Plastic cladding
The term 'cladding' refers to components that are attached to the primary structure of a building to form non-structural, external surfaces. This is as opposed to buildings in which the external surfaces are formed by structural elements, such as masonry walls, or applied surfaces such as render.
Typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic cladding can be used on new-build properties, or can be retro-fitted to the improvement of the general appearance or performance of a building, covering other materials and changing the overall aesthetic.
The level of noise that penetrates through walls can be reduced by adding another layer of cladding, and this can be enhanced further by adding other materials between the cladding and wall.
Plastic cladding can also be used to form interior surfaces. Interior plastic wall cladding sheets are particularly suitable for hygienic wall cladding, lining, sterile preparation and storage rooms, including chillers. Hygienic cladding is also used in bathrooms, showering areas, equestrian centres, hospitals and laboratories, providing non-slip surfaces as well as easy-cleanable hygienic surfaces.
Polypropylene wall cladding sheets can be used in a variety of applications where safety and hygiene performance is important. It is used particularly in food preparation areas where the prevention of contamination is essential.
Plastic cladding has a number of additional benefits including the following:
- Good availability.
- Low maintenance requirements and durability.
- Eas of installation.
- Availability in a range of colours
- It does not need to be painted.
For other forms of cladding see: Cladding.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Ministers to unleash biggest building boom in half a century
50 major infrastructure projects, 5 billion for housing and 1.5 million homes.
RIBA Principal Designer Practice Note published
With key descriptions, best practice examples and FAQs, with supporting template resources.
Electrical businesses brace for project delays in 2025
BEB survey reveals over half worried about impact of delays.
Accelerating the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding in England
The government publishes its Remediation Acceleration Plan.
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.
Picking up the hard hat on site or not
Common factors preventing workers using head protection and how to solve them.
Building trust with customers through endorsed trades
Commitment to quality demonstrated through government endorsed scheme.
New guidance for preparing structural submissions for Gateways 2 and 3
Published by the The Institution of Structural Engineers.
CIOB launches global mental health survey
To address the silent mental health crisis in construction.
New categories in sustainability, health and safety, and emerging talent.
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.
Comments