What is the difference between vinyl siding and acrylic siding? Vinyl and acrylic siding: comparison of materials and choosing the best option

The term "siding" translated from English means " external 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 of installation, resistance to atmospheric, mechanical and biological influences, temperature changes and long term services. The performance characteristics are influenced by raw materials and manufacturing technology; when carrying out external finishing, owners of private houses most often choose between acrylic or vinyl based options.

This material is available in the form of lightweight but durable planks standard size. Vinyl siding is obtained by melting and extruding in an extruder a mixture of granulated polyvinyl chloride and specialized additives. 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 well. Downside is a high cost, when covering large areas the difference between them and vinyl types in price becomes significant.

There are no panels with a pure base of ACA copolymers; 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 the 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.

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 resistant: vinyl or acrylic siding retains 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 the 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. The difference in specific gravity between acrylic and vinyl panels is negligible.

7. Resistance to rodents and other biological influences. Siding does not require additional treatment with antiseptics or similar compounds.

According to reviews, both types maintain the given performance indicators unchanged over a long service life. The results of a comparison of the differing performance characteristics of vinyl and acrylic siding are shown in the table:

Parameter name	Type
	Vinyl	Acrylic
Impact and wear resistance	Complies with standards	50% higher
UV resistance	Average	10 times better than vinyl
Operating temperature range, °C	-50 to +50	-50 to +85
Reaction to low temperatures	Becomes brittle when dropped below -20°C	Does not lose strength down to -50 °C
Durability, years	25	Up to 50

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 operating conditions. 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. At high requirements fire safety(for example, when cladding wooden houses) it is worth considering the option of using a more expensive galvanized metal type or providing 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 direct sunlight; 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. The acrylic option is more expensive (including due to higher prices for fastenings), while the vinyl option is well suited for those on a limited budget. Optimal results are achieved by combining.

Cost of materials

View	Series or brand name	Manufacturer	Dimensions, m	Price per piece, steering wheels	Price per 1 m2, rubles
Vinyl	Standard	Tecos, Belgium-Russia	3.66×0.23	180	210
	Canada plus	Alta profile, Russia		200	240
	Block House		3.1×0.23	180	250
	Quadrohouse			170	240
	Oregon Pride	Mitten, Canada	3.66×0.23	370	440
	Sentry			685	810
Acrylic	LUX ship timber	Döcke, Germany-Russia		300	350
	Wood Side
	Canada Plus Premium	Alta profile, Russia		250	300
	Ardennes Ship timber	Tecos, Belgium-Russia		340	410

At equal sizes and acrylic panels of similar colors 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.

Decorating a house can radically change its architectural appearance. Among modern facing materials siding is popular. These are polymer, metal, cement or wooden 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 of the finish.

Faced with a choice cladding panels, consumers pay attention to several parameters, 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, calcium carbonate is present in the lower layer, which helps 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. Color pigments impart to vinyl products 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. Standard thickness sheet 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 of the color scheme is light pastel shades. This is explained by the tendency of PVC to fade slightly under direct sunlight. Purchasing vinyl in rich, dark colors will cost more due to the addition of special components that prevent fading.

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 of acrylic panels:

• increased resistance to heat, operating temperature range is from -50º to +80º C;
• resistance to impact 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 fixation starting bar, 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 one part of the building faces the sunny side, the best option would be a combined finish, when the 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. High price The material is fully justified by its durability without loss of decorative appearance.

Vinyl trim is not inferior to acrylic in most respects; with a limited construction budget, it has an advantage.

The materials have similar installation and maintenance technology. 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 a high level of pollution, 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

External cladding of the house, performing decorative and protective functions, called siding. Modern technologies allowed us to launch the production of siding from different materials. Thus, siding made of metal, vinyl, acrylic, wood and asbestos cement is available for sale. Each type of siding has its own characteristics and technical characteristics that affect the scope of its use. Thus, asbestos-cement facing products are more often used for finishing the basement, which is why they are also called basement siding. But vinyl or acrylic siding is more often used to cover the walls of a house. It is these two materials that we will consider in our article and compare them.

Vinyl Cladding Products

Polyvinyl chloride is used to produce this material. The first panels were made in North America in the middle of the 20th century. 80% of this product consists of vinyl, and 20% of its volume is occupied by various additives that can improve the properties and characteristics of the material. These include various coloring pigments, stabilizing additives and various modifiers that ensure the product’s resistance to external negative impacts, allow you to get beautiful colour, achieve a matte or glossy surface, increase the elasticity, resilience and durability of the material.

