How to fit external PVC Cladding
External PVC cladding not only helps improve the look of your home, but it also adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. External PVC cladding is a fantastic alternative to traditional timber. Not only does it look just as good, but it is low maintenance and long lasting, saving you both time and money.
PVC cladding comes in a variety of different styles, from shiplap, open V joint and wood grain, and an extensive range of colours, from traditional white and cream to the more contemporary grey and light blue. So whether you live in a 70’s semi or a three-storey town house, there is PVC cladding to suit.
Preparation is paramount
Once you have chosen your PVC cladding, it is time to fit it. For all installations, regardless of size or shape, preparation is key. For new projects, you will require a sound substrate, good quality battens (suitable treated timber), insulation (if required) and a vapour membrane. The replacement of existing cladding requires the removal of old material, a checked and repaired substrate to ensure a sound location for battens, installation of good quality battens, insulation, and vapour membrane.
Colour coded
For a safe, successful installation, you must consider the key differences between white or light colour and foiled/woodgrain cladding.
White cladding is more forgiving, however if the exact guidance for foiled/woodgrain installations is not adhered to, then issues such as blocked ventilation air-paths resulting in excessive heat absorption, could be encountered. Below is a step-by-step guide for both white or light colour and woodgrain cladding to help you get the best results possible from your installation.
A step-by-step guide for both white or light colour and foil/woodgrain installations:
White/ Light Colour External Cladding:
- We recommend using 25mm x 38mm battens (19mm x 38mm min).
- Install battens with appropriate fixings for the substrate. Do not install horizontal bottom battens as this will block the ventilated air-path.
- Fix battens at a maximum of 600mm centres for single plank, max 300mm centres for twin plank.
- Ensure battens are fixed around any door and window openings to allow plank ends to be nailed.
- If required, or where insulation is inserted, always install a vapour breathable membrane behind the cladding battens to ensure the air-path is not obstructed.
- Fix rigid perimeter trims first using 25mm A4 stainless steel ring shank pins. Where 2 pt. trims are being used, only fix the back part.
- Locate the first cladding plank into a starter trim and nail to battens using 30mm A4 stainless steel ring shank pins. Ensure all plank ends are fixed to a batten.
- Interlock subsequent planks, fully engaging tongue and groove detail, and fix to battens.
- Joints in long runs must be made over a batten to ensure plank ends are fixed.
- Once the total area is clad, finish perimeter trims by snap fitting the front part of any 2 pt. trims.
Foil/Woodgrain External Cladding:
- We recommend using 50mm x 50mm battens – DO NOT COMPROMISE - if 25mm x 38mm battens are used because of restrictions to available space, this will NOT be covered by the manufacturer guarantee.
- Install battens with appropriate fixings for the substrate. Do not install horizontal bottom battens as this will block ventilated air-path.
- Fix battens at a maximum of 400mm centres.
- Ensure that the 50mm air-path is open both at the base and the top edge of the cladding to create a clear draw of air directly behind the cladding. This can be covered with a suitable vent trim to stop insect ingress.
- Apart from the above addtional guidance, you can now follow the same installation procedure as for white external cladding.
If you encounter any problems or have any questions about your external PVC cladding installation, talk to a member of our knowledgeable team in branch or your chosen installer who will be more than happy to help.
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