The best acrylic siding. Which is better, acrylic or vinyl siding? Suspended facade systems - features of facade cladding

Decorating a house can radically change its architectural appearance. Among modern facing materials siding is popular. These are polymer, metal, cement or wood panels various colors and textures. Each material gives siding its own properties and also determines its cost. Durability, lightness, affordable price - these are the advantages plastic trim. For its manufacture, two types of polymers are used - vinyl and acrylic. To choose vinyl or acrylic siding, you need to figure out which one is better . An objective assessment will be given by comparing the appearance and functional features finishing.

When faced with the need to select cladding panels, consumers pay attention to several parameters, by comparing which they can decide on the best option:

  • cost of the product – important criterion product, it often turns out to be decisive;
  • durability of the cladding;
  • purpose of siding – external or internal placement, installation technology;
  • type and shape of panels;
  • resistance to external factors: temperature fluctuations, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical strength;
  • ease of care.

Detailed information about each type of finish will help you decide which siding is best. .

Vinyl panels - production and characteristics

Vinyl siding is decorative panels made of polyvinyl chloride. This polymer forms the basis of the material, in addition to bottom layer calcium carbonate is present, it helps to give the structure the necessary rigidity. The external structure of the coating is strengthened by titanium dioxide. The outer layer makes up 20% of the panel thickness and provides resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Various modifiers increase the resistance of vinyl to external influence. Coloring pigments give vinyl products the desired shade. Siding is produced using the extrusion method. The polymer is extruded through the molding hole, cut into pieces and given a working profile. The standard sheet thickness is 0.9-1.2 mm.

Products are produced in three types: soffits, plinth blocks, wall panels. The latter option is offered smooth or with imitation wood structure. Based on form factor, sheets are divided into three groups:

  • S – single;
  • D – double;
  • T – triples.

The most common finishing options: herringbone, shiplap, block house. The basis color range make up light pastel shades. This is explained by the tendency of PVC to fade slightly under direct sunlight. Buying vinyl saturated dark colors will cost more due to the addition of special components that prevent burnout.

Siding imitating blockhouse finishing

Advantages of PVC finishing

The popularity of vinyl siding is explained by its decorative appeal, functionality, and low price. The material reliably protects the house from wind, moisture and other external factors. Among the advantages of PVC panels:

    • affordable cost;
    • wide operating temperature range from -50º to +50º C;
    • no toxicity;
    • mechanical strength;
    • resistance to moisture, rot, chemicals;
    • when exposed to open fire, the material does not burn, but melts;
    • a wide range of colors and textures of products is provided by each manufacturer;
    • service life 25-30 years;
    • ease of installation and maintenance.

Installation of vinyl panels does not require special tools or skills. The physical and material costs of finishing a house are lower than those of materials such as wooden lining. Special latches guarantee reliable and simple connection of the panels. Each product is fixed to the sheathing with self-tapping screws. They are used for the restoration of buildings in need of facade repair, in private and industrial construction, for finishing balconies, loggias, and garages.

Acrylic siding - advantages of modern cladding

Acrylic panels are highly resistant to mechanical and climatic loads. The advantages of finishing are related to the raw materials for its production, as well as the technology used. The panels are made from ASA acrylic polymer by extrusion or casting. Their surface acquires a lasting gloss, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, moisture or heat. Coloring pigments give products a bright, rich color; they have no restrictions on shades, like their vinyl counterpart. A special technology for painting the top layer reduces heat absorption.

The house is finished with acrylic panels in a rich berry color.

Substances that increase resistance to mold, antistatic agents that reduce electrical conductivity, and flame retardants that prevent combustion are used as additives. Advantages acrylic panels:

  • increased resistance to heat, operating temperature range is from -50º to +80º C;
  • resistance to impacts and mechanical stress allows the material to be used on the ground floor;
  • the effect of ultraviolet radiation does not change the intensity of coloring;
  • the addition of fire retardants will reduce fire danger;
  • acrylic is not susceptible to chemical compounds;
  • the service life of the finish is 50 years;
  • easy installation and minimal maintenance.

