UPVC external cladding is effectively maintenance-free as its skin is weather resistant and thus moisture cannot penetrate into the core of the board. Unlike timber, UPVC does not deteriorate through rot and also does not require the application of protective coatings to maintain its appearance and climate resistance.
Our exterior cladding provides an additional external barrier - it will benefit the building’s insulation properties and reduce thermal loss. This has been recognised by the A+ rating under the Code for Sustainable Homes. As well as its insulating properties, our plastic external cladding panels also have acoustic properties leading to a reduction in background noise.
Much like timber, UPVC external cladding is easily cut and nailed using traditional tools, and despite its durability, these products are relatively lightweight so can be easily manoeuvred into position.
Because each of our external cladding ranges has a unique blend of materials, the fire ratings of each can vary. Because of this, there may even be differences in fire ratings across colours in the same range depending on the dyes and component levels utilised. Please ensure to check the fire rating of each PVC cladding product separately.
Although the spread of flame across the surface of UPVC is limited, the material does tend to char and may fall away when exposed to fire. Due consideration should always be given to any combustible materials behind the cladding, which may become exposed in the event of a fire. Where necessary, cavity barriers should be incorporated behind the cladding, as required under the relevant national Building Regulations.
As market-leading products, our ranges of plastic wall cladding have gained BBA Certification as well as being British Standards Registered.
Please note: If your property is with 1m of a boundary, building regulation will stipulate that you have to use a class 1 fire classification product. This normally is not UPVC or composite or timber but tends to be a cement-based product like fibre cement cladding, render, brick etc. It would be down to the building control officer but the further away from the boundary the higher the percentage of non-classified products you can use – also fire backing board or fireproofing could be considered but the common solution is cement fibre board.
For a quick overview of how UPVC external cladding works, please take a moment to watch the short video below.
Our external plastic cladding comes in several different colours to suit aesthetic or practical preferences
Our UPVC external cladding ranges come complete with a 10-year guarantee which covers both product performance and significant discolouration. To view Floplast's full cladding performance guarantee document, click here. Our Freefoam cladding ranges come with an up-to 10-year guarantee depending on the colour, a 5 year guarantee applies to our dark colours: Storm Grey, Slate Grey, Colonial Blue, Sage Green & Anthracite Grey. For more information on Freefoam's guarantee, click here.
Our Shiplap and V Joint PVC external wall cladding systems have been assessed and given an A+ rating. This allows the specifier/housebuilder to claim the code for sustainable homes a maximum of three points when using UPVC on an external wall system. Also, as Natura wood effect cladding is made from 100% recyclable materials, it’s a sustainable option for environmentally conscious projects.
Our ranges come in standard lengths of 5 metres and are relatively easy to install. There are detailed installation instructions and helpful videos for your building project available in our Guides and Tips Section.
If the installation is over walls which are not weather-tight themselves or which are in exposed locations it is recommended that a suitable backing membrane be used to ensure the water tightness of the application.