uPVC is widely used in place of timber for wall cladding and fascias, owing to its strength, ease of use and low cost. However, there are still factors which can affect durability, and knowing what they are will greatly extend the life of your product.
While uPVC fascias don’t rot in the way wood does, it is not impervious to the elements, UV light being the biggest problem. Though UV resistant plastics are available, over time they can lose this immunity and start to degrade. This will cause the gloss surface to become dull, patchy and yellowed, making the cladding look shabby and encouraging it to hold dirt, increasing degradation.
The British climate causes other problems too. Plastic wall cladding scores highly over timber owing to its resistance to the weather. However, even moderate wind and rain allows grit, dirt and chemical pollutants to hit the wall. These dull the surface in the same way UV light does, allowing the cladding to retain grime and causing further degradation.
While we can’t change the laws of nature, there are ways to minimise its effects, such as using high quality wall cladding with built-in UV protection, and washing it with mild detergent once or twice a year. Another big point is to discourage birds from roosting over your fascias; bird droppings are extremely corrosive, and should be rinsed off the moment they appear.
We at Bliby Plastics sell high quality plastic guttering, wall cladding and fascia products, of superior strength and durability. Following these simple tips will make them last even longer.