In addition, the vinyl product contains stabilizers based on titanium dioxide, butadiene stabilizing additives, and structure filler based on calcium carbonate. Vinyl panels are produced using the co-extrusion method.

Advantages and disadvantages

To understand which is better to use vinyl or acrylic siding, it is worth studying the advantages of vinyl panels:

• High resistance to moisture, high temperatures and solar radiation. The material can be used in the temperature range from -50°C to +50°C. The material practically does not fade in the sun. It is also resistant to moderate alkalis and acids.
• It is resistant to various mechanical damage (medium and small impact forces). The material does not crack, does not delaminate, and its surface does not become rough over time. It is not subject to rotting and corrosion even after prolonged use in conditions of high humidity.
• Vinyl is not damaged by insects and rodents.
• This is an environmentally friendly material.
• The product does not conduct electric current.
• It contains no toxic or flammable components.
• The panels are easy and quick to install. In this case, you can do the installation yourself, since you do not need special skills or equipment.
• Siding installation can be done at any time of the year.
• With its help, you can create a ventilated façade, so condensation will not accumulate behind the material.
• The panels are easy to clean. To do this, just use a hose and a powerful stream of water.
• Product durability. It will last up to 30 years.
• No special maintenance or repairs are required throughout the entire operation.

Despite many positive reviews, this material also has its disadvantages:

1. Under influence high temperatures the material begins to melt.
2. If the panel is installed incorrectly, it may bend or even crack due to thermal deformation. But you only have yourself to blame for this if you did not follow the installation rules.
3. Also, at ambient temperatures below -10°C, the panel becomes brittle and may crack when cutting or during installation. To prevent this from happening, it is better to cut the material with a grinder.

Types and characteristics

Externally, the panel can imitate a ship's plank, herringbone cladding, or log wall(block house). In addition to the finishing material itself, a full range of additional elements is available for sale, without which installation will not be possible. These include the starting profile, external and internal corner, end and connecting profile, finishing strip and soffits for filing the eaves of the roof.

Important: the thickness of the wall finishing material can be within 1-1.2 mm. For greater reliability and durability of the finish, it is recommended to use siding with a thickness of at least 1.1 mm.

When sold, products are marked according to the molding factor:

• S – single board, that is, the element imitates one log or board;
• D – double;
• T – element of three boards.

Further in the marking, the letters are followed by numbers that indicate the width of the panel. For example, a product marked T 4.5 is deciphered as follows: three boards of 4.5 inches, that is, 4.5 inches = 114.3 mm, which means 114.3 x 3 = 343 mm - the width of the panel.

The length of one element can be in the range of 2.5-4 m. Usually this value is not strictly standardized and may differ depending on different manufacturers. The weight of one product can reach up to 1.9 kg.

Acrylic siding

To understand the difference between acrylic and vinyl products, you need to understand the features of the production of acrylic panels. Acrylic panels are made by coextrusion. The material consists of two layers polymer composites. One layer is acrylic polymer. Thanks to this, the panels become resistant to sunlight, high temperatures and can retain their color for a long time.

Important: for acrylic products the degree of glossy surface gloss is 60-90 units.

In addition to acrylic, the product contains other components:

• Dyes are used to give a certain shade;
• titanium dioxide is needed to fix the color;
• the elasticity of the material is achieved using special chemical components;
• flame retardants are needed to protect against fire;
• modifiers are used to increase mechanical strength;
• Antistatic agents are used to protect against the accumulation of static electricity.

Advantages and disadvantages

To understand which siding is better, acrylic or vinyl, consider the advantages of the first:

1. The material tolerates mechanical stress well. It's quite durable.
2. The product maintains constant geometric shape at high temperatures (up to +80°C).
3. The material contains no toxic or harmful components.
4. The product does not support combustion.
5. The surface does not fade when exposed to sunlight and does not change its color over time.
6. Acrylic siding is just as easy and simple to install as its vinyl counterpart. To do this, you do not need special experience or any complex devices or tools. The installation time is also impressive.
7. The panels are easy to care for. It is enough to wash walls covered with siding once a year with water. Acrylic siding does not require any repairs or special maintenance.
8. The material is resistant to acids and various alkalis.

