Comparison of acrylic and vinyl siding. Which siding is better - vinyl or acrylic: a difficult choice. Acrylic or vinyl siding? What's better

When building a new house or renovating an existing building, many people think about creating a unique facade, which at the same time must be practical and durable. Modern methods creating facades offers a variety of materials. One of the most common materials for the exterior cladding of buildings is siding. The word siding itself translated from English means external cladding. Siding, depending on the material, is divided into:

• woody;
• wood;
• vinyl;
• metal;
• based on cement.

Depending on the installation method, horizontal and vertical siding are distinguished.

The most widespread are vinyl and acrylic types siding.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is a profile made of plastic. The raw material for production is polyvinyl chloride. Receive vinyl siding by pressing molten raw materials through a profiling hole a certain shape. The resulting tape is cut to the required size.

The most common type of siding you can find is vinyl siding. It consists of two layers: an internal one, designed to give the structure the necessary rigidity and strength, and an external one, which serves to protect it from external environmental influences.

The main advantages of vinyl siding include:

• UV resistance;
• no delamination, cracking or peeling effect;
• resistance to biological degradation (rotting);
• wide range of operating temperatures;
• environmental friendliness;
• ease of installation;
• significant service life.

The resistance of the finishing material to fading is ensured by the introduction of titanium dioxide into the coloring pigments. It is worth noting that pastel siding colors are the most durable, since titanium dioxide itself is white. Getting bright, saturated dark colors associated with the addition of expensive reagents, which affects the cost of the material.

Vinyl siding does not attract rodents and pests, i.e. finishing material is biologically inert.

The design of the panels allows for the necessary air supply for ventilation under external cladding. One of significant shortcomings is its relative fragility. But the use of special outer covering allows you to significantly increase the resistance of the vinyl panel to scratching and abrasion. Also protective covering ensures ease of maintenance and operation of the facade. Vinyl siding is fairly easy to clean using regular household detergents.

Acrylic siding

Acrylic siding is a modification of vinyl siding. Acrylic polymer is used as the outer layer. Acrylic sading is produced using a technology similar to vinyl.

Thanks to the use of identical technologies, acrylic siding has the same advantages as vinyl siding. The main differences of acrylic siding are:

• higher resistance to elevated temperatures;
• increased resistance to burnout;
• the use of acrylic polymer allows you to obtain more saturated and vibrant paint colors;
• less linear deformation, even with high temperatures Oh;
• increased resistance to aggressive environments;
• extended service life (over 50 years).

Acrylic siding is inferior only in price - it is more expensive than its counterpart.

You can learn about all the benefits of acrylic siding and its manufacturers.

Important property panels, both vinyl and acrylic based, is their non-toxicity. Even when ignited, these materials do not release harmful or toxic substances.

Installation

The principle and technology of installation are the same, both when installing acrylic and when installing vinyl siding.

Technology used for installation of siding frame fastening. The frame can be made of wooden blocks or metal profile. If necessary, fill the space between the frame heat-insulating material. When it is necessary to create a wind barrier, a vapor barrier, and sometimes a waterproofing layer.

First, the corner and connecting structural elements are installed, and only then the space between them is filled with siding sheets.

Fastening is done using the locks and screws provided on the sheet. The panel is engaged with the previous one, and the second edge is fixed with self-tapping screws. At the same time, do not forget about two important points: the need for an end gap to ensure free movement of the panels during heating (linear expansion).

The second factor is the need to lightly tighten the screws that secure the panels to the frame. This allows the sheets to “breathe” and move slightly.

If you tighten the screws too tightly or do not leave the necessary gaps at the ends, then when the panel heats up, the panel lock may be damaged or damaged.

Availability ventilation gaps allows air to pass freely between the panels, which prevents significant temperature changes outside and under the panels, thereby preventing the process of moisture condensation. Providing ventilation to the panels prevents the formation of mold and protects the frame, insulation and walls from moisture, rot and fungi.

Criterias of choice

When choosing between acrylic or vinyl siding, you need to consider:

• required service life of the material;
• degree of exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• specific temperature region of use;
• cost of material.

