Arrangement of a warm balcony makes it possible to attach additional square meters to the living area, which certainly will not be superfluous. Although the room does not differ in large dimensions, it is still possible to equip a functional area: an office, a bedroom, a workshop, a library, a boudoir and even a mini-dining room. Finishing is the first stage of repair work. You can put the balcony in order, insulate and give it a “gloss” using various materials. The construction market offers a wide range, but plastic panels stand out against the background of lining, MDF, chipboard and drywall. For domestic consumers, the material has long ceased to be a novelty, but has not completely lost its popularity. Around the name "plastic", legends still wander: about its toxicity, fragility and unreliability. That was exactly what PVC was about twenty years ago, when an advanced technology for its manufacture was not yet invented. Modern and former plastic - the materials are completely different both in appearance and in basic characteristics.Unfortunately, for many consumers, this revolution of quality went quietly and imperceptibly, but ideas about the old material remained. Let's talk about how to choose the right material and how to trim the balcony with plastic panels.
Although the consumer became acquainted with plastic relatively recently, the material was invented at the beginning of the last century. Moreover, the chemist who received the coveted formula did not at all seek to invent something similar. At that time, he was working on a completely different project. PVC, like many other inventions that have become famous and have benefited people (to take at least penicillin), can be called the result of a random experiment.
Initially, the plastic was heavy and had a porous surface. Such material was not suitable for interior decoration and could not compete with boards based on wood waste (particleboard, MDF). It required refinement, which was hastened by manufacturers who realized earlier than the rest that PVC is the future. They stubbornly strived for excellence and finally, in Germany, a fundamentally new technology was invented (the method of free foaming of PVC), which brought polyvinyl chloride to the market leaders in finishing materials (and not only). PVC panels have become lightweight and their surface has become smooth. The range of colors and textures quickly began to replenish with new samples that mimic a variety of materials: an elegant pattern of wood, “specks” and “stains” characteristic of stone, and the rough surface of a brick. Panels made of polyvinyl chloride began to replace paint and wallpaper, lining, wood-particle and wood-fiber boards, drywall.Competitors were gradually losing ground, and PVC was gaining market share due to its affordability.
Advantages and disadvantages of finishes and materials
So why is polyvinyl chloride good and what is hidden behind this long, complex name? In fact, everything is quite simple: the scales marked “dignity” significantly outweigh the container labeled “imperfections”. This ratio of pluses and minuses was the key to the popularity of the material. The following qualities are included in the long list of advantages of PVC:
Low cost. PVC panels are ideal for budget repairs. The price-quality ratio in this case has found the perfect balance.
Resistance to temperature fluctuations. This material is suitable for both warm balconies and cold rooms, where the temperature differs from the street temperature by only a couple of degrees.
Self-extinguishing and high combustion temperature. Contrary to misconceptions, the plastic used for decorating is not so easy to set on fire. MDF, particleboard and fiberboard light up at lower temperatures and during burning emit more caustic smoke and toxic substances. The reason for this was the “glue” that holds together the wood fibers and shavings that make up the boards.
Easy installation. Plastic panels are easy to cut, and fastening methods will not be able to drive even the most inexperienced craftsmen into a dead end.
Low resistance to mechanical damage. Plastic panels cannot be called fragile, but with a strong impact, their surface can be damaged and a dent forms. Such sections of the wall or ceiling can be replaced without resorting to dismantling the rest of the finishing canvas.
Moisture resistance. Plastic is not afraid of direct contact with water. Because of this feature, panels are popular not only for decorating balconies and loggias, but also for bathrooms and kitchens.
Easy to care. Panels can be washed with any household chemicals, as the material is not afraid even of abrasive products.There are no pores in plastic in which dust and dirt could clog. Because of this, the material does not accumulate “deposits” of mold and fungus.
A wide range of colors and textures.
Additional heat and noise insulation. PVC panels will not warm in severe frost, but thanks to the honeycomb structure they will “help” the main insulation to keep particles of heat inside the balcony.
Light weight. This advantage of panels plays a special role specifically for balconies, since such structures are not advisable to overload, especially after partial dismantling of the partition. Another plus in the "piggy bank" of PVC panels will be the lack of the need to level the surface of the wall or ceiling before installation. Material, on the contrary, is used in order to mask defects. As for the service life, manufacturers give different numbers: from 25 to 50 years. Perhaps the panels can really stand for half a century, but in what form they will meet their old age is a mystery.
