marked yellowing, embrittlement, clip breakage). Covered (balcony, slope): 10-15 years. UV-treated PVC lasts longer than dark colored. Avoid PVC on south facade — use alu or treated wood.
8 m² walls + 4 m² ceiling = 12 m². Standard white PVC: 1,320 + 1,200 trim + 1,080 install = ~3,600 MAD. Marble-imitation premium: ~5,200. Equivalent tile: 7,000-12,000. PVC saves 50-60%.
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