Case Study: Stretch Ceiling Repair at Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow
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- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
Swimming pools present one of the most challenging environments for traditional ceiling materials. High humidity, continuous moisture, and year-round heat make plaster and paint vulnerable to cracking, discolouration and ongoing maintenance issues. This is why more hotels and leisure centres across Ireland are turning to stretch ceilings. They offer durability, visual impact, and long term resilience with minimal upkeep.
At Stretch Ceilings and Walls, we were recently invited to complete a specialised repair project in the Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow. The hotel has an established leisure centre that includes a heated indoor swimming pool. Although the pool area already featured a stretch ceiling, it had been installed by another company several years prior. One of the ceiling panels had developed a noticeable rip. This created a visual flaw in an otherwise clean and modern space, and the hotel needed a fast, professional solution with minimal downtime.
This case study explains the full process behind the repair. It demonstrates how stretch ceilings can be restored to a flawless condition even when repairs require colour matching and custom printing. It also highlights why stretch ceilings are the ideal ceiling solution for swimming pools, hotels, spas, and leisure centres throughout Ireland.
Project Background
When the facilities team at Seven Oaks Hotel contacted us, they expressed concerns about the visible damage to one of the blue ceiling panels above the pool. The priority was to resolve the issue quickly while keeping closure time to a minimum. The pool is a valued feature within the hotel, relied upon by both hotel guests and the local community. Any extended downtime would be disruptive, so the solution needed to be efficient and well planned.
Because the stretch ceiling was not originally installed by our team, we first needed to fully understand the material type, the colour used, and the exact shade required for a seamless repair. Stretch ceilings are available in many finishes, and even within a single colour category there can be dozens of subtle variations. A precise match was essential to ensure the finished ceiling looked unified.
Initial Inspection and Assessment
Our team visited the site to conduct an inspection and gather all required measurements. The damage consisted of a clean rip within a single membrane panel. The surrounding panels were in good condition, which meant only the damaged panel needed replacement.
To match the original panel accurately, we carefully removed a small piece from the damaged section. This sample was essential for colour analysis. Once removed, we prepared it for submission to our specialist supplier who would generate a set of accurate colour variants based on the sample.
During this visit, we also carried out a full assessment of the surrounding structure. Swimming pool ceilings must withstand humidity and temperature changes. We ensured the track system and substrate behind the existing panels were fully sound and suitable for a new membrane installation.
Precision Colour Matching and Custom Production
One of the advantages of working with stretch ceiling materials is the ability to produce highly accurate custom finishes. Once our supplier received the sample, they created eight blue colour variations that closely matched the original membrane. Each variation represented a slightly different tone, allowing us to provide the hotel with options that would blend naturally with the surrounding ceiling.
We arranged a follow up visit to meet the hotel management team and present the eight colour samples. Under the actual pool lighting, the client reviewed each shade and selected the one that aligned perfectly with the existing panels. This step ensured complete visual harmony once installed.
After the final shade was selected, our supplier produced a custom printed PVC stretch ceiling panel specifically for this project. This approach ensured precision and consistency rather than relying on a generalised colour from a standard palette.
Installation and On-Site Process of a Stretch Ceiling Repair
Once the custom membrane arrived, our installation team returned to Seven Oaks Hotel. The pool area was prepared for safe working conditions, and the scaffolding required for overhead installation was positioned securely.
The damaged panel was removed carefully, ensuring the existing track system was fully preserved. We then installed the new custom printed panel, applied tension evenly, and completed all finishing steps to achieve a perfectly smooth surface.
The membrane blended seamlessly with the existing ceiling. There was no visible difference between the replacement panel and the surrounding blue ceiling sections. The entire process was completed with minimal downtime, allowing the swimming pool area to reopen quickly.
Because stretch ceilings require no sanding, plastering, or painting, the repair created no dust or disruption. This efficiency is one of the key reasons hotels and commercial venues choose stretch ceilings for environments where appearance and customer experience must be maintained.
Results and Final Appearance
The completed ceiling restored the pool area to its original condition. The blue membrane provided a clean, modern look that complements the ambient lighting around the swimming pool. The custom colour matching ensured visual consistency, which is especially important in leisure and hospitality settings where guests expect a polished finish.
This project demonstrates the flexibility of stretch ceiling systems. Even when repairs involve custom printing, shade matching, or replacing panels installed by another contractor, the outcome can be flawless.
Why Stretch Ceilings Are Ideal for Swimming Pools and Hotels
Stretch ceilings have several benefits that make them the preferred choice for swimming pools and hotel environments:
Fully waterproof surface that is resistant to moisture and condensation
Unaffected by humidity, making them ideal for spa rooms and pool areas
Easy to clean using mild, pH neutral cleaners
Strong visual impact with smooth, seamless finishes and vibrant colour options
Customisable colours and designs, including printed graphics and brand themes
Fast installation with no dust or disruption
Long term durability backed by extensive product guarantees
Excellent performance in high traffic commercial environments
These advantages give hotels and leisure centres a reliable ceiling solution that enhances the guest experience while keeping maintenance costs low.
Stretch Ceilings Across Ireland
Although this project was completed in Carlow, our team provides installation, repair, and maintenance services nationwide. We regularly work with clients in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, and throughout Ireland. Our experts handle projects in residential homes as well as commercial venues including hotels, spas, retailers, swimming pools, offices, and entertainment spaces.
Whether you require a new installation, a full ceiling redesign, or a precision repair like the Seven Oaks project, we provide a professional service from consultation to completion.
Key Benefits Delivered to Seven Oaks Hotel
Perfect colour match through sample analysis and custom printing
Fast turnaround with minimal disruption to guests
Professional repair without altering the existing structure
Durable and long lasting replacement panel designed for humid pool environments
Consistent visual finish that revitalised the pool area
This project is an example of how stretch ceilings can be restored quickly and accurately, even when repairs require specialist materials and customisation.
The stretch ceiling repair at Seven Oaks Hotel in Carlow highlights the effectiveness of stretch ceilings in challenging environments. Through careful inspection, precise colour matching, and expert installation, our team delivered a flawless repair that restored the swimming pool area to its best condition.
For hotels, leisure centres, and commercial properties across Ireland, stretch ceilings provide a modern, durable and visually impressive solution. With fast installation times, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to produce custom finishes, they remain one of the most versatile ceiling systems available.
If your property requires a repair, refurbishment, or complete ceiling upgrade, our team at Stretch Ceilings and Walls is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how a stretch ceiling can transform your space.