Among the disadvantages it is worth noting the following:

1. Acrylic products also require compliance with installation rules. If this is not done, then as a result of temperature deformations the panel may bend or crack.
2. If you buy low-quality acrylic siding, which is made using outdated equipment or with non-compliance with the proportions of components and installation technology, then the quality of the material will be low. However, this statement is true for any finishing material, including vinyl panels.

Types and characteristics

Depending on the appearance, you can buy acrylic panels imitating shiplap, vertical products and elements that imitate a block house. As for the dimensions of these products, they are as follows:

• panels for shiplap are available in a length of 3.66 m and a width of 23 cm;
• vertical siding is produced 3.1 m long and 20.5 cm wide;
• products for a block house are made 3.1 m long, and the width of a single element will be 20 cm, for a double panel this value is 32 cm.

The thickness of all panels is the same and is 1.1 mm. In this case, the surface of the products may have different textures and colors.

Comparison

1. Lifetime. In this category, acrylic siding is much better because it can last quite a long time. It's all about the special technology for manufacturing acrylic siding and the components used. According to the manufacturer, vinyl products can last about 30 years, and acrylic panels - 50 years. The high strength of the acrylic product is especially noticeable in the places of fastenings and connections. The material is less susceptible to temperature deformation.
2. Resistant to sunlight. This indicator is especially important for maintaining the presentable appearance of a tiled house. And here again the acrylic product is in the lead, since it is more resistant to fading and fading. The degree of resistance of a material to burnout depends on the concentration of titanium oxide. IN acrylic products there is more of it, which is why these panels are 10 times more resistant to fading than vinyl products.
3. Simplicity and speed of installation. Here both materials can boast good characteristics, since their installation process is identical.
4. Maintainability. Both materials are equally easy to repair. If necessary, simply remove the damaged panel and replace it with a new one.
5. Easy to care for. Both materials do not require special care and can be easily washed with plain water if necessary.
6. Price. Vinyl siding is cheaper than its acrylic counterpart. So, you can buy one vinyl panel for 1.9 USD, and one acrylic element is sold for 2.9 USD. Accordingly, the cost of components for these panels differs.

Siding is actively used for cladding buildings and residential buildings. In addition to aesthetic appeal, this material provides effective, reliable protection of walls from external factors. This type of finishing allows you to advantageously cover old flaws in the finishing, as well as prevent condensation from appearing on the walls.

The modern market is saturated huge selection finishing materials, among which vinyl and acrylic types of siding occupy a noticeable niche.

Which one is better to choose? Let's try to answer this question.

Characteristics of vinyl siding

This finishing material appeared in Russia in the 90s of the last century and continues to rapidly gain popularity, being today the most popular in the domestic market. Vinyl siding is based on PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is actively used by consumers due to its mass beneficial properties, among which:

• chemical inertness;
• manufacturability;
• moderate cost;
• durability.

Vinyl panels are the most popular in the construction of cottages or small residential buildings.

Vinyl siding is a set of pre-fabricated panels that are attached to each other according to the principle of a designer, snapped into place using special locks. They are attached to the walls with anti-corrosion nails or self-tapping screws.

Classification and labeling

Vinyl panels are monolithic homogeneous sheets of PVC, which are given a specific shape. The size of the lamellas can reach almost 4 m in length and up to 255 mm in height. The thickness of the material is slightly more than 1 mm.

As for the color palette of siding panels, they can be pastel, white or colored. Total for modern market There are about 20 of their shades. Which is better? Pastel panel siding is considered the most popular, as it has an ideal price-quality ratio.

Panels in rich colors tend to be much more expensive. This is explained by the addition of special substances to them during the production process that prevent UV fading.

Form factors for vinyl siding panels can be S - single, D - double or T - triple: it all depends on the number of slats fastened together.

The numbers next to the designation indicate the width working panel in inches. As a result, the marking of vinyl panels looks something like this: T3 - a panel with a triple break, in which the thickness of each of the slats is 3 inches.

Advantages of the material

Why vinyl siding is so popular is explained by its following advantages:

1. Non-flammability.
2. Low flammability.
3. Differs in budget cost.
4. Insensitivity to high temperatures (withstands heat up to 50 degrees without changing color).
5. Low toxicity of the material.
6. High resistance to chemicals, fats, alkalis, detergents.
7. Easy to care for.
8. Vinyl siding does not rot and does not absorb moisture.
9. Wide product line.