The term “siding” translated from English means “outer cladding”; panels of this material are successfully used for cladding the walls of houses, regardless of the presence or absence of an insulating layer on them. Its undoubted advantages include aesthetics, simplicity and high speed installation, resistance to atmospheric, mechanical and biological influences, temperature changes and long service life. Performance characteristics are affected by raw materials and manufacturing technology, when carrying out exterior finishing owners of private houses most often choose between acrylic or vinyl based.

This material is available in the form of lightweight but durable planks standard size. Vinyl siding is produced by melting and extruding a mixture of granulated polyvinyl chloride and specialized additives in an extruder. The latter ensure its resistance to UV, temperature changes and other external influences. Depending on the molding method, such panels can be homogeneous (obtained by monoextrusion) or two-layer. The second type is considered more reliable: their outer layer copes better with external influences, and the inner layer distributes loads well due to increased elasticity and strength. The share of the first layer in the total thickness is 25%. Resistance to fading in vinyl types is achieved by introducing titanium dioxide, taking into account its natural white creating dark and rich shades is expensive, pastel and light brands retain their attractiveness better and longer.

Acrylic strips are produced by extruding fibers of thermoplastic polymers; with generally similar manufacturing technology, these materials are superior in resistance to UV, low temperatures and impact resistance. The raw material mass is inferior to granulated PVC in density, but after melting and molding, siding based on it has the highest possible hardness and can withstand mechanical loads perfectly. The downside is the high cost when covering large areas the difference between them and vinyl types in price becomes significant.

There are no panels with a pure ACA copolymer base; almost all acrylic brands include PVC additives. But even a small fraction is enough to improve the properties, and when combined with other modified impurities, this effect is strengthened. The exact composition is a secret among manufacturers; many of them combine vinyl and acrylic. The appearance is varied in both cases, the consumer is offered imitation of wood, ship timber, etc. There are brands with both smooth and relief textures. The optimal scope of application is cladding walls with medium and low vapor permeability: brick, concrete and wooden houses(including insulated ones), the presence of ventilation gaps is mandatory.

Comparative overview of indicators and properties

Most of the characteristics of the materials are the same. The requirements for vinyl panels are regulated by DSTU B V.2.7-146:2008, the quality of both varieties is checked taking into account international ASTM standards. Product sizes vary from 2.5 to 4 m in length and from 20 to 30 cm in width. The 3.66x0.23 bar is considered standard. The thickness depends on the intended purpose; for brands used for cladding external walls, it is 0.9-1.2 mm. For PVC and acrylic made by coextrusion, the permissible minimum is 1.1 mm. The shades of the outer and inner layers may differ slightly: the cheaper the brand, the stronger the difference.

TO general properties include:

1. High tensile strength (at a rate of 422 kgf/cm2) and impact resistance. Both varieties perfectly protect walls with any load-bearing capacity: from block and wooden houses to frame buildings.

2. Acid resistance: vinyl or acrylic siding retains its structure and shape when treated with a 93% H 2 SO 4 solution for at least 14 days. The material is neutral to alkalis, salts and fats; both types tolerate washing well with the use of modern products.

3. Flammability group - G2, ignition group - B2, smoke generation group - D2. Both types do not support combustion, but are subject to temperature destruction. Acrylic products withstand heat better, but in general the difference between upper limits does not exceed 30 °C. When covering wooden houses with siding, the walls and panels should be separated by a layer of non-flammable mineral wool.

4. Zero water absorption. Much better than other facings facade materials withstands atmospheric influences, precipitation simply flows off its surface.

5. Easy installation, good tightness of the resulting casing due to the presence of locking connections.

6. Lightness, minimal load on the structure. The average weight of a standard size element (3.66×0.23 m) does not exceed 1.7 kg. Difference in specific gravity between acrylic and vinyl panels is insignificant.

7. Resistance to rodents and other biological influences. Siding does not need additional processing antiseptics or similar compounds.

According to reviews, both varieties keep the given performance indicators unchanged for long term services. The results of a comparison of the differing performance characteristics of vinyl and acrylic siding are shown in the table:

Which variety is preferable, selection criteria

A comparison of the characteristics allows us to conclude that the acrylic type wins primarily in resistance to fading, exposure to temperatures and the richness of the range offered. Otherwise, they have similar indicators, largely depending on the integrity of the manufacturers. Trusted foreign and joint brands include Mitten and Royal (Canada), Boryszew (Poland), Georgia-Pacific (USA), Slovinyl Siding (Slovenia). Many of them produce both vinyl and acrylic siding. Among domestic products best reviews Alta-Profile, Grand Line, Tekos, Holtsplast, Docke panels have panels; among budget brands, Fasiding has acceptable quality.

