PVC Cladding Installation Guide: Step-by-Step for Walls & Ceilings

Accessories & Profiles

Successful PVC cladding installation requires the correct profiles and accessories. These components ensure watertight seals, neat finishes, and proper thermal expansion management. Browse our full hygienic cladding accessories range.

Available Profiles

J-Section Capping Strip Frames top and bottom sheet edges; provides clean finish and watertight seal	H-Section Division Bar Joins two sheets vertically; available in one-part or two-part configuration
C-Profile Inside Corner Neatly finishes internal corners (90°); maintains continuity of cladding	F-Section External Corner Covers external corners (90°); provides protection and neat finish
H-Section Division Cap Two-part system top component; clicks into place over base	H-Section Division Base Two-part system base component; screwed to wall behind sheet

Site Preparation

Proper preparation is essential to achieve a professional installation with a consistent appearance. Spending time on this step will prevent problems later.

Wall Preparation Steps

1. Clean: Remove all dirt, dust, and debris from walls using a damp cloth and allow to dry completely
2. Level: Check for significant deviations; use filler for large holes or uneven areas
3. Prime: If walls are sandy or porous, apply primer to improve adhesive bonding
4. Mark Layout: Use a spirit level to mark a vertical line for the first sheet; mark horizontal lines for J-Section placement
5. Temperature Control: Ensure room is at least 15°C and acclimatize sheets for at least 24 hours

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Screw J-Sections to Wall

The J-Sections form the frames that hold your sheets in place at the top and bottom edges.

What You'll Need:

• J-Section capping strips (for top and bottom)
• Silicone sealant (bead-applied)
• Suitable screws (check manufacturer recommendations)
• Level tool

Installation Process:

1. Mark the horizontal positions for both J-Sections with a level
2. Apply a continuous bead of silicone to the wall along the marked lines
3. Position the J-Section over the silicone bead and screw securely to the wall, spacing screws at regular intervals (typically 300–400mm)
4. Ensure J-Sections are perfectly level and secure
5. Check that the gap between sections accommodates your sheet thickness plus 2–3mm for expansion

Proper J-Section positioning with silicone bead

Step 2: Install First Sheet

Installing the first sheet sets the foundation for all subsequent sheets. This step requires accuracy.

1. Apply a continuous zigzag pattern of adhesive to the back of the first sheet
2. Apply a bead of silicone sealant inside both J-Sections to ensure watertight seal
3. Position the sheet at the bottom J-Section
4. Drop the sheet into the bottom J-Section and flex it into the top J-Section
5. Leave 2–3mm clearance inside the profiles for thermal expansion
6. Press firmly along the entire sheet to ensure full adhesive contact
7. Wipe away excess silicone immediately with a damp cloth

Sheet positioned in J-Sections with expansion clearance

Step 3: Install H-Sections (Sheet Dividers)

H-Sections join adjacent sheets vertically and provide a clean, professional finish.

For One-Part H-Section:

1. Apply a continuous bead of silicone to the inside of the H-Section profile
2. Slide the H-Section onto the vertical edge of the first sheet
3. Leave 2–3mm expansion gap between the sheet edge and the centre of the profile
4. Screw the H-Section firmly to the wall (spacing screws 300–400mm apart)
5. Ensure the profile is perfectly vertical

For Two-Part H-Section:

1. Apply a continuous bead of silicone to the inside of the base profile
2. Slide the H-Section base behind the sheet edge
3. Leave 2–3mm expansion gap between the sheet edge and the central fin of the base
4. Screw the base securely to the wall (spacing screws 300–400mm apart)
5. Once all sheets are in position, press the H-section top caps in place to click onto the base

Step 4: Install Subsequent Sheets

1. Apply adhesive zigzag pattern to the back of the sheet
2. Apply silicone bead inside top and bottom J-Sections
3. Drop the sheet into the bottom J-Section
4. Flex the sheet into the top J-Section
5. Slide the sheet sideways into the H-Section (start at the bottom and work upward at a slight angle)
6. Press firmly for full adhesive contact
7. Leave 2–3mm expansion gaps throughout
8. Wipe away excess silicone immediately

Sequential sheet installation with consistent spacing

Finishing Corners

Inside Corners (C-Profiles)

1. Position the C-Profile inside corner at the junction where walls meet
2. Apply a continuous bead of silicone to the inside of the profile
3. Screw the profile firmly to the wall
4. Slide sheets into the profile from both sides
5. Leave 2–3mm expansion gaps in the profile
6. Wipe away excess silicone with a damp cloth

External Corners (F-Profiles)

1. Position the F-Profile external corner at the junction where walls meet
2. Apply a continuous bead of silicone to the inside of the profile
3. Screw the profile firmly to the wall
4. Slide sheets into the profile from both sides
5. Leave 2–3mm expansion gaps in the profile
6. Ensure sheets meet neatly in the profile without gaps or overlaps

Properly finished internal and external corners

Cutting & Finishing Sheets

• Best Tool: Sharp craft knife for straight cuts or a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade
• Temperature: Sheets at room temperature are easier to cut than cold sheets
• Support: Always support sheets properly to avoid chipping or cracking
• Safety: Wear safety glasses; keep hands away from blade path

Recommended Circular Saw Settings

Cutting Openings for Fixtures

1. Mark opening location carefully on the sheet before installation
2. Use a drill and jigsaw for curved or irregular cuts (e.g., pipe penetrations)
3. For rectangular openings, use a craft knife for straight edges
4. Deburr all cut edges with a countersink tool or sandpaper to prevent sharp edges
5. Seal cut edges with silicone if they will be exposed to moisture

Adhesive Selection & Application

Polyurethane (PU) adhesive is the recommended choice for PVC cladding installation. We stock industrial strength adhesive suitable for bonding cladding panels to most substrates.

• One 300ml cartridge is typically sufficient per 2400 x 1200mm sheet
• Apply in a continuous zigzag pattern across the entire back surface
• Install sheet immediately (follow adhesive manufacturer's open time)
• Press sheet firmly for full contact with wall surface
• Wipe away squeeze-out within 15 minutes using a damp cloth

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning Agents

• Warm soapy water: Best choice for daily cleaning
• Anti-static cleaner: Recommended for high-traffic areas
• Avoid: Abrasive cleaners, strong solvents, squeegees

Stain Removal

Temperature Range & Specifications

• Service Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
• Non-Toxic: Safe for food contact applications
• Non-Absorbent: Completely impervious to moisture, bacteria, and mould
• Durability: With proper care, installations can last 15–20+ years

PVC expands and contracts with temperature changes — this is why expansion gaps of 2–3mm are critical at all profile junctions. They allow natural movement without buckling, stress on adhesive joints, or visible gaps when the material contracts.

Common Applications

Bathrooms & Shower Rooms PVC cladding for bathrooms — waterproof, grout-free, no pvc cladding bathroom mould problems	Changing Rooms & Lockers Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces for high-traffic environments
Commercial Kitchens Food-safe, non-toxic, easily sanitised hygienic wall cladding	Animal Housing Hygienic, impervious to moisture and urine; easy pressure washing

Download the official Trovidur® EC-Clad installation guide PDF for full technical specifications: Trovidur EC-Clad Installation Guide (PDF)