Omar Khalid
Plastic wall cladding is a versatile and durable material that can be used to refresh any interior space. It is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wall coverings and is suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms due to its waterproof and seamless qualities. Before installing plastic wall cladding, it is important to prepare the surface and ensure that it is free from grease, dust, or dirt. The cladding panels can be cut to size using basic hand tools or power tools, depending on your preference. When installing the panels, there are several methods you can use, including adhesive, screws, or nails. It is important to consider the type of surface you are working with and choose the appropriate installation method to ensure a secure and waterproof finish.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, decide on the type of cladding you want to use. PVC cladding is a popular choice due to its durability, ease of installation, and versatility. It can be used in various applications, such as bathrooms, hospitals, and even prisons. You can choose between internal cladding, which is often used to cover interior walls, and external cladding, which is exposed to the elements.
Next, gather the necessary materials and tools. For new projects, you will need a sound substrate, good-quality battens (suitable treated timber), insulation (if required), and a vapour membrane. If you are replacing existing cladding, you will need to remove the old material and ensure the substrate is in good condition before installing the new battens, insulation, and vapour membrane. Choose an installation method that suits your project and the condition of your walls. Flat and true walls are best suited for adhesive methods, while uneven walls may require battens to be fixed in place before installing the panels.
Before installing PVC cladding panels, it is important to give them time to acclimate to the environment, especially if they will be installed in warm or humid areas. This will help prevent damage and allow for natural expansion and contraction during temperature changes. If your panels are protected by a film, keep it on until the installation is finished to avoid any damage.
When using adhesive to install your cladding, ensure that the surface is free from grease, dust, or any other debris. You can use a solvent-free adhesive for plasterboard, solid surfaces, or existing tiles, provided they are flat and clean. For wooden frameworks, screws or staples are recommended. If using screws, screw through the lip of the panel, and then slot the next panel into place, covering the screws.
Finally, plan the layout of your cladding panels. Cut the panels to the required size and shape, considering any necessary trims or angles. Mark the location of each panel on the wall with a pencil before adhering them to ensure an even finish.
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Cutting the panels
Firstly, it is important to allow the panels to acclimate to the environment for at least 24 hours before installation, as they can expand in warm or humid areas. This helps ensure a precise fit. If your panels have a protective film, it is advisable to keep it on until the installation is complete to avoid any damage.
When it comes to cutting the panels, the technique may vary depending on the tools you are using. If you are using a handsaw, place the panel with the decorative side facing up. On the other hand, if you are using a jigsaw, the decorative side should face down. For a basic hand tool option, a Stanley knife can be used to score across the width of the panel, allowing it to break off in a straight line. A circular saw is another option for a more powerful cutting tool.
It is important to cut the panels to the exact size required for the area you are covering. Measure the height and width of the wall or surface you are cladding, and mark these dimensions on the panels before cutting. It is always better to cut the panels slightly larger than needed, as you can always trim them down further if needed, but you cannot add back any material that has been cut off.
When cutting the panels, take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear like gloves and eye protection. Ensure that the cutting area is clear of any obstacles and that you have a stable work surface to cut on. If you are using power tools, ensure that you are familiar with the tool's operation and always unplug it when not in use.
Finally, after cutting the panels to size, it is important to handle them with care. Plastic wall cladding panels can have sharp edges after cutting, so be cautious when handling them to avoid any injuries. Smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper or a file if needed.
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Fixing battens
For external cladding, 50mm x 50mm battens are recommended. The battens should be installed with appropriate fixings for the substrate. Horizontal bottom battens should not be installed as they will block the ventilated air path. Fix the battens at a maximum of 400mm centres. Ensure that the 50mm air path is open at the base and top edge of the cladding to create a clear draw of air directly behind the cladding.
If you are using screws, you need to screw through the lip of the panel, and then the next panel will slot into place, covering the screws. You can screw straight onto plasterboard as well as a timber framework.
