PVC is a versatile material and PVC sheets can be produced to meet special application needs. Rigid PVC sheets can, for example, be used as wall cladding, roofing, skylights and partitions in the building construction industry.

One major advantage is that producers can incorporate special properties tailored to meet customized needs through processing the PVC sheets by adding other materials or otherwise. For example, they can be made resistant to chemical corrosion, or translucent to let in natural daylight while at the same preventing harmful UV light.

We look at a few typical construction industry applications of PVC sheets in the sections below.

Wall Cladding Applications

Plastic wall cladding can provide beautiful interiors in colors and patterns suited to selected themes. In places where food is made, stored or served, PVC sheets are ideal in that they do not permit ingrained accumulation of dirt (as timber does), are impermeable to water and dampness and can be cleaned and dried easily.

Hygienic PVC sheets with anti-microbial properties have also been developed, according to some manufacturer claims.

Roofing Applications

Sheets with heat-reflecting exteriors can reflect the sun’s heat away from the areas below the roof, leading to a cooler environment. Greenhouses can do with roofs with high light transmission and condensation control properties. Reinforced sheets can provide high strength and excellent insulation in situations where these are critical. There are also lightweight sheets that are specially designed for high strength.

The above illustrations highlight the adaptability of the plastic material to meet different roofing needs in different environments.

Skylights for Large Public Structures

Many modern roofs of large structures have unique characteristics, very different from conventional roofs. Architects come up with specially designed coverings to reflect special themes for such public structures as an Olympic stadium.

PVC sheets and composites can be custom-made to provide needed structural strength and meet the additional special requirements such as unique colors, semi-transparency to let in natural daylight, acoustical insulation and unbreakability.

Partitions in Different Environments

In places with a corrosive chemical environment, ordinary partitions might need frequent replacement and can cause other problems. PVC sheets can be customized to make non-corrosive partitions that have high chemical resistance and fire retardance.

Partitions with high impact strength or suitable for curved walls or with dark colors for hot climates are other examples of tailor-made solutions.

PVC Sheets and Composites Can Deliver the Solution You Want

PVC sheets acquire different kinds of properties when other materials are added or through special kinds of processing. What we get as a result is a material that is tailored to the customized requirements of the context. They also come in attractive colors that can fit your tastes or complement a particular theme.

Yet another advantage is that the products can be designed for easy installation. Even DIYers can handle the smaller installations.

Conclusion

PVC sheets can acquire many kinds of properties such as translucence, chemical resistance, unique colors, heat reflectiveness and so on. This ability makes them ideal solutions for many construction industry applications. PVC sheets and composites are widely used in roofing, walls and wall cladding, skylights and other areas.

Products such as plastic wall cladding have many advantages, such as hygiene, great looks, ease of installation, freedom from maintenance and tailor-made properties. Plastic wall claddings, soffits and fascias are also very popular and the construction industry is a major consumer of plastic.

However, plastic has a reputation as a non-recyclable and environment unfriendly material. It is in this context that the campaign to recycle plastic and produce construction products from recycled plastic assumes great significance.

Wall claddings, soffits and fascias can be made from recycled plastic. Other construction products being made from recycled plastic include damp proof membranes, water drainage, pipes and ducting, kerbstones, roofing materials, piling and ground stabilization, scaffolding planks, decking and flooring products and fencing.

Sources for Recycled Plastic Raw Materials

Post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste is the main source of recycled plastic. Sometimes, this recycled plastic is blended with recycled wood to make a wood-polymer composite.

Plastic bottles, bags and wrapping film provide recyclable polyethylene. CD cases, vending cups and food packaging yield polystyrene for recycling. Recyclable PVC is obtained from windows and industrial products.

Why Use Recycled Plastic Products?

Definite business benefits can be obtained from using recycled plastic products.

COST: Recycled plastic products are durable and long-lived, do not need much maintenance and do not suffer from such problems as rot. Hence, the lifetime costs of recycled plastic products will be lower and they will be excellent value for money.

STRENGTH AND VERSATILITY: Plastic has high strength-to-weight ratio. Light products mean easier handling, often eliminating mechanical handling aids and still complying with Health & Safety regulations. Plastic is versatile with a wide range of construction products being made with recycled plastic. You could get much of your requirements in the form of recycled plastic construction products.

The products also typically meet standards specifications.

PREFERENCE IN TENDERS: Public sector contracts are easier to win if you can show that you are using environmentally sustainable products. Even private sector organizations are beginning to give preference to contractors with a reputation for using recycled products.

CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENT: By using recycled plastic products, you are telling the world that you care for the environment. This can go a long way in generating goodwill that can benefit your business.

Recycled plastic products require little maintenance and upkeep, are inert and do not pollute water bodies or soil, and can be fully recycled at the end of their lives.

By using recycled plastic products, you are creating a demand for more recycled plastic raw materials, removing them from polluting places.

Conclusion

Recycling used plastic consumer and industrial products is a reality now. Many plastic product manufacturers use recycled plastic as raw material, sourcing their requirements from plastic waste such as bottles, CD cases and discarded industrial plastic products.

Many recycled plastic products are used by the construction industry. These include wall claddings, soffits and fascias as well as fencing, drainage, kerbstones and roofing products.

You can get concrete business benefits by creating a reputation for using recycled products. These include preferences in tenders and business goodwill.