Features of installation and operation

Acrylic siding is installed vertically or horizontally. For installation it is necessary to make a wooden sheathing. Polymer panels do not load the building; their weight is distributed over the frame. The finishing can be mounted on a building with any surface and height.

Vertical siding for home decoration

The fastening technology makes it possible to insulate the building and leave a gap for ventilation. In this case, the resulting condensate is discharged along the back wall of the panels and does not moisten the insulation. Installation begins with fixing the starting strip, framing slopes, openings and corners. The products are connected with locks and attached to the sheathing through the holes in the perforated edge. Rigid fixation of the panels is not allowed; they must expand freely when heated. The installation technology involves screwing in the screws not completely, but with a gap of 1 mm.

Comparative characteristics of polymer panels

Having studied the characteristics and properties of facing materials, we can conclude which one is better. Analyzing the differences between products point by point, it is worth noting the more affordable cost of vinyl siding. Decorating a house with PVC will cost less than acrylic. But this factor is not a decisive argument, because this is the only advantage . Acrylic siding is superior to its opponent on several points:

  • will last longer, the difference between service life is 20 years;
  • it is 10 times more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, which means it will not lose its original color brightness;
  • withstands high impact loads.

Before choosing acrylic or vinyl finishing material, the degree of illumination should be assessed. The finishing of a building located in the shade of trees will not be damaged by sunlight. Polyvinyl chloride panels will be an excellent material for it - aesthetic and inexpensive. If on sunny side one part of the building comes out, the best option would be combined finishing when a heated area is lined with expensive acrylic.

Acrylic siding externally gives the impression of a respectable and reliable finish, and its characteristics confirm its functionality. The high cost of the material is fully justified by its long service life without loss of decorative appearance.

Vinyl trim is not inferior to acrylic in most respects, with limited budget for construction, the advantage is on her side.

Materials have similar technology installation and maintenance. They are attached to the sheathing without rigid fixation. If damaged during operation, the panel can be easily replaced.

Caring for the cladding consists of washing it with a hose 1-2 times a year, adding if necessary detergent and using a brush. If the building is located near a highway or other area with high level contamination, the polymer finish will have to be washed more often. For stubborn stains, use a composition with an abrasive that is thoroughly washed off.

Even a specialist will not give clear recommendations about which polymer siding is better. Each consumer, after weighing the pros and cons, assessing his financial capabilities, the location of the house, and the material of its walls, makes his own individual choice.

In contact with

Siding - material for exterior finishing buildings, which has become popular due to its durability and practicality. In addition, in appearance it looks attractive and original. Features of siding installation allow you to hide wall imperfections and establish proper air exchange, preventing condensation.

When talking about the materials used to produce siding, the first thing that comes to mind is vinyl. This type of cladding is firmly attached to construction market and has not lost its position for many years. However, today you can increasingly hear about acrylic finish, and, judging by the reviews, it is not inferior in quality, and maybe even better. Therefore, the question involuntarily arises, which siding is better - acrylic or vinyl.

Vinyl siding

This material appeared at the end of the last century, and every day it only becomes more popular. PVC is used as raw material for production, therefore vinyl siding has many useful qualities:

  • Resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
  • Low degree of flammability;
  • Harmlessness;
  • Ease;
  • Affordable price;
  • Chemical resistance.

Vinyl siding is widely used for construction country houses or small cottages. It consists of slabs up to 4 meters long with special locks on the edges that firmly adhere to each other. To secure the panels to the wall, special nails or screws are used.

The color range of panels on the market is quite extensive, but the most popular are white and pastel shades, which is most likely due to their price. For the production of colored boards, special dyes are used that are resistant to fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and they significantly increase the cost of the product.

Acrylic siding

Acrylic siding appeared on the construction market not so long ago, but at the same time it confidently maintains its position as a favorite among other finishing materials. It is characterized by increased strength and resistance to harmful factors. The main function of such cladding is to protect walls from impacts. environment.

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

Vinyl siding for facade cladding

Polyvinyl chloride is used to produce this material. 80% of this product consists of vinyl, the rest is occupied by various additives that improve the properties and characteristics of the material. This includes stabilizing additives, various coloring pigments and modifiers that ensure the product’s resistance to external negative factors.