While some people use plastic-headed nails or screws with plastic screw caps to fix PVC wall cladding sheets to walls, this is not recommended. Using screws or nails requires you to drill or nail through the waterproof sheets, puncturing the waterproof membrane. While the plastic-headed fixings may seal the holes, the heads become an obstruction to wiping down the PVC cladding sheets and can get knocked off, creating bigger issues with waterproofing.
A better method is to use a good-quality silicone or panel adhesive in a silicone gun-style tube. This provides a bond and allows for some natural expansion and contraction of the PVC wall cladding sheets with temperature changes. There are no mechanical fixings when using high-quality silicone, so the sheet remains completely waterproof. There are also no unsightly fixing heads, meaning the waterproof wall cladding sheets have a completely smooth flat surface.
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Attaching the panels
Prepare the Surface:
Before attaching the panels, ensure the surface is ready. For new projects, this involves installing a sound substrate, good-quality battens (treated timber), insulation (if needed), and a vapour membrane. If you're replacing old cladding, remove the existing material, repair the substrate, and then install the battens, insulation, and vapour membrane.
Choose the Right Adhesive:
Adhesives are commonly used to attach plastic wall cladding panels. Choose a high-quality silicone adhesive or a solvent-free panel adhesive suitable for the surface you're working on. Silicone provides a seamless finish and allows for natural expansion and contraction of the panels with temperature changes. Ensure the surface is clean and free from grease or dust before applying the adhesive.
Using Adhesive to Attach Panels:
When using an adhesive, run it down the panel in an S-shape pattern or use the dot and dab technique. Firmly press the panel onto the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying or curing time. This method is suitable for flat and true walls and can be used over existing tiles or directly onto plasterboard or other solid surfaces.
Using Mechanical Fixings:
Another method is to use mechanical fixings like screws or staples. Screw through the lip of the panel, and then slot the next panel into place, covering the screws. This method is recommended for wooden frameworks. Ensure you use non-corrosive fixings to prevent rust stains. However, using screws or nails punctures the waterproof membrane, creating potential waterproofing issues.
Trims and Finishing:
Finish the installation by installing trims to cover panel joints and edges. Use corner trims and insert the panels into the trim on each side. Apply silicone to the corner trims to ensure impermeability. End caps are used around doorways or where the panelling starts and ends. External and internal angles are used for external corners and window bays, while external corners have slots for panels to slide into.
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Finishing touches
Once the total area is clad, finish the perimeter trims by snap-fitting the front part of any two-part trims. You can use trims to cover ventilated air paths to prevent insect ingress.
If you are using screws or nails to fix your cladding, you can use plastic-headed fixings to seal the holes behind them. However, the plastic heads can get knocked and create bigger issues with waterproofing.
To avoid puncturing the waterproof membrane, use a good-quality silicone or panel adhesive in a silicone gun-style tube. This will provide a bond and allow for some natural expansion and contraction of the PVC wall cladding sheets with temperature changes.
If your cladding is in a warm or humid area, you should give it at least 24 hours to acclimate to the environment before installing it.
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Frequently asked questions
For new projects, you will need a sound substrate, good-quality battens (suitable treated timber), insulation (if required) and a vapour membrane. If you are replacing existing cladding, you will need to remove the old material and check and repair the substrate. If your walls are uneven, you will need to fix battens in place before installing the panels.
There are several methods to attach plastic cladding to walls. You can use screws, nails, staples, or adhesive. Using an adhesive such as silicone or panel adhesive is the quickest, easiest, and most reliable method. It allows for natural expansion and contraction of the cladding with temperature changes and does not puncture the waterproof membrane.
Plastic cladding panels can be cut with basic hand tools such as a Stanley knife, a fine-tooth handsaw, or a circular saw. When using a handsaw, cut with the decorative side facing up. When using a jigsaw, cut with the decorative side facing down.
