CLADDING FITTING GUIDE


CLADDING INSTALLATION FITTING GUIDE: Decorative Cladding Guide notes

& fitting instrutions


Fitting your cladding doesn’t need to be difficult. Here at principality Plastics we have put together a handy cladding installation guide which will walk you through how to fit your plastic cladding and the best cladding installation method.

Our step by step guide to cladding assembly and installation will make you an expert cladding fitter in no time.


Measuring your walls

After deciding where you would like to fit your cladding panels, you will need to measure both the width and height of each of the walls you are fitting them to. Our panels can be laid both vertically or horizontally however, please bare in mind this will depend on your room dimensions and the length of the panels.    

     

1.  Measure your wall height and make sure it is shorter than the length/height of the panel you wish to install; this will be the case for most of our panels as they are designed to run from floor to ceiling.

2.  Measure your wall width in centimetres (cm). In the example above the width of the wall is 2.6m, this in centimetres equals 260cm. Divide the 260cm by the width of each panel (again in cm) in our example the panel is 25cm, when divided by the width gives 10.4. From this you would need 11 panels. Repeat the process for each wall, alternatively simply add up the width of all your walls and then divide by the panel width.
                                                                                                                       
Cladding Panel Structure

Our PVC cladding panels are made from durable waterproof PVC material and have a fluted structure making them strong, lightweight and help with insulation. The panels are tongue and groove allowing you to slot them together quickly and easily.

 

Cutting the panels to size and panel assembly

Our PVC panels can be easily cut with basic hand tools, such as a Stanley knife, fine tooth HANDSAW or even a circular saw. If using a Stanley knife simply score across the width of the panel allowing it to break off in a straight line.

    

Installation onto Walls & Ceilings

Our panels can be easily installed onto plasterboard, existing tiles or a wooden framework.

  

For plasterboard and wooden frameworks screws or staples work well, but for tiles, please be advised you will need to use a solvent free ADHESIVE.

Ceilings

The method above also applies to ceilings, if you are fitting spotlights, please bear in mind the position of the studs and leave room for any wiring or fittings. Hole cutters for light fittings or wires can also be used.


Using Screws or Staples with your cladding installation

To attach the panels using screws, you need to screw through the lip of the panel and then your next panel will slot into place, covering the screws. Be advised you can screw straight onto plasterboard as well as a timber framework.

            

Our guide to Using Adhesive

You can also use solvent free ADHESIVE to attach your panels to your wall, however, we only recommend using an adhesive if your panels are going onto plasterboard or other solid surfaces. For a wooden framework screws or staples would be recommended.

When using adhesive, run the adhesive down the panel in an S shape (shown left below), or use the dot and dab technique (shown right below).

                                                                                                                

Trims

We have a wide selection of TRIMS suitable for all
corners and edges, these come in a variety of colours.

End Caps – These are generally used around
doorways, or where your wall starts and ends,
specifically where you are only panelling 1 wall.
The trim is fitted to your wall first, and the
panels simply slot into the groove.

External Angles – External angles are a
multipurpose trim ideal for external corners,
window bays and other angles. They are often
preferred over the external corner trim due to
ease of fitting, as they can be simply stuck
over the top of the panels with an adhesive.

External Corners – External corners serve
the same purpose as the external angles, the
only difference being the way they are fitted.
The external corners have a slot either side for
the panels to slide into, these should be fitted
before the cladding.

Internal Corners – Internal corners are the
reverse of our External corners and should be
fitted prior to the cladding.

Quadrant
– Quadrants are used to create a
decorative finish around the edge of your ceiling
and can be simply attached over the top of your
panels for easier installation.

Installation to your cladding and Mounting to your walls

Once your panels are installed you may want to mount things to your wall such as units, showers etc... Due to the nature of the panels it is strongly recommended they are not used to bear any load, you should screw through to the supporting wall so that the wall itself is supporting the weight and the items are just sitting flush against the panels.

Making your room waterproof

While the panels themselves are waterproof we recommend if they are being used in a wet area such as a shower enclosure or wet room, a very small amount of clear silicone should be applied in the groove of each panel.