Of course, in any barrel of honey there is a place for a fly in the ointment. Although the list of disadvantages of PVC panels is much more modest than the list of advantages, we can not help but mention them:
PVC panels are quite fragile and are highly sensitive to mechanical stress. In passing, this has already been mentioned above. If you compare the strength of polyvinyl chloride with MDF go chipboard, the material will definitely lose with a crushing score. Draw parallels with an array of wood and not at all worth it.
Toxicity on burning. PVC does not burn, but melts. You should not put hot electrical appliances near it. During reflow, the material can release toxic substances, however, in lower concentrations than, for example, particleboard during combustion. The toxicity of the material varies greatly depending on the production technology. Poor quality products traded by dishonest businessmen are much more dangerous to human health. High-quality polyvinyl chloride must have a "passport" - a special certificate.
Burnout.Unfortunately, PVC panels burn out in the sun in just a couple of years. The problem is relevant specifically for balconies open to sunlight. This is especially noticeable on bright surfaces with patterns. For ordinary white panels, the problem is not relevant, but such material is too boring and monotonous. Recently, manufacturers have been experimenting and creating new samples of material that do not react so sharply to constant contact with sunlight.
This list includes another conditional flaw - bias. This applies mainly to domestic consumers, who, at a subconscious level, cheapness is associated with low quality, and the word "plastic" - with disposable tableware and low-grade summer furniture.
Varieties of material
Plastic panels have their own classification according to three main characteristics (except for the differences in design):
The size.
Features of the coating.
Preparation method.
Type of joint (seamless, chamfered, with embossed surface).
Let's talk about each category in more detail.
Panel Size
The sizes of PVC panels can vary greatly. Their thickness directly depends on the purpose:
Panels for wall cladding usually have a width of 0.8 cm to 2-3 cm (more dense materials are found).
Panels for ceiling decoration are thinner, their thickness varies in the range of 0.5 cm-0.8 cm.
The length of the panels can also be different, but most often there are variants of 2.7 m, 3.5 m, 5.95 m. Width varies from 0.1-0.5 m.
By type of coating
Depending on the type of coating, plastic panels are classified into three groups:
Simple plain products. Their surface is devoid of patterns, therefore, an additional coating is not used. Monotony to many may seem boring. Such panels are most often used for covering office premises.
Varnished. A pattern is applied to the surface of the material by offset printing or thermal transfer.To fix the image, on top of the panel is covered with a layer of special varnish. The composition ennobles plastic, but at the same time makes it more “delicate” and sensitive to scratches that are noticeable on such a surface.
Laminated. The surface of the panels is decorated with a structural pattern. Laminated material usually reliably mimics the texture of wood or stone.
Although varnished and laminated panels look richer and add variety to the range of finishing materials, they are the ones that suffer from “photophobia” and are burned out. Unfortunately, “beautiful” and “practical” do not always go hand in hand.
According to the manufacturing method
PVC panels are available in three variations:
Tile.
Lining.
Sheet material.
Lining is a long rail, which can be placed horizontally or vertically depending on their length and size of the room. Sheet - modules whose height can reach 4 m and a width of 2.3 m. They are mainly used for wall sheathing. Only one sheet can cover a large area, so the installation will be carried out at an accelerated pace. The option is best suited for “lazy” or rushing craftsmen.
How to choose the right
Before you go to a hardware store, take on board a few useful tips that will help you choose the right material:
Be sure to check for a product certificate. Only certified products can be called quality.
The thickness of the panel can be checked with a simple touch of a finger. If a dent remains on the material, then its surface is too flexible and completely unsuitable for decorating the balcony.
The quality of the material must be checked inside. The panel must be squeezed with two fingers and see how the stiffeners behave on the cut. If they break, then such material will not last long. The more stiffening ribs in the material, the stronger it is.
Beware of acquiring light mouse panels. This color of the material most often indicates the use of recycled materials.
