PVC ceilings & wall cladding Installation Instructions

PVC ceilings & wall cladding Installation Instructions

Surface preparation

In the majority of the cases there is virtually no preparation needed – the panels can go straight onto brick, cement block, plaster, timber wall studs or stud-work and can even go over existing ceramic tiles. Sometimes bathrooms are half-tiled. In that case tiles can be left in place and the top half leveled out to the same level.

Before starting installation, make sure that the extra thickness of the wall paneling does not interfere with the operation of existing fixtures such as bath taps, shower mixer valves and doors. If the surface is very uneven, wall studs can be used to achieve a level surface and then the panels can be attached to the wall studs. Position studs with 1 to 2 ft (30 to 60 cm) intervals.

The use of studs allows you to install cables for switches, plugs for power supply, phones sockets etc. Pl.s note that building codes might require that panels thinner than 1/4″ be installed over a non-combustible backer over timber studs. Such panels should be installed over a solid, non-combustible backing such as gypsum wallboard.

PVC ceilings & wall cladding

Cutting the Panels

Panels can be easily cut or trimmed using a hand saw, table saw, portable circular saw, jig saw or sharp utility knife. We recommend using a fine-tooth saw. The finer the teeth, the neater the cut you will achieve.

Installation

Panels are normally fixed vertically i.e. from floor to ceiling; however panels may also be fitted horizontally if the shape of the room makes this an easier option. Similarly, ceiling panels can be run in either direction. Of course, you may have a preference as to which way you would like run the panels for visual effect.

Fitting Instructions

Decorative wood plastic panels are easily fixed to almost every surface. Depending on the type of wall or ceiling you can choose different types of fitting.

Nailing

Apply nails evenly and level in the panel lip. Be careful not to hit the panel with the hammer. This method only applies when fixing the cladding to a wooden surface or battening. Make sure the battening is flat and level, packing out where necessary on uneven walls so that when applied the cladding does not develop curvature and follow the walls contours. In cases of damp and uneven walls we recommend the use of treated timbers for battening. Ensure that you leave sufficient ventilation behind the cladding by providing air gap.

Screw fixing

Apply screws through the panel lip as shown in the diagrams below. Screw fixing can be made to wooden wall studs. However breezeblock, brick or plasterboard will require the wall to be plugged before screwing. When the first plank is fixed in place the next conceals the previous fixing see diagram below.