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Which siding is better: acrylic or vinyl?

To understand which is better to use siding, acrylic or vinyl, it is worth studying the main characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of panels from both materials.

Vinyl Siding for Facing the Facade

Polyvinyl chloride is used for this material. 80% of this product consists of vinyl, the rest of the volume is occupied by various additives that improve the properties and characteristics of the material. These include stabilizing additives, various coloring pigments, and modifiers that ensure product resistance to external negative factors.

These and other additives make it possible to obtain a saturated color, a matte or glossy surface, improve the elasticity and resilience of the material, and also ensure its durability.

Advantages of covering with vinyl siding

The material is characterized by high resistance to moisture and solar radiation. Vinyl siding withstands the temperature range from -50°C to +50°C. It is also resistant to the aggressive effects of moderate alkalis and acids.

Vinyl siding is resistant to damage, and well withstands medium and small force mechanical actions. The material does not delaminate, does not crack, and the surface does not become rough over time. Even with long-term operation in conditions of high humidity, it is not prone to corrosion and rotting, and it is not damaged by insects and rodents.

The panels are easy and quick to install, and they can be easily done with your own hands, because installation and fixation do not require special skills and equipment. Installation of vinyl siding can be done at any time of the year.

Acrylic Siding for Facing the Façade

To understand the difference between acrylic and vinyl siding and make an informed choice between them, you should understand the specific characteristics and properties of acrylic panels. The acrylic panel consists of two layers of polymer composites, which are produced by the coextrusion method.

One layer is an acrylic polymer. Thanks to this material, the panels become resistant to high temperatures, sunlight and keep their color unchanged for a long time. In acrylic siding, the degree of the glossy shine of the surface varies within 60-90 units.

Advantages and disadvantages of facing acrylic siding

Among the advantages of this material for lining the walls of the house, the following can be noted:

  • The material is strong enough and tolerates mechanical actions well.
  • The product retains its shape at high temperatures (up to +80°C).
  • The material does not contain toxic and harmful components.
  • High level of fire resistance.
  • The material is resistant to various alkalis and acids.
  • The surface of the acrylic panel does not burn out under the influence of ultraviolet light and the color does not change its shade over time.
  • The service life of the material reaches 50 years.
  • Acrylic siding is mounted on the facade of the house as easily and quickly as vinyl siding. It does not require experience, complex devices, and tools.
  • Acrylic panels are easy to care for. It is enough to wash the walls sheathed with such siding with water from a hose annually. The material does not require any other maintenance.
  • Ease of installation. Provided that you are a jack of all trades, you can try to perform the processing yourself, otherwise, the involvement of siding contractor is necessary.

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that if you buy acrylic panels of low quality, which is made without observing the production technology, the proportion of components or outdated equipment, the quality of the cladding will be very disappointing in the first year.

Both materials are quite accessible for self-assembly. They are easy to mount and undemanding in operation. Due to the light weight of the panels, one person will be able to perform the cladding. Siding can be installed on any frame.

In terms of the cost of material and installation, vinyl siding is better than acrylic. In this case, the costs for wall cladding will be slightly lower and compared to finishing the facade with other materials, for example, wooden lining, it is 1.5 times cheaper. The cost of vinyl siding itself and accessories for it (rails, corners, etc.) is on average 30% lower than the price of acrylic. The cost of finishing with acrylic will be higher, but its cost is paid off by a much longer service life.

Conclusion

Which siding (vinyl or acrylic) to choose for finishing should be decided based on future operating conditions.

The main parameters of operating conditions include the material of the base (walls), the type of frame (wooden or metal), the use of insulating materials, the climatic zone in which the house is located, the duration and intensity of exposure to ultraviolet rays, the location of the wall on the sides of the light, the ingress of dust etc. d.

In summary, it can be noted that vinyl siding is not much inferior in properties to acrylic, and the main difference between these materials is the cost of the material and its installation.

Jason

Balancing the highs and lows of life's journey, Jason captures moments that resonate. On updownnow.com, he chronicles the ebb and flow of experiences, offering readers a front-row seat to life's rollercoaster.

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