If the plans for large-scale procurement of material “for future use”, then the panels are better to take from one batch, then they are guaranteed to not differ in color by a couple of tones. On their surface should not be dents, scratches, chips. Be sure to check the quality of the connection: between the two panels there should be an even, barely noticeable seam, and the edges of the modules should fit together like a key with a lock.
How to make calculations
The calculations are made according to a simple algorithm. You need to familiarize yourself with only two parameters:
The surface area to be faced.
The length and width of the panels, which are multiplied, and the area of one module is obtained.
Of course, you also need to consider the type of panel (sheet, tile, lining).
Mounting Methods
There are two ways to mount panels:
Directly to the surface of the wall using special glue.
To the crate.
The first method is more suitable for "cold" balconies, since there is no provision for space for insulation in this case. Let's consider both options in more detail.
Glue fixing
Fixing panels with glue is possible only on perfectly even walls. The slightest slope or unevenness will certainly manifest itself on the surface of the panel. Special glue needs to be bought. He tightly connects the surface of the wall with a plastic panel, so it’s no longer possible to gently replace one piece of decoration, it can only be pulled out “with meat”. The most serious drawback of this method is the inability to lay a layer of insulation under the material. In this case, the panels simply create the visual effect of a “beautiful finish” and save a little (very little) space that could be reserved for the crate.
Crate mount
The crate or frame has obvious advantages that discredit the way the panels are fixed with glue:
Makes the design more stable.
Allows you to add a layer of insulation.
If necessary, you can easily replace both a separate panel (if wrinkled or cracked), or the entire coating, when, for example, there was a desire and the ability to sheathe the balcony with other material.
The installation of the crate greatly complicates the process of wall paneling, but the game is worth the candle, and the result is time spent.
DIY step-by-step instructions
So, we have chosen a more reliable and thorough way of installing plastic panels - with a crate. The entire workflow is divided into the following steps:
First step. Measurements, purchase of materials, selection of tools.
Wall preparation.
Installation of the crate.
Warming.
Panel mounting.
Now consider each stage in detail.
Materials and Tools
To work with plastic panels, you will need tools that are already in the “black case” of any self-respecting master. You won’t have to buy anything new or unusual. So, you need to stock up on the following materials and tools:
Roulette, level, pencil.
Hacksaw and construction knife.
Drill, screwdriver (can be replaced with a screwdriver).
Construction stapler.
Dowels, self-tapping screws with rubber sleeves.
Insulation (polystyrene foam and mounting foam).
Metal profiles for lathing.
Guides for panels.
Panels made of plastic.
Separately, for the preparation of the wall, putty and primer will be required. If there are large cracks, then they will have to be cleaned using a grinder.
Wall preparation
Preparing the walls does not take much time. If they are uneven, then the crate will help to correct this flaw, and the finish will not give out this terrible secret. With the presence of cracks will have to cope on their own. First you need to carefully examine the surface around the perimeter of the balcony.If cracks and cracks are still found, then they are thoroughly cleaned, and then putty putty. When the composition is dry, the wall is covered with a primer layer. It is better to use products with antiseptic and sealing effect. They will prevent dampening of the wall, the appearance of fungus and mold, "leakage" of heat. The primer can be applied in two layers for greater reliability. After the composition has dried (it is better to leave the balcony alone for a day), they begin to install the lathing.
Installation of the crate
For battens usually choose wooden slats. Since the balcony is a potentially dangerous place for wood due to possible dampness, it is better to stay on a metal profile. Reiki is pre-treated with special compounds. Then they begin to form a crate. Using self-tapping screws with plastic sleeves or dowels, vertical modules are installed. Do not immediately drive them close to the wall. You may need to adjust their location using the lining if the wall is uneven. The distance between the slats is usually not more than 0.5 m. Experienced craftsmen advise fixing them to the wall in three places: at the level of the knees, waist and shoulders. These areas are considered the most “traumatic”, that is, here to cover the risks of accidental mechanical damage are much higher. Having strengthened the vulnerable zones, you need to check with the help of the level how smoothly the crate is installed. If necessary, the location of the rails is adjusted, after which they are fixed finally, close to the wall.
About warming
The insulation layer must be carefully laid between the rails. Although the range of materials is extensive, most opt for a cheap, but no less effective, foam. It is ideal for "raw" balconies, as it is not afraid of moisture, like mineral wool, for example. For her, layers of hydro- and vapor barrier would have to be additionally installed.The joints between the pieces of foam are filled with mounting foam, after which you can proceed with the installation of plastic panels.