These and other additives allow you to obtain a rich color, matte or glossy surface, improve the elasticity and resilience of the material, and also ensure its durability.

Types and characteristics of vinyl siding

Externally, the panel can be made with imitation under ship plank, herringbone trim or log wall. In addition to the finishing material itself, to cover the facade with vinyl siding you will have to purchase full set additional elements, without which installation of panels is impossible. These include:

  • start profile,
  • finishing line,
  • outer and inner corner,
  • end and connecting profile,
  • soffits for lining the eaves of the roof.

Please note that the thickness of vinyl wall finishing material can be in the range of 1-1.2 mm. For greater reliability and durability of the cladding, it is recommended to buy vinyl siding with a thickness of at least 1.1 mm.

Benefits of vinyl siding

The material is characterized by high resistance to moisture and solar radiation. Vinyl siding can withstand a temperature range from -50°C to +50°C. It is also resistant to aggressive influence moderate alkalis and acids.

Vinyl siding is resistant to damage and can withstand medium and light mechanical impacts well. The material does not delaminate, does not crack, and roughness does not appear on the surface over time. Even after prolonged use in conditions high humidity it is not subject to corrosion and rotting, and it is also not damaged by insects and rodents.

The panels are easy and quick to install, and you can easily do it yourself, since installation and fixation do not require special skills or equipment. Vinyl siding can be installed at any time of the year.

Also, the advantages of this material include:

  • environmental friendliness;
  • durability (up to 30 years);
  • dielectric properties (does not conduct electric current);
  • contains no flammable or toxic components;
  • easy care (wash with running water);
  • the ability to equip a ventilated facade and avoid the accumulation of condensation behind the material;
  • no special maintenance or repair required.

Disadvantages of vinyl siding

Under influence high temperatures The vinyl siding material begins to melt. If the panel was fastened without following the installation rules, then during temperature fluctuations it may bend or even crack.

If you have to install vinyl siding in temperatures below -10°C, keep in mind that the panel becomes brittle and may crack when cutting or during installation. To avoid breaking, it is better to cut the material with a grinder.

Acrylic siding for facade cladding

To understand the difference between acrylic and vinyl sidings and make a deliberate choice between them, you should understand the characteristics and properties of acrylic panels. The acrylic panel consists of two layers of polymer composites, which are made by coextrusion.

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

In addition to acrylic, the panels in production include the following components:

  • dyes to obtain a certain shade;
  • flame retardants for fire protection;
  • titanium dioxide for color fixation;
  • various modifiers to increase the mechanical strength of panels;
  • a number of special chemical components to ensure the elasticity of the material;
  • antistatic agents to protect against the accumulation of static electricity.

Depending on the desired appearance, you can purchase acrylic panels imitating a ship's plank, vertical products and elements imitating a block house. The shiplap panels are produced in a length of 3.66 m and a width of 23 cm.

Vertical acrylic siding is produced in a length of 3.1 m and a width of 20.5 cm. Products for a block house can be found with a length of 3.1 m, and the width of a single panel will be 20 cm, for a double element this value will be 32 cm. The thickness of all acrylic panels is the same and is 1.1 mm. Moreover, their surface may have different colour and texture.

Advantages and disadvantages of cladding with acrylic siding

The advantages of this material for cladding the walls of a house include the following:

  • The material is quite durable and withstands mechanical stress well.
  • The product retains its shape at high temperatures (up to +80°C).
  • The material does not contain toxic or harmful components.
  • High degree of fire resistance.
  • The material is resistant to various alkalis and acids.
  • The surface of the acrylic panel does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and the color does not change its shade over time.
  • The service life of the material reaches 50 years.
  • Acrylic siding can be installed on the façade of a house just as quickly and easily as vinyl siding. This does not require experience, complex devices and tools.
  • Acrylic panels are easy to care for. It is enough to wash walls covered with such siding with water from a hose once a year. The material does not require any other maintenance.

