FAQ PVC Hygiene Sheets

FAQ Hygiene Cladding PVC Sheet

What is plastic wall sheeting called?

Plastic wall sheeting is often referred to as cladding, as it covers the existing walls and structures. This is often in then referred to as hygiene sheets, bathroom cladding, shower panels, splashbacks, depending on the application.

What is hygienic cladding?

Hygienic cladding normally refers to solid PVC sheets that are used to line the walls and sometimes ceilings of areas that need to be kept clean and germ free from cleaning or sterilisation. This material will also often be used in kitchens and bathrooms internally and so would need to also comply with food regulations and building regulations, which is why the large PVC sheet is the go-to product for hygienic cladding.

Is cladding safe in the kitchen?

Hygienic cladding is regularly used in commercial kitchens because it is totally waterproof, has no grout, covers larger areas, very easy to clean and so is ideal as a splashback in food preparation areas.

How long does hygienic cladding last?

PVC hygiene cladding is a very durable plastic and will last 20 years + when installed and maintained correctly without any abuse. Solid PVC sheets are also good at impact resistance and is why they are used in kitchens, hospitals and even kennels / catteries.

How do you stick cladding to a wall?

Hygiene cladding sheets and normally glued to the wall by covering most of the back with a suitable adhesive, then pushed and held in place until the tack of the glue has cured enough to support the weight.

What kind of glue to use on cladding?

Hygiene cladding and PVC sheets are normally glued to the walls using a polymer adhesive / sealant. These give great adhesion to the PVC, will allow it to be stuck to most other surfaces, are often solvent free for indoor spaces, and generally UV stable for outside use. Many of the polymer adhesive and sealants also have fungicides to deter mould growth and are available from many manufacturers under their own brands.

What is the best thing to clean hygiene cladding?

Hygiene cladding PVC sheets are very easy to clean with soapy water and other common household cleaning products. It is advisable not to use abrasive cleaning products like CIF or very high concentrated products, if steam cleaning is to take place it would be important not to prolong on any region for too long as PVC is a thermoplastic.

Can you power wash cladding?

Yes, plastic cladding such as PVC sheets is easy to be power washed and why they are used in commercial food preparation areas, abattoirs, hospitals and car washes.

Does hygiene cladding cause damp?

The hygiene cladding itself does not cause the damp. The cladding may well hide the damp behind it and is sometimes used for tanking (making watertight) in some regions like basements and railway arches.

What are the disadvantages of PVC sheets?

PVC sheets have very few disadvantages when used as a hygiene cladding. Some PVC sheets use a foam core to reduce costs, and these are less impact resistant and easier to dent than the solid sheets. PVC also stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, so chlorine is fundamental to the sheet which causes some uncertainty in some circles, but this normally has no health impact and is the same chemical in many cleaners like bleach.

How do you cut PVC sheets?

PVC sheets are easy to cut with a hand saw, circular saw, multi-tool, hole saw, shears / snips and has even been cut with angle grinders.