When choosing a specific type, the following criteria are taken into account:

1. Climatic conditions operation. IN northern latitudes siding has proven itself on acrylic base due to the preservation of the high strength of the fasteners and the shape of the profile unchanged under the influence of sub-zero temperatures.

2. Material of walls or bases for fastening the cladding. For high demands fire safety(for example, when cladding wooden houses), it is worth considering the option of using a more expensive galvanized metal type or providing an insulating layer (insulation functions are welcome).

3. Expected durability of the building. Acrylic panels better retain aesthetics and color saturation. If all installation requirements are met, they will last at least 50 years.

4. Location of sheathed structures. Both types are not subject to rotting and are not afraid of fungus, but when used in conditions of high and constant humidity, mold more often appears on acrylic stamps (easily washed off, but spoiling the appearance).

5. Degree of illumination and UV exposure. Siding containing acrylic perfectly tolerates constant exposure to straight lines. sun rays, it is recommended to choose it when cladding the southern sides of the facade. Vinyl panels retain their aesthetics only if they are initially painted in a dull color, which is not always suitable.

In any case, when cladding open and unshaded areas and walls, you should abandon glossy varieties; they are more susceptible to heating and wear out and fade faster.

6. Expected cost of work. Acrylic option is more expensive (including due to increased prices for fastenings), vinyl is well suited for a limited budget. Optimal results are achieved by combining.

Cost of materials

With equal sizes and similar colors, acrylic panels are 20% more expensive (from 50 rubles and more per 1 m2). Product quality is assessed by checking the certificate and visually: color, dimensions of mounting holes and thickness must be uniform, small voids and defects on the surface are unacceptable. A sign of the right material is also the presence of closed, high-quality packaging. Prices for the vinyl variety depend on color: a quality dark PVC product is less common and costs more than its light counterparts. Another factor influencing the installed cost is the complexity of texture and pattern, the use of grades that imitate wood, and profiles with interesting shape increases the cost of finishing a house with siding.

Not so long ago, siding has gained wide popularity among private developers. It is intended for external decoration of facades. The material perfectly hides defects in the old coating and protects it from various influences. By inner surface panels drain condensate, which prevents the formation of mold and mildew. Many consumers are interested in which siding is better: vinyl or acrylic? It’s worth understanding each type of popular cladding in more detail and choosing the right one for your home.

Features of choice

A wide variety of material shades allows you to make your home design individual. Siding is durable and durable material, which is used from 10 to 50 years without changing properties.

Siding is easy to install without the involvement of professionals. The material has many advantages that have already been appreciated by many owners of private houses. Among the advantages of the material wide choose colors and ease of care. However, some consumers cannot decide whether to purchase vinyl or acrylic siding?

Advice! For exclusive exteriors, it is better to choose siding together with a store representative. This applies to cases where the house has a unique geometry. This solution will not be much more expensive than ordering material with standard sizes.

The cost of the material is no longer the main selection criterion building materials. Consumers pay more attention to quality and technical parameters. You can verify the seller’s integrity by asking for a product certificate.

Add to list important parameters includes:

• Durability of the material. Its service life and appearance preservation for a long time.
• Aesthetic surface, the ability to choose any design for cladding.
• Ease of installation.
• Weather resistant.
• Not exposed to seasonal and daily temperature changes.

Products presented in many catalogs often do not reflect the quality of the products. They are aimed at showing the external attractiveness of models. This can confuse the consumer who will choose a product without knowing its characteristics.

Therefore, it is important to first understand the features and advantages of using different types of siding, and then make a choice in favor of one of them.

Vinyl siding

It is made from high quality polyvinyl chloride using the extrusion method. The panel includes such layers - internal (impact-resistant) and external (has high degree resistance to paint fading).

The advantages of vinyl-based siding are manifested in the following properties:

Such advantages have ensured the high popularity of vinyl siding among owners of country houses.