Acrylic panels

Acrylic panels appeared not so long ago, but have already managed to gain their place in the market. Like vinyl, they perfectly imitate cuts natural wood, can be horizontal and vertical.
To choose from two types of material and understand which is better, you need to consider the characteristic differences of each of them, and then make a final conclusion.

Acrylic siding is used to improve the walls of a building, as well as their reliable protection from various external influences.

These panels are made of high-strength acrylic polymers and are available in double or single panels, vertical or horizontal. Their main difference from vinyl panels is chemical composition and the production technologies used: when producing acrylic siding, extrusion and casting methods are used.

It is the acrylic in the panel that makes it maximally resistant to aggressive chemical factors. Although such panels are now used mainly in private construction, they will probably soon be unique properties will also be appreciated when finishing industrial buildings that require high level protection against chemicals.

Acrylic siding is presented in a wide range color palette, which has some differences from vinyl. More saturated, bright or dark colors. Acrylic panels are also distinguished by a variety of textures that are close to natural. All this opens up a huge space for the flight of designer imagination.

Advantages

Panels made with the addition of acrylic polymers have the following properties:

• Possibility of many years of operation without maintenance repair work(for up to 50 years);
• immunity to chemicals and harmful microorganisms;
• low corrosive activity;
• ease of installation;
• biological inertness (the material does not attract rodents at all);
• low level of heat absorption;
• excellent resistance to temperature changes (withstands heat of 60-85 degrees);
• low ability of the material to burn out (resistance to UV radiation);
• acrylic siding fire resistance;
• low toxicity;
• environmental cleanliness;
• shockproof properties.

Factors influencing the choice of siding

To finally decide which one better material to choose, many important factors must be weighed.

Naturally, the main issue is the financial capabilities of the consumer. Vinyl siding is cheaper than acrylic siding by about 60 - 80 rubles. per sq. m. Based on the square footage of the building, the amount in the end could be decent. It is also worth considering the fact that components for vinyl and acrylic panels have different prices.

When considering two cladding options, it is important to take into account the climate zone in which the building is located. If this is a southern area, constantly exposed to aggressive UV rays, then it is more advisable to decorate the house with acrylic siding. If only a few sides of the building will be on the sunny side, then it is quite enough to cover only them with acrylic, and cover all other parts with vinyl panels, matched in color. This will allow you to save significantly.

It should be remembered that American or Canadian siding will not lose its color or deform for 50 years, while domestic manufacturers only provide a 10-year warranty. Ultimately, all this affects the cost of the material.

It is also necessary to take into account the quality of the frame, the foundation of the house, and the presence of insulation.

Consumers consider ease of installation to be an important factor when choosing siding. In principle, the installation of vinyl and acrylic panels differs slightly from each other. The operating algorithm is almost the same. It consists of preparing the building, attaching the sheathing and directly installing the panels on the wall. Small nuances are noted only when fastening vertical or horizontal panels.

There is also no difference in caring for the material between acrylic and vinyl. They can be cleaned equally well with water and gentle cleaning agents and do not require constant monitoring.
Repairing panels is as easy as possible in the case of any panels: a deformed element is easily replaced with a new one.

If we make a final conclusion, deciding between the two materials considered, and decide which is better, then in fact vinyl siding is inferior to acrylic only in UV resistance. But at the same time it has a significantly lower cost.

The consumer will make the right choice only by setting priorities: one-time, but large expenses or savings; highest possible quality or standard.

Exterior decoration of houses, buildings and structures – great way create an individual appearance buildings and implement traditional or unusual design ideas. Siding among modern facing materials has been very popular for many years due to the variety of types of panels depending on the type of coating, color scheme, a combination of specific technical characteristics and affordable cost. Consumers are often simply lost in choice, and manufacturers periodically offer new developments and unique technological solutions. For example, to understand which siding is better, vinyl or acrylic, you just need to consider several aspects in detail.

Vinyl siding - production, characteristics and features of the material

The main raw material for the manufacture of vinyl panels is polyvinyl chloride. In addition to it, siding contains various modifiers, dyes and pigments, other chemicals and additives. A certain plate profile is obtained using the extrusion method - the alloy is extruded through a hole with a given shape and then cut to the required size.

