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
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.
Comments