Animated cladding

Freefoam Building Products has launched a new animation-style video to illustrate how to fit cladding.

Freefoam said sales of its PVC cladding range “have skyrocketed” in the last 18 months, with homeowners using unexpected disposable income to improve their properties.

As with any home improvement product, the success of a job depend on the quality of the installation, which is why Freefoam has created a video animation to show all stages of the cladding fitting process.

Research has shown that fitting videos are useful and well received by installers and DIYers.

The new video features detailed animation to show every step of the fitting process, from fixing the initial battens and membrane, to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims. With close-up details of key fitting points and on-screen instructions, the video illustrates each step clearly and simply.

Leigh Russell, Freefoam technical advisor, said: “Freefoam cladding system is designed to be easy to fit whether you are a professional installer or a homeowner working on a DIY project. We provide detailed fitting instructions to ensure that installations are carried out correctly so that the cladding can perform as intended.

“For first time installers, getting to know the system can still be daunting. This animation offers users the chance to familiarise themselves with the cladding, and demonstrates all the critical aspects of an installation.”

One of the most important aspects in any PVC cladding installation is the ventilation. Creating a cavity (ideally a 5mm continuous gap) between the internal wall and the cladding, with a suitably sized, unobstructed, gap at the top and bottom, allows for air to flow freely through. This ensures minimal heat build-up and expansion and contraction of cladding boards. The video also highlights how to ensure every installation includes adequate ventilation by using Freefoam’s ventilated starter and closer trim.