Similarities and Differences Between Composite Cladding and PVC

COMPOSITE CLADDING

Composite cladding is designed to retain its quality over a long time. Composite cladding will not absorb moisture and is resistant to rot or insect damage. Its simple interlocking mechanism allows a quick and straightforward installation. Composite cladding is made from recycled materials and can be partially recycled after use. If you are looking to redesign your home but are concerned about your carbon footprint, composite cladding is a viable option.

PVC CLADDING

PVC stands for plasticised polyvinyl chloride. Composite materials are composed of different elements, such as recycled plastics and wood fibres, whereas PVC cladding is 100% plastic. PVC was designed to minimise maintenance and prevent the common issues you would see with traditional timber. Similarly to traditional composite cladding, it is also a strong and lightweight building material. PVC is easily customizable due to its pure plastic nature; colours such as mahogany, ipe and redwood are available in PVC cladding.

What are the key similarities between both PVC and Composite?

• Various colour options/designs
• Scratch Resistance
• Insect Resistant
• Moisture Resistant
• Long-lasting / Durable
• Low Maintenance
• Cost-effective.

Composite cladding vs. PVC: Which is better?

An advantage PVC material has over composite material is that it is 100% recyclable. Many composite products come to the end of their life span within 10-25 years and end up in a landfill. For composite to be recycled, the materials that are mixed must first be separated, which is a very expensive and time-consuming process that involves industrial equipment.

PVC is grinded into small particles and then cleaned. The particles can be melted again and remoulded into another product. This process is called chemical recycling, as chemicals such as pyrolysis and hydrolysis are used to convert waste into reusable components.

Another advantage to PVC is that it is lighter in weight when compared with composite. This makes the transportation costs of PVC cladding less expensive and allows for an even quicker / easier installation.

An advantage of composite cladding over PVC is that it looks more authentic. If you are looking for a natural aesthetic, composite material is a better option than PVC. Composite cladding is also less prone to warping, which is caused by temperature changes as seasonal changes occur. This is because the wood fibres in composite are more ridged and are, therefore, less likely to expand and contract.

Durability

Composite cladding and PVC cladding are both durable. This is one similarity between composite cladding and PVC. Depending on the grade of composite cladding that you buy, your cladding can last for up to 20 years. PVC cladding also lasts for a long time, like composite cladding. You can use your PVC cladding for about 15 years. 

Resistant to Insect

Another similarity between composite cladding and PVC is resistance to insects. Composite cladding is resistant to insect attacks. This means that termites cannot attack your cladding if you install it on the exterior wall of your home. PVC cladding is also resistant to insect attacks. Also, wood-eating bugs will not destroy your PVC cladding.

Scratch Resistant Surface

Composite cladding surface texture is scratch resistant. This is because composite cladding has an extra coating of plastic on its body that makes it difficult to scratch. If pets like dogs use their paws to scratch your composite cladding, there won’t be marks on it. PVC cladding is also scratch-resistant, like composite cladding. But composite cladding will resist scratch better than PVC cladding. 

Resistant to Elements of Mother Nature

Composite cladding will resist the elements of mother nature. If you expose your composite cladding to fluctuating temperatures, it will not affect it. Composite cladding will not warp or splinter, and it will expand easily, provided that you add a gap between the boards. Ice, snow, rain, and heavy wind cannot damage your composite cladding.

 Your composite cladding will absorb less water, and it will not swell. PVC cladding will not splinter or break when the temperature changes. Like composite cladding, PVC will absorb less moisture, and it will not swell or rot.

Material Composition

Composite cladding contains wood fibre and plastic. These materials are recycled materials. They are taken to a factory where makers of composite cladding mix them and heat them to form cladding boards. PVC cladding does not contain any wood. Instead, it contains only plastic. This is one difference between composite cladding and PVC cladding.

Weight and Ease of Installation

Composite cladding is lightweight. You can carry your composite cladding easily when moving the boards. Also, the strength-to-weight ratio of composite cladding is high. Strength to weight means that composite cladding is light and strong at the same time. Plastic cladding is also lightweight like composite cladding. You can carry your PVC cladding effortlessly when you want to install it. 

As for installation, composite cladding is easy to install. You can cut your composite cladding boards with a saw when fixing them to the wall of your home. Also, you can use fasteners to install composite cladding. PVC cladding is also easy to install. This is one way in which composite cladding is similar to PVC cladding. You can cut your PVC cladding to make it fit into space. 

Aesthetic Value

Composite cladding doesn’t just protect your home from moisture. It adds aesthetic value to the exterior wall of your home. One advantage of composite cladding colour is that it will last for a long time. Unlike most cladding material that fades quickly, the composite cladding will lose only a little amount of colour before it becomes stable.

 You can purchase grey, brown, anthracite, and oak composite cladding. All this composite cladding comes with a beautiful colour that will add value to your home. PVC cladding is also beautiful. But there is a difference between PVC and composite cladding.  

There is a difference between composite cladding and PVC. Makers of composite cladding can customise it so that it will look like wood. This is one feature of composite cladding that homeowners care about. PVC cladding does not have that feature, so composite cladding is the preferred choice when you consider aesthetic value.

Maintenance

Maintenance is one thing owners of cladding material care about. A cladding that is easy to maintain is a good one. You can maintain your composite cladding effortlessly. What you should do is use a soft fabric to clean your cladding surface. PVC cladding is also easy to maintain. You can use a cloth to wipe dirt from the surface of your plastic cladding.

Conclusion

 Similarities and differences between composite cladding and PVC cladding? Composite cladding is similar to PVC cladding because it is easy to maintain and install. They are both resistant to insect attacks. The difference between them is that composite cladding contains wood and has a wood grain surface texture, while PVC does not.