Acrylic

This type of siding is made from acrylic polymers. Its properties are very similar to vinyl. However, it is produced using a different technology. Distinctive aspects of acrylic siding:

• Low sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
• The strength of the material does not decrease throughout the entire service period. There are no weaknesses in the places of fixation to the frame.
• Able to retain its shape under the influence of high temperatures - up to +85 degrees.
• Not affected by chemical solvents. It can be cleaned with synthetic products without the risk of damaging the coating.
• It self-extinguishes when ignited, and releases a minimum of harmful compounds when exposed to flame.
• The cost of covering a house with siding will be higher than when choosing vinyl products. However, they are compensated by a long service life.

These features of acrylic siding characterize it as a durable and reliable material.

Selection factors

Both materials are characterized by non-toxicity. This property is provided by using modern equipment in the production of material. Therefore, it is used for finishing public buildings and children's institutions.

For final determination suitable type siding, several important factors must be weighed. Among them, it is worth highlighting the cost of materials. Vinyl models are cheaper than similar acrylic ones by 60-80 rubles per 1 m². Considering the square footage of the building, you can notice a significant difference in price. The price of components for different types of panels is also taken into account.

When considering each cladding option, it is necessary to take into account the region in which the house is located. If work is carried out in a southern area, preference should be given to acrylic siding. It will cope more successfully with aggressive ultraviolet rays.

When located on sunny side Only one or two sides of the building can be finished with acrylic-based panels, and for the rest you can choose vinyl. This will significantly reduce costs.

Canadian or American siding will last 50 years without losing color or shape. Domestic manufacturers can only provide a 10-year warranty. Such features of the material affect its price. It is important to consider the quality of the frame and the availability of insulation materials.

One of the important factors when choosing siding is the ease of installation. The installation of lamellas made of acrylic and vinyl is practically the same. The work is carried out according to one algorithm: preparation of the building, creation of sheathing, installation of panels. The differences are only when installing vertical and horizontal models.

Care is also carried out almost identically. Both materials can be easily cleaned with water. No need to use gentle cleaning products or additional compounds. Repairing siding based on acrylic and vinyl is very simple - just replace the damaged element with a new one.

We can say that vinyl siding is inferior to acrylic-based products only in the degree of protection from UV rays. However, it has more low price. The consumer chooses the material, setting priorities.

The choice of material for cladding a house depends on the renovation budget and the location of the house. The cost of different types of siding differs significantly, but in terms of characteristics and operating properties they are almost identical. The durability of acrylic panels is greater. This characteristic sometimes becomes the reason for choosing this type of cladding.

conclusions

Acrylic and vinyl siding are popular materials used for finishing private homes. On Russian market they are spreading at a rapid pace. There are no concerns regarding the use of these materials. Acrylic-based products are more resistant to ultraviolet radiation. However, the price of vinyl siding is significantly lower.

Having understood the features of each type of siding, each owner of a country house will be able to independently choose suitable option, taking into account your wishes and features of the location of the house. Often the choice depends on the cost of the models. For regions with a temperate climate, you can safely choose vinyl panels.

Acrylic siding is comfortable material, which is intended for façade cladding. With its help, you can add presentability, luxury and modernity to the appearance of the building. This material also serves as excellent protection for walls against climatic influences, thereby extending the service life of the structure. Reliability, variety of colors and ease of installation make acrylic siding the most popular method of exterior cladding.

Purpose

Siding is called special purpose cladding panels, with the help of which the facades of buildings, basement structures and gables of buildings are finished. Installation is carried out on a special sheathing using self-tapping screws or metal hanging fasteners.

Today, acrylic siding is very popular among private buildings.(dachas, bathhouses, cottages, etc.). Designed for wall cladding, it gives the building a very original design. In addition, the panels serve as excellent protection for the walls of the house from environmental influences. Buyers are also attracted by the fact that finishing with siding is much simpler and cheaper than, for example, brick.

Peculiarities

The most important characteristics of acrylic siding are the shape, shades and sizes of the panels.

According to their external characteristics, panels are divided into three types:

• ship beam;
• vertical siding;
• block house.