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that if you purchase low-quality acrylic panels that are made without following production technology, proportions of components, or using outdated equipment, then the quality of the cladding will greatly disappoint in the first year.

Since high-tech siding with a front layer of acrylic costs a lot, there is always a desire to save money, and as a result, you purchase a product from an unscrupulous manufacturer. As a rule, negative reviews from home owners refer specifically to such acrylic panels.

How to determine which siding will be better

To decide on the best material for your operating conditions, tasks and capabilities, it is worth comparing the characteristics of both sidings according to several indicators.

Lifetime. In this regard, acrylic siding is superior to vinyl siding, since it can last quite a long time. long term. According to manufacturers, vinyl panels retain their properties for up to 30 years, and acrylic products- up to 50 years. Consumers especially note the high strength of acrylic siding at joints and fastenings. Also, thanks to the special manufacturing technology of acrylic panels and the components used, the material is less susceptible to temperature deformation, and therefore is preferable for cold regions.

Resistant to fading sunlight. This factor influences the preservation of the presentable appearance of the facade cladding. Here again the advantage is acrylic coating, as it is more resistant to fading and fading. The resistance of a material to ultraviolet radiation depends on the concentration of titanium oxide in the material. There is more of it in acrylic siding, so these panels are 10 times more resistant to fading than vinyl ones.

If the house is located in a place constantly illuminated by the sun, then a more reasonable choice would be in favor of acrylic siding. However, if you are going to tidy up your house white, then the burn rate will not matter. If you plan to make a combination of light and dark tones on the facade of the house, then you can purchase vinyl siding for light shades, and acrylic for dark ones.

The impact of "chemistry". If your home is located in an area where there is air pollution a large number of dust and soot effect natural causes or due to industrial sites nearby, you may have to frequently clean your home's siding using products household chemicals. In this case, it is best to choose siding with an acrylic front layer, since this material responds better to treatment with acids and alkalis.

Price. Vinyl siding is two times cheaper than acrylic material. Accordingly, the cost of components for the panels also differs.

Thus, we can conclude that the main advantage of more technologically advanced and expensive acrylic siding compared to vinyl is that during operation on the cladding of a house, photodestruction of the top layer of acrylic does not occur and it does not fade. Also, the durability and frost resistance of acrylic is superior to vinyl. Otherwise, the characteristics of both materials are very similar. Builders agree that if there is no urgent need to save money, then acrylic siding will be the best option for cladding a house.

Modern construction stores offer widest choice high-quality and effective materials for exterior finishing buildings - for every taste and budget. One of the leaders in sales is siding - it is a beautiful, durable and relatively inexpensive finishing option for a private home, office, or any building. Siding is convenient because it can be used regardless of what the building is built from, what the landscape of the site is, what region it is located in - for all climatic and visual factors, you can choose a type and design of siding that will look harmonious in this particular case .

Siding comes in different types, the most common types being metal, wood, vinyl and acrylic. They have a lot in common visually, but in terms of their characteristics they are completely different - they are made from different raw materials, often according to different technologies, respectively, ready product has different properties. Acrylic siding - what it is, how it works and how easy it is to use - now we’ll figure it out.

What is acrylic siding?

It's quite new material, it was first released by Döcke in 2016 and has so far already firmly gained the trust of customers and become popular.

Siding is produced using modern equipment, for the production of acrylic, an acrylic-styrene compound is used as a raw material - this is a polymer newest generation. The technology for manufacturing acrylic, vinyl, metal siding can be almost the same and differ only in the type of raw materials.

Each panel is formed on a special device into which molten raw materials are supplied. Knurling rollers give it the desired textured pattern - like wood, stone, whatever. There are already a huge number of panel design options, and manufacturers are constantly working in this direction, releasing new types. For finishing the siding the desired shape, it is passed through a sizing mill. The panels are then cut into the required format and mounting holes are punched. Actually, the finishing material is ready.

Siding is painted in the desired color at initial stage production, before the formation of the relief. Extruders with dye dispensers attached to them cope with this task. It should be noted that the palette of acrylic siding shades is very extensive and is presented in more than two hundred variations.

Which siding is better, vinyl or acrylic?