Insulation is needed even on those balconies that are not yet equipped with sealed double-glazed windows, but they are already included in the plans of the owners. Subsequently, the plastic coating will have to be dismantled in order to lay a layer of insulation. To avoid doing unnecessary work, it is best to use it right away.
Panel Mounting
Installation of panels begins with the installation of rails. They can be of different shapes and differ in purpose. You can fix the guides using a construction stapler or a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. After this, they begin to fix the first bar. You should start from the most inaccessible and "inconvenient" corner. The bar is not fitted right away: it needs to be aligned vertically (using a level) and only then fixed completely. After that, work will go faster: a new bar is joined with the one that was installed earlier, and fixed. The areas below and above the doorways are left for sweets.
To cut the bar lengthwise, it is better to use a special construction knife. For cutting across, a hacksaw for metal is suitable.
The nuances of cladding openings
We left the lining of the openings for dessert. Before trimming and mounting the last plank, you need to check the quality of the joint and the tightness of the edges of those that are already fixed to the crate. If there is a nuisance in the form of a gap, it can be masked with a plastic baseboard mounted on glue. In the balcony door (if available), you need to make several through holes in a row to ensure air exchange between the room and the balcony. The last process is the joints between and at the corners. They are covered with sealant. Instead of transparent, it is better to choose the composition for the color of the plastic coating. Such a solution will look more effective and beautiful in any interior.
How to care for panels
Panels do not belong to the category of capricious materials. They are very unpretentious in care: from the surface of the plastic, it is periodically necessary to remove small impurities and a layer of dust, which, by the way, very slowly settles on PVC. For work, you only need a sponge or a special mop for windows with a soft nozzle (if you need to wipe the ceiling) and a cleaning agent. Panels can be washed with any composition: soap and water, powder, detergents for glass or dishes. The main thing is not to overdo it with additives, otherwise you will have to mess around for a long time, erasing the stains. Particular attention should be paid to the most “dirty” areas: near the baseboard, near the windows, under the balcony door.
Conclusion
Finishing the balcony with plastic panels will really take a little time and will not require specific skills. Installation of the cover can be considered as a training lesson, in which the novice master is unlikely to get bumps, but will gain invaluable experience. If you decide to use panels with a print or a pattern, then their surface is better protected from the harmful effects of sunlight and hang curtains or blinds on the windows. Then the coating will retain its original appearance longer, and repeated repair of the balcony will be postponed for at least a couple of years.
Arrangement of a warm balcony makes it possible to attach additional square meters to the living area, which certainly will not be superfluous. Although the room does not differ in large dimensions, it is still possible to equip a functional area: an office, a bedroom, a workshop, a library, a boudoir and even a mini-dining room. Finishing is the first stage of repair work. You can put the balcony in order, insulate and give it a “gloss” using various materials. The construction market offers a wide range, but plastic panels stand out against the background of lining, MDF, chipboard and drywall. For domestic consumers, the material has long ceased to be a novelty, but has not completely lost its popularity. Around the name "plastic", legends still wander: about its toxicity, fragility and unreliability. That was exactly what PVC was about twenty years ago, when an advanced technology for its manufacture was not yet invented. Modern and former plastic - the materials are completely different both in appearance and in basic characteristics.Unfortunately, for many consumers, this revolution of quality went quietly and imperceptibly, but ideas about the old material remained. Let's talk about how to choose the right material and how to trim the balcony with plastic panels.
Content
About Material
Although the consumer became acquainted with plastic relatively recently, the material was invented at the beginning of the last century. Moreover, the chemist who received the coveted formula did not at all seek to invent something similar. At that time, he was working on a completely different project. PVC, like many other inventions that have become famous and have benefited people (to take at least penicillin), can be called the result of a random experiment.
