Step-by-step guide to fit a PVC-UE cladding system

Freefoam Building Products guide you through the installation of its easy to fit PVC-UE cladding system.

Freefoam manufactures a range of long lasting, low maintenance cladding systems. Designed for high performance, The company’s PVC-UE cladding is produced with an environmentally friendly and durable lead-free formulation. The product is suitable for a wide range of new build homes or garden room, and for any home renovation project.

Easy to install
All Freefoam cladding products are easy to fit. Both the standard PVC-U and Aluminium range of fitting trims ensure every installation is straightforward, and designed to create a neat and professional finish.

Very low maintenance
PVC-UE is a very stable material. Cladding products made from PVC-UE do not require repainting or regular maintenance. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s required to keep these cladding products looking their best. This offers a major long-term advantage over wood cladding, saving time and money.

Cut heating costs with exterior cladding
With heating costs always a concern, fitting exterior wall cladding can provide the ideal solution to insulate your home. When installed with generic insulation materials, the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE) ‘Green Guide to Specification’ has given PVC cladding an A+ rating.

STEP ONE
Fix breather membrane to entire area to be clad. Breather membrane should be fixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

STEP TWO
Fix cladding battens to the area to be clad at 400mm centres. Double battens should be used at all edges, corners and joins

STEP THREE
Fix first parts of vented closer and starter trims. Ensure 10mm expansion gap at the ends of trims

STEP FOUR
Fix first part of two-part corner, joiner and edge trims. Do not cut the second parts of these trims to length yet.

STEP FIVE
Fix first cladding plank into the vented starter trim, push firmly down and ensure the plank is fully engaged and level before screwing into place. Ensure 8mm expansion gap at the ends of planks. (Do not clad beyond expansion groove on the trims).

STEP SIX
Slot each board onto the board beneath and screw fix into place. Check boards are fully engaged and level as the installation progresses. Clad to top of the installation, leaving a 5mm gap between the top plank and the ventilated trim to allow for expansion. Use cladding material or treated softwood to pack as necessary.

STEP SEVEN
Use butt joints to connect boards. Butt joints do not need to occur at batter position.

STEP EIGHT
Once all cladding has fixed, measure, cut, and fix second parts of two-part trims.

STEP NINE
Fix cover trim to vented starter trim. NB: Continuous ventilation from the bottom to the top of the installation is critical to the performance of the cladding.