Acrylic siding: what are the features of the material?

Acrylic siding - the most popular material for finishing the facade of the house. How does it differ from vinyl and what are its features, not everyone understands. The first thing that catches your eye is the difference in cost. But this is not the only difference between acrylic siding.

By production of an acrylic siding polymers of new generation are used. This gives the material properties that are not typical of any other material.

In particular, it is possible to distinguish its following advantages:

• a wide range of color, texture solutions, configurations;
• corrosion resistance;
• it is not subject to a mold, fungi, various microorganisms;
• reliability;
• durability;
• it is mounted easily and simply;
• insensitive to chemicals;

• reduced heat absorption;
• not exposed to ultraviolet rays;
• able to tolerate temperature drops from -80 to +80;
• not subject to deformation, if it happens, the siding is quickly restored;
• flame retardant and non-toxic.

Acrylic siding can be vertical or horizontal. The first is somewhat easier to install. In addition, the vertical lines visually pull out the building, make it higher. The second option is horizontal, it is more difficult to mount, it is better to do it together. The most commonly used is the horizontal version.

The main difference between acrylic siding is its durability and strength. However, there are other features that make this type of siding different from all others. In addition to technical characteristics, it can be distinguished by production technology. This is a multi-layer construction, which consists of high strength acrylic polymers.

The features of acrylic panels are:

1. increased resistance to UV radiation, without changing neither the shape nor the color;
2. durability of fasteners;
3. no deformation, even at +85 degrees;
4. fire safety;
5. does not need painting or repair;
6. insensitive to mechanical or chemical damage.

Vinyl siding is composed of polyvinyl chloride. These panels most often imitate wood. They are single, double or triple. They can be mounted in several ways: according to the same type as the wall paneling, or by the “lock-latch” method. The latter type is most common. Vinyl panels are most often performed in bright colors, which do not absorb but reflect the sun's rays.

The features of these panels include:

1. in use they are simple and unpretentious;
2. provide good protection from winds and all weather conditions;
3. do not sustain combustion, are safe in case of fire;
4. corrosion, dampness, fungus does not appear on the panels;
5. non-toxicity;
6. high speed of installation and dismantle;
7. profitability - allow you to reduce heating costs;
8. well tolerated by mechanical stress.

As can be seen, the operational properties of acrylic and vinyl siding largely converge. Most felt the difference in price - acrylic models are somewhat more expensive than vinyl.

When choosing a siding type, you need to consider the following:

1. estimated budget;
2. what material the base is made of;
3. how well the surface is illuminated and to what extent it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation;
4. the location of the building;
5. climatic conditions.

Panels can be made in the form of a log, fir-tree, ship's timber or vertical stripes. In addition to shapes, textures, colors and performance properties, they also differ in their dimensions.

The sizes of these types of panels are presented in the table.

Modern technologies allow you to create panels that mimic natural materials exactly. Most often, siding is produced under the tree or under the stone. There are (but are already losing popularity) and classic rectangular panels, resembling a clapboard.

Thanks to the latest materials and manufacturing methods, it became possible to create panels of darker shades. If earlier the vinyl siding had, generally, light coloring (to avoid burning out), now there are panels and more dark colors. Acrylic siding, which is painted using a new and improved technology, can boast of an especially rich palette of shades.

And the texture of the panels have expanded their model range. There are panels for a log, timber, stone, vertical or horizontal siding, pastel or flashy tones - for almost every taste.

If you choose vertical panels as decoration, the building will visually “grow”, it will seem higher. This is a good solution for low-rise houses.

Horizontal models are suitable if there is a goal to “downgrade” a building somewhat, to make it lower and wider visually. This option is most often found in the quality of facades of residential buildings.

You can arrange the house in a single color scheme, and you can use contrasting shades. Thanks to a wide choice of various shades, textures, imitations, it is possible to choose a finishing material practically for any style and create a real art object.

Among the many companies engaged in the production of acrylic siding, there are several companies that have managed to establish themselves as a responsible and honest manufacturer, whose products meet the stated information.

Among the many companies are the following:

• Alta Profile. The cost of products of this brand - 200 rubles per item. Differs in resistance, durability, good resistance to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage, long service life, a large selection of colors.The most popular among the products of this company is the "Canada Plus" line.
• Tecos. Offers customers economy, standard and premium. The panels have a unique protective coating that extends their service life. The cost of the panels - 300 rubles per piece.

• Docke Lux. It has many advantages, including high strength, durability, long service life. However, it is worth noting some installation complexity and the need to mount on a perfectly flat surface. The cost of these panels was set at around 400 rubles apiece.
• Grand Line. The optimal combination of low prices and high technical characteristics. A huge selection of colors, imitation solutions, simple installation, long service life, are not affected by fungus and mold. Unit price is 280 rubles. But when buying, it makes sense to demand a certificate of quality.

To make the right choice, it is necessary to take into account such nuances as the location of the house, the level of its illumination, the base material, the performance characteristics - durability, strength, and resistance to natural conditions.Of course, the cost of panels also plays an important role. Well, if it meets the quality of products and is not extremely high.

Modern siding models allow you to create an exterior in almost any style, from rustic to classic. Since the range of shades of the panels, thanks to the new coloring methods and improved performance characteristics, has expanded significantly, it is possible to choose almost any shade.

To give the house a classic, colonial or country character, you need to use light colors. These areas are characterized by inconspicuous tones, which were originally intended to protect from too hot sun. Light colors reflect the rays of the sun, due to which the surface does not overheat. And now in some regions, these properties are not without relevance.

Panels under the log will help to create a house in the original Russian style. The log structure, almost indistinguishable from natural materials, repeats their shapes and shades. Special production technologies allow the use of panels in conditions of both high and low temperatures.New materials withstand drops from -80 to +80 degrees, - this gives ample opportunities for use.

When using vertical panels, you can create very interesting and unusual solutions. If, however, competently combine the two types of siding, you get unique examples of design, which will become an accent in the design of the facade.

As for the color palette, the latest methods of coloring allow you to choose almost any shade in accordance with the chosen style direction. In addition, it is possible to order panels of the color that is needed for a harmonious home decoration.

You can give the house and the Mediterranean character. Using siding light blue or blue, resembling the color of the sea in calm weather, in combination with white elements (for example, window sills, trim strips, cornices, balconies, etc.) will create the appropriate mood. Properly placed color accents (for example, yellow sunny color) will add a cheerful mood.

It looks interesting combination of panels of different shades. It does not necessarily have to be only the contrasting colors of the finishing slats, you can use multi-colored siding models.This technique allows you to create an unusual exterior, bright, memorable, unique, which will become a real decoration of the entire site.

How to choose the right siding, see the video below.