Before acrylic siding appeared on the market, its most popular type was. It was consistently in demand among buyers until its acrylic analogue appeared.

The main advantages of vinyl siding are its low cost, ease of installation - you can completely install it yourself, a variety of textures and quite a few shades.



However, call ideal material Vinyl siding is not allowed. Its composition includes a number of fundamental disadvantages. The fact is that polyvinyl chloride, which is the main component of vinyl siding, is not resistant to both high and low temperatures. So, as popular as it is, vinyl siding is notorious for changing color when exposed to direct sunlight and cold temperatures.

Acrylic, used as a raw material for acrylic siding, is not exposed to high temperatures and, accordingly, is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and any weather changes, regardless of the region. Thanks to this property, manufacturers can paint the material in a variety of colors, even dark colors, without worrying about burnout at all, since it doesn’t happen. Hence, the palette of colors for acrylic siding is much wider than that of other types, and when choosing the right color you do not need to fear that it will change over time.

In addition, acrylic siding is much less susceptible to deformation than vinyl panels, which experts always attach not particularly tightly to each other so that they can take the desired position after heating or cooling. Acrylic material is more rigid and practically does not deform; this is also its undeniable advantage before vinyl. Along with this, acrylic retains strength and high mechanical characteristics.

Also popular nowadays is metal. It is made of galvanized metal, covered with polyester on top. Polyester has two functions: firstly, it protects the metal from corrosion, and secondly, it decorates the panels, since the desired pattern is applied to it using the printing method. Externally, this type of siding has its own charm and can be quite beautiful.

It is well resistant to temperature changes and has shown excellent performance in terms of thermal expansion. But the metal, although galvanized and coated with an additional layer of polyester, can still be susceptible to atmospheric corrosion. The point is that the thickness protective coating so thin that it can be damaged very easily, and metal exposed to moisture rusts very quickly.

Also a significant disadvantage metal panels is their “noisiness” - rain, wind, weather conditions accompanied by noise, this finish significantly enhances it, while vinyl and acrylic siding, on the contrary, smooth it out. An important difference metal siding from others in a small variety of additional elements - that is, not every outline of the structure can be finished off without problems. Basically, it is suitable for flat surfaces.

Types of acrylic siding

Acrylic siding is available in several types; as a rule, these are imitations of certain materials. Moreover, the imitation is externally executed with such high quality that even close up it is difficult to determine the true finishing material.

Two types of acrylic panels are common:

  • Acrylic wood siding

Imitation wood panels presented in various shades and tree species variations. This finish is most often used for country houses and private households.

  • Acrylic siding for metal finish

Panels made like metal are more suitable for finishing offices, public buildings or outbuildings– they combine reliable finishing materials and visual appeal, which such a design gives to the building as a whole.

If we talk about the types of acrylic siding, then it should also be noted that it is divided into two types according to design: vertical and horizontal. This is due to production technology and the format of equipment for siding production. As for the consumer properties of such panels, vertical panels are more convenient to install and are easier to fasten. Visually, such decoration increases the height of the building, or room - if we are talking about interior decoration. Horizontal siding, on the contrary, visually expands the walls; this may be relevant for small houses whose owners want to visually enlarge them. Panels made horizontally will be a little more difficult to attach; it is best to do this with two people - due to the large windage of the material.

When choosing siding, you need to rely on its aesthetic properties - it is important to choose the right design for the general style plot. Relative to horizontal or vertical version, then there is no particular difference, any of these finishes will last long time, if it is made with high quality and installed correctly.

Advantages

So, acrylic panels are popular among buyers of finishing materials for a reason. Their demand is due to clear advantages over other types of siding.

