Installation Guide for Durasid Hard Foam PVC Panels

If you're looking for a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional wood siding, Durasid PVC panels offer an excellent solution. These wood alternative panels combine the visual appeal of natural wood with the low maintenance and longevity of PVC, making them ideal for a variety of DIY house projects. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step installation process of Durasid cladding profiles to ensure your project is a success.

Preparing for Installation

Before starting your installation, it’s crucial to carefully read the full fitting instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always check the latest guidelines on the official website, as improper installation could void your warranty. Proper preparation and understanding of the steps will lead to a seamless installation process.

Step 1: Constructing the Timber Frame

The first step in installing Durasid PVC panels is creating a sturdy timber frame, which will act as the skeleton for your panels. The frame must be properly aligned and level to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

• Timber Frame Requirements: The slats used to create the timber frame should be impregnated and measure at least 24x32mm.
• Vertical Positioning: The slats must be affixed to the wall in a vertical position, with a maximum spacing of 500mm. However, if you’re using darker colors such as RAL 7016, or installing Durasid Natural, Elegance, or Foresta panels, reduce the spacing to 300mm to prevent warping or other issues (see fig. 1).

Step 2: Ensuring Proper Ventilation

Ventilation is a critical aspect of installing Durasid cladding profiles. Proper airflow behind the panels prevents condensation, fungus growth, and warping, especially in areas with significant temperature variations.

• Insulation and Vapour Barriers: Never fill the space between the slats with insulation. Instead, fit any insulation or vapour barriers behind the slats. Ensure at least a 32mm gap between the insulation and the panels if you’re using insulation. If not, a 24mm clearance behind the panels is sufficient.
• Clearance Requirements: Always maintain a minimum clearance of 22mm below the bottom panel and above the top panel. Finish with the ventilation profile for optimal airflow (see fig. 2 and fig. 3).

Step 3: Mounting the Panels

With the timber frame and ventilation considerations in place, you can begin mounting your Durasid PVC panels.

• Starting Profiles: Start by attaching the ventilation profile and start profile to the front of the slats.
• Tongue and Groove Installation: Each Durasid panel is positioned using the tongue and groove method. Once positioned, secure the panel into the fixing groove using stainless steel screws.
• Lengthwise Coupling: When coupling two panels, use either the standard or invisible coupler, ensuring a 1mm/m expansion joint is left between panels, as well as between panels and finishing profiles (see fig. 3 and fig. 4).

Step 4: Finishing Touches

The final step in your DIY house project involves finishing the edges and corners for a polished look. Durasid cladding profiles offer a range of finishing options to suit various architectural styles.

• Interior and Exterior Corners: Use the appropriate finishing profiles for interior or exterior corners. These profiles can also be used around windows and doors, ensuring a clean and professional appearance.
• Two-Part Finishing Profiles: To install two-part finishing profiles, first attach the base profile to the slats. After fitting the Durasid panels, simply click the finishing profile into place (see fig. 5 and fig. 6).

Conclusion

Installing Durasid hard foam PVC panels is a straightforward process that can be accomplished by most DIY enthusiasts. By following this installation guide and paying close attention to ventilation and proper mounting techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish that enhances your home’s exterior. Whether you’re upgrading your siding or embarking on a new build, Durasid panels offer an excellent, low-maintenance wood alternative that will stand the test of time.

When planning your project, don't forget to source all necessary building supplies from reputable vendors to ensure you have everything you need for a successful installation. Happy building!