Initially, the plastic was heavy and had a porous surface. Such material was not suitable for interior decoration and could not compete with boards based on wood waste (particleboard, MDF). It required refinement, which was hastened by manufacturers who realized earlier than the rest that PVC is the future. They stubbornly strived for excellence and finally, in Germany, a fundamentally new technology was invented (the method of free foaming of PVC), which brought polyvinyl chloride to the market leaders in finishing materials (and not only). PVC panels have become lightweight and their surface has become smooth. The range of colors and textures quickly began to replenish with new samples that mimic a variety of materials: an elegant pattern of wood, “specks” and “stains” characteristic of stone, and the rough surface of a brick. Panels made of polyvinyl chloride began to replace paint and wallpaper, lining, wood-particle and wood-fiber boards, drywall.Competitors were gradually losing ground, and PVC was gaining market share due to its affordability.
Advantages and disadvantages of finishes and materials
So why is polyvinyl chloride good and what is hidden behind this long, complex name? In fact, everything is quite simple: the scales marked “dignity” significantly outweigh the container labeled “imperfections”. This ratio of pluses and minuses was the key to the popularity of the material. The following qualities are included in the long list of advantages of PVC:
Another plus in the "piggy bank" of PVC panels will be the lack of the need to level the surface of the wall or ceiling before installation. Material, on the contrary, is used in order to mask defects. As for the service life, manufacturers give different numbers: from 25 to 50 years. Perhaps the panels can really stand for half a century, but in what form they will meet their old age is a mystery.
Of course, in any barrel of honey there is a place for a fly in the ointment. Although the list of disadvantages of PVC panels is much more modest than the list of advantages, we can not help but mention them:
This list includes another conditional flaw - bias. This applies mainly to domestic consumers, who, at a subconscious level, cheapness is associated with low quality, and the word "plastic" - with disposable tableware and low-grade summer furniture.
Varieties of material
Plastic panels have their own classification according to three main characteristics (except for the differences in design):
Let's talk about each category in more detail.
Panel Size
The sizes of PVC panels can vary greatly. Their thickness directly depends on the purpose:
The length of the panels can also be different, but most often there are variants of 2.7 m, 3.5 m, 5.95 m. Width varies from 0.1-0.5 m.
By type of coating
Depending on the type of coating, plastic panels are classified into three groups:
Although varnished and laminated panels look richer and add variety to the range of finishing materials, they are the ones that suffer from “photophobia” and are burned out. Unfortunately, “beautiful” and “practical” do not always go hand in hand.
According to the manufacturing method
PVC panels are available in three variations:
Lining is a long rail, which can be placed horizontally or vertically depending on their length and size of the room. Sheet - modules whose height can reach 4 m and a width of 2.3 m. They are mainly used for wall sheathing. Only one sheet can cover a large area, so the installation will be carried out at an accelerated pace. The option is best suited for “lazy” or rushing craftsmen.
How to choose the right
Before you go to a hardware store, take on board a few useful tips that will help you choose the right material:
If the plans for large-scale procurement of material “for future use”, then the panels are better to take from one batch, then they are guaranteed to not differ in color by a couple of tones. On their surface should not be dents, scratches, chips. Be sure to check the quality of the connection: between the two panels there should be an even, barely noticeable seam, and the edges of the modules should fit together like a key with a lock.
How to make calculations
The calculations are made according to a simple algorithm. You need to familiarize yourself with only two parameters:
Of course, you also need to consider the type of panel (sheet, tile, lining).
Mounting Methods
There are two ways to mount panels:
The first method is more suitable for "cold" balconies, since there is no provision for space for insulation in this case. Let's consider both options in more detail.
Glue fixing
Fixing panels with glue is possible only on perfectly even walls. The slightest slope or unevenness will certainly manifest itself on the surface of the panel. Special glue needs to be bought. He tightly connects the surface of the wall with a plastic panel, so it’s no longer possible to gently replace one piece of decoration, it can only be pulled out “with meat”. The most serious drawback of this method is the inability to lay a layer of insulation under the material. In this case, the panels simply create the visual effect of a “beautiful finish” and save a little (very little) space that could be reserved for the crate.
Crate mount
The crate or frame has obvious advantages that discredit the way the panels are fixed with glue:
The installation of the crate greatly complicates the process of wall paneling, but the game is worth the candle, and the result is time spent.
DIY step-by-step instructions
So, we have chosen a more reliable and thorough way of installing plastic panels - with a crate. The entire workflow is divided into the following steps:
Now consider each stage in detail.