  1. Its strength does not change over time of operation. Both during installation and ten years later, acrylic siding will be equally strong and reliable. Stamped fasteners do not break or fall off.
  2. Acrylic is not inclined to change its composition and, accordingly, properties, even at the highest or lowest temperatures.
  3. For example, acrylic panels can withstand temperatures from +80 to -50 degrees Celsius. Color-fast, does not fade or fade - this is an important advantage that preserves the spectacular appearance
  4. long years. Fireproof.
  5. By itself, acrylic is resistant to fire, but even in the event of a fire and exposure to open fire, this material practically does not emit harmful toxic substances, unlike other materials. Wide range of colors and design options. In particular, acrylic panels are produced to imitate other Construction Materials
  6. – timber, board, herringbone and so on. Ease of installation.
  7. Provided that you are a jack of all trades, it is quite possible to try to do the finishing yourself, otherwise you need to involve professionals. But in any case, installation of acrylic siding is not particularly difficult. Environmental friendliness. This material
  8. even when exposed to high temperatures or any chemical reagents, it is not toxic. Fire resistance.
  9. Acrylic siding is completely fireproof, and even when in the zone of direct fire, the material does not catch fire, but smolders. Biologically inert.

Acrylic panels are not of the slightest interest to rodents, insects and microorganisms. This is important in private home ownership.

The disadvantage of this material, many users call its cost, for a rough understanding of the issue: acrylic siding will be more expensive than vinyl siding by about 70 rubles per square meter. Considering the area, the difference may not be small.

However, speaking sensibly, it can be noted that even with a higher price than other analogues, acrylic siding is so durable that it fully justifies its cost. Given that correct installation And careful attitude, acrylic panels can last more than fifty years!

Siding installation

When carrying out work on decorating a house with acrylic siding, it is important to strictly follow the sequence of operations provided for by the technology for installing these panels. Detailed instructions instructions for installing panels can be found on the Internet quite often; for those who like to do the finishing themselves, mastering the process will not be particularly difficult.

The basis of the installation is the frame, between the lathing of which it is laid. The thickness of the insulation depends on the needs for thermal insulation - in each specific case, it must be carefully calculated based on the building material, environmental climate, and other factors affecting heat retention. It is better to choose a non-flammable and non-toxic insulation material - this will be ideal for acrylic panels.

The second stage will be the installation of starting slats and ebbs. When performing this work, it is necessary to provide clearances. They are necessary so that with temperature changes, the siding can freely increase or decrease in size without losing its visually attractive appearance.

The siding sheets are attached to the finished frame with special screws with wide heads - this must be done in the middle of the sheet - with such fastening, the siding will hold securely.

Only after all the panels are secured can you begin to secure the finishing strips - they are attached to the bottom of the sheet and are the final stage in finishing the building with acrylic siding.

It would seem that there is nothing particularly complicated about covering a house with siding. For performance high-quality finishing Attentiveness and accuracy will be enough. However, if you do not have the slightest experience in such construction work or you doubt your abilities, the best solution will entrust finishing work to specialists.

Manufacturers of acrylic siding

Since this type of finishing material is quite young, there are not too many companies producing acrylic panels, but with each new season their number is rapidly increasing.

Most well-known manufacturers Acrylic siding companies include the following:

Here you can find Canada Plus siding, which is particularly popular, as well as well-known log, blockhouse and the like textures.

Tecos. Three series of materials are presented here: economy, standard and luxury - for any budget. The most popular collection from this manufacturer is the Ardene series. Tecos is known for its unique protective layer, protecting the panels from damage - this material will last for a long time without losing its appearance.

Dock Lux- this is an offer from Deke, the founder of acrylic siding. This is the widest range of materials, both in color and in invoice solutions. The strength, weather resistance and other physical characteristics of this siding are perhaps the highest.

A small drawback can be considered some difficulty in installing panels from this manufacturer; it is better not to do this yourself, but in fact, this cannot be called a serious disadvantage. Naturally, its cost is an order of magnitude higher than similar materials from other manufacturers.

Grand Line. This is the finish for those who prefer a budget option material, while simultaneously placing high demands on its strength characteristics and appearance. Acrylic siding from Grand Line is durable, beautiful, resistant to external factors, be it atmospheric phenomena, fungus or corrosion, and at the same time, not expensive material.

Due to this position in the market - naturally, such siding is the most popular - Grand Line products are intensively copied by unscrupulous suppliers and are breaking records in the number of identified counterfeits. Choosing siding for this trademark, take the time to read the original quality certificate, which guarantees an excellent product.

