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

• Building fabric.
• Cladding.
• Curtain wall systems.
• Fibre cement.
• Glass fibre.
• Glass reinforced plastic GRP.
• Metal profile cladding.
• Polycarbonate plastic.
• Polyvinyl chloride PVC.
• Precast concrete cladding.