With this production technology, vinyl siding is formed in two layers:

• the inner layer provides rigidity and strength to the panel due to the addition of calcium carbonate to the composition;
• The outer layer, thanks to the presence of titanium dioxide, creates protection from external factors and weather conditions.

The optimal selection of components for the manufacture of vinyl siding guarantees its main advantages:

• durability in operation subject to installation technology;
• the material does not absorb moisture, does not rot and does not require additional processing by special means against rodents and other pests;
• ease of fastening and installation of panels due to their low weight and interlocking overlap;
• use of panels in the temperature range – from -50°С to +50°С;
• protection against fading when exposed to sunlight;
• Easy to care for – minor stains can be cleaned warm water, A small scratches almost invisible on the surface due to the homogeneous outer layer;
• a variety of shades (light and pastel) and textures, including imitation of natural surfaces - stone, wood.

Acrylic siding is a new and improved modification of vinyl

Acrylic panels are produced using the same technology as vinyl. The qualitative difference lies in the preparation of the raw materials and the special selection of components. The basis for the outer layer is acrylic polymers; special polymer additives ASA (Acrylnitril-Styrol-Acrylester) are added to them, which makes the siding even more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage, and thermal effects. Additionally, the following are added to the composition: biochemical stabilizers, antistatic agents, fire retardants, special reagents.

It is this balance of components that helps to obtain distinctive properties acrylic siding panels:

In general, acrylic siding retains all the advantages of vinyl, and in some respects it is much superior to it.

Taking into account the addition of special pigments and dyes, acrylic panels acquire a variety of rich colors. bright shades, sometimes even with an external gloss depending on the type of coating. The facade of the house can be decorated in any style, embodying original design ideas. Moreover, acrylic siding, like vinyl, can be installed on a prepared frame horizontally or vertical way fastening plates.

The main differences between the two types of panels

Acrylic or vinyl siding has its own characteristics. A comparative table of parameters will help in making the final decision on the purchase of material:

Comparison characteristics	Type of panels
	vinyl	acrylic
Mechanical strength (impact and directional impact)	high in the summer months, much lower in winter	high regardless of season
Guaranteed service life	at least 30 years old	at least 50 years old
Color retention ability	Over time there is a noticeable change in shade	do not fade with direct and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation
Possibility of deformation when heated	change size when exposed to heat for a long time	don't heat up
Maximum temperature value	up to +50°С	up to +80°С – 85°С
Color palette and type of coating	mostly light, wood, brick, stone	dark, bright, glossy, wood effect
Appearance	do not have a clearly defined structure	full imitation of natural coatings

From the characteristics comparison table, it becomes clear what the fundamental difference between the panels is. However, the higher performance properties of acrylic siding affect its cost - it is 40–50% more expensive than vinyl siding. As an example, a short overview of panel manufacturers:

It is important to note that the cost of additional elements and components for acrylic panels is also higher than those made of vinyl.

Main criteria when choosing material

In each specific case, choose which siding is best for exterior finishing vinyl or acrylic, recommended taking into account the following factors:

• planned budget for the total set of materials - often financial restrictions significantly influence the final choice,
• expected service life (maximum),
• appearance and shape of panels, type of coating,
• method of fastening panels and main installation features,
• climatic conditions in the region and the level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation - the resistance of the panels to temperature fluctuations and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

According to experts, if the house is located on the sunny side, it is optimal to choose acrylic siding for installation - it is resistant to heat and preserves the original color of the panels. Vinyl siding can be used for finishing buildings with small snow loads and in areas with temperate climate. On the contrary, in regions with extreme climatic conditions, acrylic panels will be the best option. Sometimes, in order to save money, you can choose a combination of siding panels:

• decorate the base with acrylic,
• walls - vinyl.

It is important to know

Remember that siding can be produced from unscrupulous manufacturers from recycled materials, so such panels will have low level quality. As a rule, they do not even have a certificate.

High-quality siding, both vinyl and acrylic, is easy to identify when visual inspection– the panels have the same thickness throughout the entire sheet and a uniformly painted surface from the front and inner sides. The high cost of acrylic siding is fully justified by its longer service life without losing the main advantages of the material. Cladding with vinyl panels in most respects is practically not inferior to finishing with acrylic and, with a limited construction budget, is a profitable replacement.

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