Each of the manufacturers presented above has unique collections and its own advantages. When choosing acrylic siding, it is important to carefully monitor the range available on the market and choose exactly the option that is most acceptable in each specific case.

Conclusion

Acrylic siding is a relatively new material that is rapidly gaining momentum in popularity. This is a modern, high-quality and durable finish for both a private home, an office or a public building. A well-chosen design - the texture and color of acrylic panels, without exaggeration, can turn any building into a cozy and attractive home.

This material successfully combines high mechanical characteristics and attractive appearance. For finishing, you can use one or several types of siding at the same time, the same with shades - you can use only one, or you can choose two - similar or, conversely, contrasting, many buyers successfully combine different textures of acrylic panels, and with a little imagination, This way you can achieve a completely unique design for your home.

Acrylic siding is a finishing material that will be in demand for many years to come, as it is durable and beautiful. When choosing a finish for your home, be sure to pay attention to it; most likely, you will be fascinated by the combination of price and quality of this material.

Polymer siding is popular among developers: it is relatively light in weight, easily attached to a wall or frame system, varied in execution and color solutions. But few people know that panels are made from different polymers; accordingly, the products differ in a number of properties. Next, let's look at how vinyl siding differs from acrylic siding.

Composition and scope of application

The first thing that comes to mind when comparing products for facade cladding is an overview of the composition and production methods of the panels.

Vinyl

Vinyl is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most common type of siding panels. The product is homogeneous throughout its entire volume: a dye is introduced into the polymer, then the resulting mass is stamped desired profile. The advantages of this material include:

  • Low cost of the product;
  • Flexibility and ability to withstand mechanical stress;
  • Light weight;
  • Scratches on the surface are practically invisible due to the homogeneity of the material.

PVC panels can have different shapes and texture, they are used to imitate traditional materials: brick, masonry, wood. Vinyl siding is used for covering the facades of residential, industrial and public buildings of various sizes.

Acrylic

A relatively new material for facade cladding. Its panel is a polymer monolith of acrylics.

Characteristics of acrylic siding:

  • The polymer is durable and tough;
  • High resistance to fading and discoloration;
  • The panels do not shrink, the fastening points are not disturbed;
  • Not afraid of atmospheric influences and moderate mechanical loads;
  • Does not melt at temperatures up to +85°C.

Types of acrylic siding according to the method of attaching panels:

  1. Vertical;
  2. Horizontal.

The sheathing can be attached to perfectly flat wall or on the frame if you want to hide surface imperfections.

Differences between acrylic and vinyl

Despite the same nature of origin - polymer, the materials differ from each other.

Comparison parameter Acrylic Vinyl
Resistance to impacts and mechanical stress High at any time of the year High in summer, low in winter
Ability to retain color Does not fade, is not afraid of sunlight Heats up under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, can transfer heat to the wall, but the color changes little
Color spectrum Wide, color applied to the panel Limited to primary colors of light shades - these heat up little in the sun
Installation At flat surface without frame, if damaged - with guide profiles
Varieties Imitation wood or smooth timber (block house) Imitation of stone, brick, wood
Expressiveness of the structure High, close to the original Conditional
Need for progress No No
Life time At least 50 years At least 30 years
Price High Low

It turns out that vinyl and acrylic differ not only in composition, but also in properties. External data special differences they don’t, so you need to follow according to the situation:

  • If the house is located in a sunny area, choose acrylic - resistant to heating and fading;
  • For minor snow and mechanical loads, vinyl can be used;
  • For use in extreme weather conditions, for example, closer to the Arctic Circle, only acrylic products should be used.

The difference in the price of materials is significant - about 30% in favor of strong acrylic; accordingly, the cost of components and additional elements is higher.

The optimal solution is a combination of siding panels:

  • The base is covered with acrylic;
  • The walls are vinyl.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of acrylic siding of proven quality in Russia:

  • Alta profile;
  • FineBer;
  • Blockhouse;
  • Quadrohouse;
  • ORTHO.

Among the imported representatives, Canadian and US brands stand out - they are highly durable.