Nigerian builders are now hesitant to use Plaster of Paris (POP) in their construction. This is due to the high risk of ceiling collapses, which is the result of a combination of substandard materials, poor workmanship, and inadequate oversight. Recent incidents have been linked mainly to issues such as improper installation, the use of low-quality binding wires, and insufficient support structures, even when the POP material itself is not faulty.
POP is a popular and relatively inexpensive building material used in buildings throughout Lagos for creating smooth, finished walls and ceilings. It is especially valued for decorative purposes, such as false ceilings, because it can be easily painted and can accommodate modern, intricate designs. However, it is best suited for interior use to maintain its appearance over time.
Experts revealed that POP is known for producing a smooth, white, and durable surface on walls and ceilings that can be easily painted. It is commonly utilised for creating contemporary designs in false ceilings across various residential and commercial projects in Lagos.
In Nigeria, there is a concerning trend of POP ceiling collapses due to poor supervision and negligence. Most times, clients subsequently hire POP artisans through referrals without verifying their qualifications or experience. Many artisans are unaware of proper POP mixing, application, and curing procedures. They often use substandard materials and fail to check for structural compatibility. As a result, ceilings can crack, sag, or collapse, sometimes causing injury or even death.
To prevent these issues, it is crucial for clients to hire professionals for the entire project. Site supervisors or engineers should oversee the work until completion, conducting inspections, verifying materials, and ensuring structural compatibility. Quality control is essential to guarantee safety, aesthetics, and durability.
The dangers associated with POP became even more pronounced when popular actress Bolaji Ogunmola shared her experience of narrowly escaping a serious incident involving POP. She is just one of many who have recently recounted similar stories.
A tenant in the Lekki area of Lagos recounted a near-fatal experience caused by a collapsing ceiling. “I was setting up my camera when the POP in my house collapsed,” he said, calling out the real estate agents in Lekki for their negligence.
Recently, popular comedian Zicsaloma shared a chilling incident on social media where his living room ceiling, which featured an intricately crafted POP design, unexpectedly gave way while he was recording content. “Na God dey save person,” he tweeted, along with a video showcasing the damage and shattered plaster scattered across the floor, mere inches from where he had been standing seconds earlier.
His experience resonated with many online, sparking a flood of similar stories and jokes. Residents began posting about their “fear of the ceiling” and “sleeping under danger.” However, beneath the humor lies a genuine anxiety concerning safety in rented apartments and newly constructed buildings, where cheap gypsum boards, inadequate supports, and subpar adhesives have become alarmingly common.
Actress, Nkechi Blessing also shared a frightening incident in which parts of the POP ceiling in her Lekki home collapsed. Fortunately, she was not at home at the time, which spared her from possible injury. The ceiling narrowly missed her recently acquired car, avoiding what could have been significant damage.
In a video posted on Instagram, Nkechi showed the destruction and expressed both shock and gratitude that the mishap occurred while she was away. She questioned the quality of construction in Lekki, saying, “Come to Lekki they said. Thank God I wasn’t home and my new car wasn’t there… What would I have said, please? It’s well with you, Lekki developers.”
Key reasons why POP accident is getting rampant are due to using Substandard materials like he use of low-quality binding wires that rust and break, or inadequate wood for the frame, compromises the ceiling’s structural integrity.
There is also the use of poor workmanship arising from unskilled artisans who haven’t completed proper training or who cut corners often result in weak and improperly installed structures.
There is also lack of proper support. In this case critical elements like steel anchors, moisture barriers, and certified adhesives are often omitted, leading to a design that is prone to sagging and collapse.
It could also be from water damage. Water leakage from the structural ceiling can saturate the POP material, increasing its weight and leading to failure.
There is also the problem of overloading like placing heavy fixtures like chandeliers on a POP ceiling without proper attachment to the structural slab can cause the attachment system to fail.
There is also the issue of weak oversight. A lack of supervision means that workers may prioritize speed or convenience over adhering to safety standards.
Experts in the field have advised practioners on the need to prioritize hiring certified professionals and engage qualified architects, engineers, and skilled POP installers to ensure proper design and oversight.
The use of quality materials is also a problem. Do not compromise by choosing the cheapest option; invest in certified and high-quality POP and framing materials.
There is the need to ensure proper installation like make sure all aspects of the installation are done to standard, including checking the strength of the ceiling frame before work begins.
Provide proper supervision: Have certified professionals oversee the installation process to catch and correct any mistakes early.
But there are now alternatives to POP in Nigeria like using gypsum boards, PVC, wood, and fiberglass, which are used for false ceilings. Gypsum boards, when painted, can mimic the appearance of POP ceilings at a lower cost and are available in pre-made designs.
This first 2, namely: Polystyrene and Gypsum have become the major alternatives to POP ceilings for builders in Nigeria.
Gypsum is a fantastic product. It’s a great building material when used properly, but there are many hidden benefits that most people aren’t aware of. In this article, you’ll discover the many benefits of gypsum ceilings and how they can be used in your buildings.
One of the best things about gypsum is that it looks great and is an excellent material to work with when constructing a residential or commercial building.
Working with gypsum has numerous benefits, including mould/mildew resistance, sag resistance, and durability.
Gypsum ceilings are used in home construction as well as commercial buildings.
A polystyrene ceiling is a lightweight and cost-effective ceiling made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, offering advantages in installation time, water resistance, and insulation over traditional materials like plaster of Paris (POP) ceilings. It is a synthetic material that comes in pre-formed tiles or mouldings and is known for being easy to install and durable against moisture.
Polystyrene is Lightweight, and it reduces structural load. It is Water-resistant, making it more durable than POP in case of leaks.
It also provides thermal and sound insulation.
Often cheaper than POP ceilings.
Installation can be faster, potentially completing a three-bedroom apartment in one week compared to ten days for POP
PVC ceilings, known as polyvinyl chloride, are a lightweight and durable material found in modern homes because they are very affordable. This low-maintenance durable plastic material is suitable for rooms with high humidity or moisture because it resists water damage and can be cleaned easily. It has a long life span and comes in different styles, like wood-like, plain design finishes that come in various colours. Although homeowners use PVC ceilings in Nigeria, they are less durable than other materials like gypsum. PVC easily gets damaged due to heat sensitivity, making it a poor choice for areas with high heat or prolonged direct sunlight. If you are after a luxurious look for your ceiling, other ceiling materials may be preferable.
Wood ceiling is also another one. People use wooden ceilings in warm and inviting areas of the building, such as the living room, bedroom, and dining room. They make these ceilings from materials like teak, pine, or mahogany, and finish them in various ways, including painting. Wooden ceilings are more expensive but give good insulation to the room, thereby making it suitable for both hot and cold climates. This type of ceiling has a natural, beautiful, and functional finish.
What about concrete ceilings? Concrete ceilings are strong, durable, and fireproof. They also offer sound insulation. These ceilings suit modern, industrial designs, multi-story homes, and apartments. They help reduce noise between floors. You can choose exposed concrete for a raw look or use it as a base for refined finishes. Concrete ceilings offer an elegant, functional solution for various design styles. Carefully consider the structural support and style of your home before choosing concrete for your ceiling.
