There are many approaches to exterior cladding, from luxury to budget, where each has specific strengths and weaknesses. The leader in this field is the technology of siding buildings. The popularity of the material is justified by the simplicity of installation, presentable appearance at a completely affordable cost. There are plenty of types of panels on the market. Initially, you need to decide: it is better to choose metal siding, vinyl or acrylic for decorating your real estate.
Applications
The cladding panel is profiled strip with a groove along the top edge and a ledge along the bottom... The upper part is screwed to the crate, then the next piece is attached, the connection is made into the lock and the process continues. Front side of panels made in a smooth and embossed design, like wood, stone, plaster, colored and monochromatic.
Regardless of the material, the scope of application of siding applies to the following objects:
- private houses;
- summer cottages;
- cottages;
- garages;
- balconies and loggias;
- sheds and workshops;
- pavilions and stalls.
As the basis for the installation of the flooring, timber, foam concrete and cinder block are most often chosen - materials that need protection from external factors or in the decorative design of a nondescript surface.
In theory, the material can be used not only outside, but also inside the premises, if its size and features allow.
Popular types of siding
In the manufacture of cladding panels are used various materials. It is difficult to choose, a comparison of the models on sale will help to figure it out. Understanding what is the difference between vinyl siding from acrylic, steel from fiber cement, will help you make a decision that is appropriate for a particular situation.
- Vinyl. The panels are molded from polyvinyl chloride. The surface texture usually imitates a bar or log, but stone and brick lamellas are not uncommon. The advantages of plastic slats are low specific gravity, resistance to temperature extremes, rotting and mold. There are also enough disadvantages. The cladding is flammable; over time, the surface fades, acquiring a lighter shade. After a few years, the polymer becomes brittle under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and must be replaced. Plinth models are characterized by greater thickness and strength, durability.
- Acrylic. Manufactured on the basis of acrylic polymers (ASA). Differs in high strength, elasticity and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Resistant to abrasion, chemicals, insects and animals avoid it. Excellent tolerance to ultraviolet radiation is noted. There is only one drawback - the high price. But it is compensated by excellent performance and a long (at least 50 years) service life.
- Metal. In production, galvanized sheet steel is most often used, less often copper and aluminum. The texture is given by stamping on the press. The list of metal's advantages is quite extensive. It is durable, moderately flexible, practically does not change size when heated and frozen. The panels are not flammable, but they themselves protect the building from fire. They will never grow fungus and mold. The range of colors is simply endless. There are also weaknesses. Iron panels sooner or later start to rust.Steel prices have never been loyal.
- Fiber cement. This is not new material, but it is gaining popularity. The slabs consist of cement, sand, water and cellulose, which is pressed and dried. Pressure casting allows you to get a reliable imitation of stone, brick, wooden walls. Fiber cement is characterized by environmental friendliness, fire safety, water resistance and resistance to biological threats. The disadvantages of the cladding are its high specific weight, significant price and fragility. A nondescript surface lends itself well to bright acrylic paints.
Installation of panels is carried out wireframe... The guides are installed vertically. If desired, insulation is fixed between them. Depending on its type, it can be used windproof film and membrane cloth... In the process of assembling the canvas, various additional elements - starting and finishing strips, corner and connecting profiles.
Selection criteria for cladding material
In order to correctly choose an exterior finish, you should focus on such criteria:
- Manufacturer. The more famous it is and the longer it is on the market, the better the quality of its products. Immediately you need to inquire about the presence of auxiliary elements. These include starting, finishing, sloping, connecting, arched strips and soffits. An obligatory moment is familiarization with fire and environmental safety certificates.
- Color. The color palette of the entire building and other structures on the site should be worked out as a single and harmonious whole. The shade can be identical or contrasting. In order not to be mistaken, it is worth making a few sketches and choosing the best option. Better to stay on light colors. These walls heat up less and the fading is less noticeable.
- Building type. For a large mansion, vinyl, fiber cement is suitable. For a smaller building, you can use more expensive acrylic and steel.
- The service life of the coating. Installation is a rather laborious business, and if you hire specialists, it is also costly. It is best to encounter this event as little as possible.
- The state of the panels. They should be even, without chips, cracks or scratches. A separate parameter is staining. The best option when it is throughout the volume. If the color is only on the front side, it is a fake.
- Plasticwhere provided. Good plastic bends, but doesn't break or crumble.
- Panel thickness. In a high-quality cladding, it is the same over the entire area, which is a guarantee of the absence of deformation during temperature drops.
- Own abilities and skills when deciding to carry out construction with your own hands. It is better to refuse models with too complex mountings.
- Price. You should pay attention to it last. When choosing a more expensive, but higher quality and durable material, the owner ultimately saves a lot of money and time.
The most popular is siding of foreign trade marks Variform, Mitten, Gentek, Royal, Vytec, Vox and Grand-Line. Docke, Nordsay, Fine Ber, Tecos and Alta-Profil should be noted among domestic producers.
