Install uPVC Cladding to Weatherproof Your Home
Each home needs to be repaired, especially after bad weather. To make the home habitable, prevent damage, enhance its beauty, and sell it, one must repair it. The best method for a quick makeover is to use cladding on the exterior walls. Cladding can be used as an extra covering for plaster or bricks, which are prone to damage due to weather conditions such as rain or snowfall. These building materials can be protected from damage by cladding boards. uPVC cladding, also called rigid cladding, is a popular building material in the UK and the US. It has almost become a standard in the construction sector over other components, such as metal, wooden or brick cladding, that were traditionally used. Read more now on A1 Cladding
The Advantages of uPVC Cladding
Some of the advantages of uPVC cladding over other cladding options available in the market are:
Unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride (uPVC) is a premium quality building material extracted through a slow manufacturing process to produce durable plastic boards. Made up of dense plastic components, uPVC cladding retains its texture, colour and shape for years without any need for major repairs.
uPVC cladding is thermally insulated. Unlike metal or wooden cladding, a uPVC cladding helps to preserve heat in the room. It reduces the energy costs for heating or cooling the room.
It is lightweight so it is easy to move and doesn't add much weight to your building. Using uPVC cladding on the exterior of a building is possible without putting too much pressure on the foundation. To avoid possible collapse, it is important to verify the foundation's load threshold when using metal, concrete, or wooden cladding.
uPVC cladding is soundproofing. Soundproofing properties depend on the density of the uPVC material. Higher density means better protection against external noise. Due to this property, it is an ideal building material for hospitals, libraries, museums and schools.
It is impact-resistant. Thus, uPVC cladding can withstand strong winds, sea waves and heavy rains without any significant damage. When buying uPVC building material make sure you look at impact resistance options.
Contrary to popular notion, uPVC cladding is not a fire catalyser. Because it has a high melting point, it can be used to prevent fire spreading to other areas. Also, it does not lead to the formation of fire droplets while burning. High quality uPVC building materials have high levels of chlorine, which acts as a fire retardant.
How to Install uPVC Cladding?
It is easy to install uPVC cladding without the need for professional help. There are two types of plastic cladding available in the market - shiplap cladding and V joint cladding. Both types are manufactured from the same raw material and have similar properties. The only difference lies in the shape and form of the finished product. The installation process involves fixing the first layer of the cladding to a wooden frame on the wall by nailing them. Then, cover it with a top layer to achieve high quality finished surfaces. However, if you want to install cladding on a large area, it is better to call in experts. They have years of experience and can fit different pieces of cladding together to create a perfect fit. Without proper installation, one cannot enjoy the soundproofing and thermal insulation properties of it.
Look for industry standards that the British Board of Agrement (BBA) recommends before you buy uPVC cladding in Britain. Look for reputable uPVC producers approved by the BBA. CSTB (French Scientific and Technical Centre for Building), also certifies uPVC fascias and soffits. Ensure that the product carries the BSI kitemark to make an informed and safe decision.