The materials come in a wide range of colors, which can be deep, rich, soft pastels or creating an imitation of real wood. Additional parts, initial and connecting strips for siding are usually white. But if the client wishes, the components can be made in any color.

High quality acrylic materials directly related to personality their components and refinement of processing. The basis for the panels is the acrylic polymer Acrylnitril-Styrol-Acrylester, which is a modern polymer. This facing material has many advantages compared to its analogues. It makes the panels much more stable in front ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures.

One of the significant advantages of acrylic siding is its high color fastness, which is superior to others facing materials ten times. Vinyl siding fades faster, this is the difference between them.

In addition, acrylic is very resistant to chemicals, detergents and all kinds of atmospheric manifestations. The temperature of use ranges from minus to plus eighty degrees. The main advantage of acrylic siding is its high performance characteristics, due to which the service life of the facade is extended several times. The stability of acrylic siding is directly determined by how high-quality and reliable materials were used for their manufacture.

In addition, the siding is filled with special constituent components, fulfilling their specific purposes:

• dyes - add shades;
• titanium dioxide – fixes colors;
• chemical components - add elasticity;
• flame retardants – serve as protection against fire in case of fire;
• modifiers – increase mechanical resistance;
• antistatic agents - guarantee the complete absence of static electricity in the panels and safety in the event of a thunderstorm.

Advantages and disadvantages

Acrylic siding has many positive qualities that make it a great option for finishing facades.

• Its main difference is reliability and resistance to mechanical damage.
• The geometric shape remains unchanged even at a temperature of + 80 degrees.
• Does not contain harmful components.
• The panels have a low degree of flammability (flammability group G2).
• Durability of color, resistance to ultraviolet rays.
• Very easy to install and easy to maintain.
• Lightweight material that adds little weight total weight construction.
• Resistant to acids and alkalis.

One of the main disadvantages of acrylic siding is its fairly high cost.

Other cons of this material appear only when errors were made during its production, old-style equipment was used, or the correct ratio of components was not observed. These oversights can expose the material to cracking and rapid loss colors. If the installation of acrylic panels was done incorrectly, this may result in the panels losing their original shape after some time. If the production and installation rules are followed correctly, then acrylic siding will not cause any inconvenience for many years.

Dimensions

Sidings are divided into vertical and horizontal, which directly depends on the type of their fastening. Standard siding, similar to ship timber, is 366 cm long and 230 mm wide. Vertical siding is 310 cm in length and 205 mm in width. Acrylic blockhouse panels are identical in length to vertical ones, but the width depends on their type: a single-fracture blockhouse is 200 mm wide, and a double-fracture blockhouse is 320 mm wide.

The thickness of the acrylic siding panels is 1.1 mm. Also, sizes may vary depending on the lines that produce these materials. For example, the AltaProfile company produces panels of a standard size: their length is 3660x230 mm and their thickness is 1.1 mm. The Quadrohouse line is different original style and has dimensions of 3100x200 mm. And the Orto brand produces blockhouse-type siding. Their panels are 3100x205 mm in size and can withstand winds of up to 250 km/h.

Design

As for design, acrylic siding has a wide range of colors and shades. The most popular of them are sand shades and colors that imitate various breeds trees, especially colors similar to natural dark and light trees, as well as pistachio shades.

If you like sidings under natural wood, then acrylic block house sidings are ideal for you. They are produced on the basis innovative technologies painting the top layer using the heat absorption technique. These materials imitate wood very naturally.

Log sidings, which are distinguished by specific embossing, like real wood, are in greatest demand.

Also not inferior in popularity are acrylic sidings that imitate timber, which with their appearance resemble painted or treated wood.

Scope of application

Acrylic siding is most in demand in private housing construction, but siding is often used in the construction of commercial real estate.

Acrylic siding is popular for finishing the following types facades:

• private buildings made of logs, beams and foam blocks;
• quickly erected frame buildings;
• shops, pavilions, cafes;
• administrative and office establishments;
• garages, bathhouses, verandas, dachas.

Most main reason The reason why people turn to acrylic siding is what it creates excellent protection facades of buildings from external climatic conditions.

In addition, siding allows you to insulate the building, as it does not allow cold air. Thanks to the combination of different shades and siding options in one cladding, you can easily transform appearance your building and make it unique.