Wherever you live, protecting your home from some elements or weather is crucial. That is where siding comes into play. Their role is highly significant, and every homeowner should install them. The sheathing not only offers protection for your home. It could enhance aesthetic display and improve energy efficiency. With so many options available, which one is the best? The answer might vary for some people, but PVC cladding is one of them.
It is one of the popular choices in this matter. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is known for several reasons, one of which is its low maintenance. It is a sure thing that most homeowners are seeking a home or building products that are less difficult to upkeep. Luckily, this exterior covering provides what the market is looking for.
If you want to know more about PVC cladding, you come to the right place. This article will take a closer look at their use, pros and cons, along with tips to install one. Ready? Have a read!
What is PVC cladding?
PVC cladding is a home product made from plastic material for interior purposes. Because of its material, they offer a clean and elegant look that is perfect for modern-style property. One of the characteristics of it is that it is easy to install. Therefore, you do not necessarily need a professional for help since you can do it yourself.
Easy installation and its appearance make PVC cladding one of the better choices on the market. Some manufacturers even provide a wide range of colour options to match them with preferences. No wonder people choose this type of siding to give the home a refreshing look. To clarify, this building product is not specifically for houses. Commercial structures are using this type of panel.
Main benefits of PVC cladding
PVC cladding has benefits that you should be aware of if you are planning to purchase. Some of them have been pointed out earlier. However, there are still many other advantages that make them famous in the market. It comes from an affordable price while still giving style flexibility is what people are looking for.
If you are looking for the same thing, there is no better option than PVC cladding. Keep scrolling to get more details.
Affordable
PVC cladding is the best option for a strict budget situation. They are the best alternative since other materials might be more costly. Even though it is cost-effective, it does not mean this sheathing cannot offer value to you. The perk of this siding is its long lifespan, which saves you more budget for repair or maintenance. As a result, they are smart investments for the future.
Moisture resistance
Another benefit of PVC cladding you might like is that they are resistant to moisture. It is ideal for areas with such high humidity. With this quality, they can fit anywhere around your home. Whether you use it for the bathroom, kitchen, or garage, you will not face a problem.
Low maintenance
As highlighted, not many homeowners are willing to buy a product that is hard to handle. In short, they want something that needs less attention or maintenance. PVC cladding not only provides low upkeep but also is easy to clean due to its flat solid surface. Just make sure you are not using harsh cleaning products to prevent appearance damage.
Style flexibility
Besides its performance, another thing that matters from siding is style. The more flexible it is, the siding becomes beneficial to home design. Luckily, PVC cladding has many colours and textures you can explore to choose that suits your style best. After all, an appealing display is one of the goals to make you enjoy yourself more at home.
Some of the disadvantages of PVC cladding
It seems unfair if you only provide the bright side of PVC cladding without knowing what the other side has. So, this section provides some disadvantages that you might want to know before buying one. Exploring both sides will be beneficial for you to make informed decisions. It makes you more aware of what kind of product you might buy.
Knowing both sides will help you to your needs, and preferences, and how you can tolerate the various cons of making a purchase. Here are some of the cons of this type of siding below.
Unnatural appearance
PVC cladding indeed offers styles that mimic other textures, like stone or wood. Keep in mind that this exterior covering is from plastic. It makes the appearance not look natural. If you choose this for your interior design, do not expect them to offer the same realism as other materials.
Fire prone
PVC cladding cannot withstand extreme heat or fire due to its plastic material. That is why they are advisable for indoor use instead of outdoors. They can release toxic fumes in a fire, which is dangerous for human health. Being aware of these disadvantages is helpful to prevent unwanted risks.
Fragile
PVC cladding is considered a fragile material compared to wood or steel. That makes them prone to breakage if they are loaded with heavy objects. It is crucial to place them in a safe area and avoid such objects while installed. Moreover, you might not want to install this sheathing in areas that have UV exposure as they will fade over time.
Environmental impact
Last but not least, PVC cladding contributes to environmental impact. The reason is one of their components is a toxic gas named phthalates. As time goes by, this toxic chemical is released into the air and causes environmental concerns. So, if you’re prioritising sustainability and eco-friendly material, this one is not for you.
How to install PVC cladding?
Once you already got one, what’s next? Installation process. Assembling PVC cladding is quite easy, so you might not need a hand from a professional. This section will break down a comprehensive guide on how to install siding for your home. Make sure you take notes if you plan to do it by yourself.
- Prepare some tools: Before jumping into the installation process, first prepare some tools needed like a work table, jigsaw, hacksaw, tape measure, or wipes.
- Set up the surface: Next, set up the surface and ensure they are dry and clean.
- Setting level: Utilise a laser level to measure and align the capping and transition base.
- Fitting sheets: Once the sheets are cut based on measurement before, start fitting them to the wall.
- Final checks: Take a look one more time and make sure they are aligned perfectly. Wipe off any dust to improve the clean look of your PVC cladding.
Understanding how to install this panel is critical, especially if you make it a DIY project. Without proper preparation and skills knowledge, the siding will not be installed ideally. Thus, calling for help from a professional can be the safest option. But it might make you spend additional money, which is not suitable if you have a strict budget.
Final Thoughts
At last, the PVC cladding is a perfect option for those looking for affordable and easy-to-care material. You can be offered so many perks even with a small budget. However, they also come with several downsides like environmental impact and lack of natural appearance. Another thing you should mind is to learn how to install them if you don’t want to call a professional for help.
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