You might want to install a spandrel ceiling if you want to improve the look and function of your roof for a reasonable price.
A spandrel ceiling is a kind of cladding that covers the exposed underside of the roof eaves or overhangs.
It can also be used on the ceilings and walls of homes and businesses, and the price per piece usually ranges from $80 to $350.
In this article, we will define a spandrel ceiling, as well as the price of a spandrel ceiling in the Philippines and some other information about it.
What is a Spandrel Ceiling?
A spandrel ceiling is made out of metal, wood, vinyl, PVC, or fiber materials that are attached to the roof framing or wall studs.
It can have different patterns, like ribbed, corrugated, or plain. It can also have vents or holes to let air circulate and stop moisture from building up.
The word spandrel comes from the French phrase “something attached underneath.”
In architecture, a spandrel is the triangle-shaped space between two arches or between an arch and a rectangular frame.
In roofing, a spandrel is a panel that covers the space between the roof and the wall in roofing.
Uses of Spandrel Ceiling
A spandrel ceiling has both aesthetic and functional benefits for your roofing system. Here are some of its uses:
- Ceiling System Roof: A spandrel ceiling conceals rafters and structural elements, matching the color and design of roof tiles or shingles.
- Roof System: A spandrel ceiling shields the roof from weather, pests, heat loss, and noise.
- Interior Ceiling: A spandrel ceiling enhances lighting, ventilation, and coziness in interior spaces.
- Interior Wall: A spandrel ceiling can be used as wall cladding to create accent walls or partitions while insulating and soundproofing.
Spandrel Ceiling Types
There are different types of spandrel ceilings available in the market, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Here are some of them:
Wood Spandrel Ceiling
A wood spandrel ceiling is made of natural wood that has been treated. It looks warm and rustic. It will last and is easy to put together.
PVC Spandrel Ceiling
A PVC spandrel ceiling is made of smooth, shiny plastic that has been molded. It is resistant to fire, stains, scratches, mold, and mildew. It is easy to carry and cheap.
Metal Spandrel Ceiling
A metal spandrel ceiling is made of aluminum or steel and has a sleek, modern look. It doesn’t corrode, rust, dent, or fade.
Vinyl Spandrel Ceiling
A vinyl spandrel ceiling is made of man-made materials and has a rough, matte finish. It can look like wood or stone, is bendable, and is easy to shape.
Fiber Spandrel Ceiling
A fiber spandrel ceiling is made from fiber cement, sand, water, and other materials. It has a rough, natural surface and is long-lasting and good for the environment.
Spandrel Ceiling Sizes
Spandrel ceilings come in standard widths of 4 feet and 6 feet. The size of the ceiling depends on the width and length of the roof eaves or interior spaces.
To calculate the number of spandrel ceiling pieces needed, divide the length of the area by the width of the material.
For example, a 3-meter area would require 20 pieces of a 6-foot spandrel ceiling.
Spandrel Ceiling Price List
The price of your spandrel ceiling will depend on the type, size, design, color, and quality of your material.
Here are some average prices of spandrel ceilings in the Philippines based on online sources:
| Spandrel Ceiling Type | Price per Piece |
|---|---|
| Metal Spandrel Ceiling | ₱80 – ₱120 |
| PVC Spandrel Ceiling | ₱100 – ₱150 |
| Vinyl Spandrel Ceiling | ₱150 – ₱200 |
| Wood Spandrel Ceiling | ₱200 – ₱300 |
| Fiber Spandrel Ceiling | ₱250 – ₱350 |
These prices are only estimates and may vary depending on the market conditions and other factors.
You should always check with your supplier for the latest and accurate prices before buying.
Pros and Cons of Using a Spandrel Ceiling
There are many pros and cons to a spandrel ceiling that you should think about before putting it up. Here are a few examples:
Advantages:
- It can make your home look better and increase its value by giving your roof or rooms inside more style and personality.
- It can protect your roof from damage and deterioration by covering the exposed parts and preventing water, dirt, and pests from getting in.
- It can lower your energy use and bills by keeping your roof or interior spaces warm and letting air in.
- It can make you feel better and keep you safe by cutting down on noise, heat, and fire risks from your roof or inside spaces.
- It saves you time and money because it is easy to set up and keep up.
Disadvantages:
- It can add to your initial costs and work because you’ll need more materials and a different way to put it together.
- It can make your design choices more limited because it comes in fixed sizes, colors, and patterns that may not fit your taste or style.
- It can cause problems with your roof or inside spaces by trapping moisture, dust, or other things that can cause mold, rot, or rust.
- It can hurt your health and the environment by giving off chemicals or gases that can cause allergies, irritation, or pollution.
How to Install a Spandrel Ceiling
Putting up a spandrel ceiling isn’t too hard if you have the right tools and know-how.
But if you want the job done right and safely, you should hire a professional contractor or roofer.
Here is a simplified version of how to install:
- Gather the materials and tools needed for the installation, like spandrel panels, screws, nails, a drill, a saw, a tape measure, a level, a ladder, etc.
- Measure the area that the spandrel ceiling will cover and mark the studs or rafters where the panels will go.
- Cut the panels to fit the size and shape of the space, leaving room for the panels to expand and contract.
- Attach the panels securely to the studs or rafters with screws or nails, starting at one end and working your way to the other while making sure the panels are in the right place.
- Put sealant or caulking on the joints and edges of the panels to finish the job. You don’t have to paint or decorate the panels, but you can if you want to.
Things You Should Know About Spandrel Ceiling
Before you decide to put in a spandrel ceiling, you should know a few things about it. Here are a few examples:
- Do we need spandrel?
You don’t need a spandrel ceiling on your roof or inside your home. But it can give you many benefits that can improve the look, functionality, comfort, and value of your home. - Is spandrel not going to rust?
A spandrel ceiling won’t rust unless it’s made of something that doesn’t rust, like aluminum or vinyl. But you can keep your metal spandrel ceiling from rusting by giving it a protective coating or paint.