Materials and Tools
To work with plastic panels, you will need tools that are already in the “black case” of any self-respecting master. You won’t have to buy anything new or unusual. So, you need to stock up on the following materials and tools:
Separately, for the preparation of the wall, putty and primer will be required. If there are large cracks, then they will have to be cleaned using a grinder.
Wall preparation
Preparing the walls does not take much time. If they are uneven, then the crate will help to correct this flaw, and the finish will not give out this terrible secret. With the presence of cracks will have to cope on their own. First you need to carefully examine the surface around the perimeter of the balcony.If cracks and cracks are still found, then they are thoroughly cleaned, and then putty putty. When the composition is dry, the wall is covered with a primer layer. It is better to use products with antiseptic and sealing effect. They will prevent dampening of the wall, the appearance of fungus and mold, "leakage" of heat. The primer can be applied in two layers for greater reliability. After the composition has dried (it is better to leave the balcony alone for a day), they begin to install the lathing.
Installation of the crate
For battens usually choose wooden slats. Since the balcony is a potentially dangerous place for wood due to possible dampness, it is better to stay on a metal profile. Reiki is pre-treated with special compounds. Then they begin to form a crate. Using self-tapping screws with plastic sleeves or dowels, vertical modules are installed. Do not immediately drive them close to the wall. You may need to adjust their location using the lining if the wall is uneven. The distance between the slats is usually not more than 0.5 m. Experienced craftsmen advise fixing them to the wall in three places: at the level of the knees, waist and shoulders. These areas are considered the most “traumatic”, that is, here to cover the risks of accidental mechanical damage are much higher. Having strengthened the vulnerable zones, you need to check with the help of the level how smoothly the crate is installed. If necessary, the location of the rails is adjusted, after which they are fixed finally, close to the wall.
About warming
The insulation layer must be carefully laid between the rails. Although the range of materials is extensive, most opt for a cheap, but no less effective, foam. It is ideal for "raw" balconies, as it is not afraid of moisture, like mineral wool, for example. For her, layers of hydro- and vapor barrier would have to be additionally installed.The joints between the pieces of foam are filled with mounting foam, after which you can proceed with the installation of plastic panels.
Panel Mounting
Installation of panels begins with the installation of rails. They can be of different shapes and differ in purpose. You can fix the guides using a construction stapler or a screwdriver and self-tapping screws. After this, they begin to fix the first bar. You should start from the most inaccessible and "inconvenient" corner. The bar is not fitted right away: it needs to be aligned vertically (using a level) and only then fixed completely. After that, work will go faster: a new bar is joined with the one that was installed earlier, and fixed. The areas below and above the doorways are left for sweets.
The nuances of cladding openings
We left the lining of the openings for dessert. Before trimming and mounting the last plank, you need to check the quality of the joint and the tightness of the edges of those that are already fixed to the crate. If there is a nuisance in the form of a gap, it can be masked with a plastic baseboard mounted on glue. In the balcony door (if available), you need to make several through holes in a row to ensure air exchange between the room and the balcony. The last process is the joints between and at the corners. They are covered with sealant. Instead of transparent, it is better to choose the composition for the color of the plastic coating. Such a solution will look more effective and beautiful in any interior.
How to care for panels
Panels do not belong to the category of capricious materials. They are very unpretentious in care: from the surface of the plastic, it is periodically necessary to remove small impurities and a layer of dust, which, by the way, very slowly settles on PVC. For work, you only need a sponge or a special mop for windows with a soft nozzle (if you need to wipe the ceiling) and a cleaning agent. Panels can be washed with any composition: soap and water, powder, detergents for glass or dishes. The main thing is not to overdo it with additives, otherwise you will have to mess around for a long time, erasing the stains. Particular attention should be paid to the most “dirty” areas: near the baseboard, near the windows, under the balcony door.
Conclusion
Finishing the balcony with plastic panels will really take a little time and will not require specific skills. Installation of the cover can be considered as a training lesson, in which the novice master is unlikely to get bumps, but will gain invaluable experience. If you decide to use panels with a print or a pattern, then their surface is better protected from the harmful effects of sunlight and hang curtains or blinds on the windows. Then the coating will retain its original appearance longer, and repeated repair of the balcony will be postponed for at least a couple of years.