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Plastic Wall Cladding Has Several Advantages Over Other Cladding Materials

External plastic wall cladding is used to provide weather protection for walls. Wall cladding made of PVC, for example, can protect walls not only against dampness but also against breakdown from UV light. Additionally, accumulated dirt can be cleaned much more easily from a plastic surface compared to other wall exteriors such as brick and wood. This means that it is easier to keep plastic clad premises looking new for much longer.

In the US, Vinyl siding predominated as exterior wall material of all new one-family houses sold. PVC wall cladding is an alternative to aluminum, fiber cement and timber sidings. It has certain advantages over other materials.

Plastic wall cladding resists heat, cold and dampness. Standardized sidings can also withstand hurricane winds up to 110 mph and more. These wall claddings do not need painting, and can be cleaned using just water and a mild detergent.

Considering material, labor and finishing costs, plastic wall cladding costs the least when compared to wood, fiber cement, stucco, brick and stone sidings. Add to this the ease of keeping plastic exteriors looking new, and it is no wonder that people have come to prefer plastic wall claddings.

Environmental Aspects of Plastic Wall Cladding

Plastic is less recyclable compared to other materials. PVC can be recycled only if it is new as in the case of factory scrap and installation cuttings. Some plastic cladding makers have developed methods for using recycled plastic as the core and using new materials only on the surface.

On the other hand, it does not cause air pollution like painting or staining and consumes less energy than aluminum siding.

Ensuring Quality of Plastic Wall Cladding Installations

A number of industry standards have been developed for PVC sidings. The standards cover product quality, color retention and installation competence.

By ensuring that the product you buy meets the standards, you could guard against substandard wall claddings, and enjoy the advantages that plastic offers.

Plastic Wall Cladding is Available for Interiors

Plastic wall cladding systems are also available for interiors. These tend to focus on hygienic and decorative aspects. Smooth surfaces make them impervious to ingrained dirt and easy to clean. Different colors and patterns provide the decorative effect.

Plastic Wall Cladding is Easy to Fix

The wall cladding systems come with profile joints and edge trims that make it easy to fix them. The products also typically come with installation guides that allow expert DIYers to fix the plastic wall cladding themselves.

Conclusion

Plastic wall cladding is an alternative to aluminum, fiber cement and timber sidings. Plastic resists heat, cold and dampness, is easy to clean, needs no painting and can be made to resist hurricane speed winds. Standards have been developed to ensure product quality, color retention and installation quality.

While external sidings focus on weather protection interior plastic wall claddings cater to hygienic and decorative aspects. Different colors and patterns allow you to choose the one you want.

Considering material, labor and finish, plastic wall claddings are less expensive than other alternatives.

About the Author

Alan Matchett B.Eng, Director IPSL, advisor to plastics industry and article writer for Plastic-Wall-Cladding

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