Wall panel moisture-proof: installation and application features

The traditional material for wall finishing in the bathroom is ceramic tiles. However, in some cases, its application becomes impossible. The reason for this can serve as a very limited owner's budget or too short a repair time. In such situations, an excellent alternative to tile will be a moisture resistant wall panel. What is it, what is this product made of, what are its advantages and features, we will discuss in this article.

Overview of the material and its types

Wall moisture resistant panels are on the market in the form of plastic products of various lengths and widths. Unlimited colors and a variety of patterns allow you to perform with their help decoration, imitating tile, stone and other expensive materials.

A wall panel (moisture resistant) made of polyvinyl chloride is made, so that it is absolutely not afraid of moisture. Touching upon the ecological compatibility of this material, it should be noted that in comparison with MDF panels, such products are much safer. They are much more resistant to sudden changes in temperature and do not release harmful substances into the air.

In appearance and size, there are three types of wall panels:

• Rack;
• Tiled;
• Leaf.

Let's consider each variant separately.

Rack panels

Slatted wall panel (moisture-resistant) made of PVC looks very much like a wooden lining, but differs from it in the possibility of using in damp areas. The width of one such lamella varies from 14 to 30 centimeters, and the length can reach about three meters.

Rack material is ideal for finishing the kitchen, corridor, bathroom and other small rooms. The vertical arrangement of the panels allows you to visually raise the height of the walls in low rooms, and the horizontal fixing method adds space to narrow spaces.

During installation, each element is installed in special plastic guides and fixed with metal clips.

Tile Panels

This variety is produced in the form of squares, having different sizes and colors. The main purpose of such products is imitation of ceramic tiles, which is why they are most often installed in kitchens and bathrooms.

Moisture-resistant wall panels "under the tile" can be located directly, diagonally, staggered or chaotic. Choosing one or another method of installation, you can create unique patterns on the wall, which will help transform the room beyond recognition. Before installing this cladding, the walls must be leveled.

Products of sheet type

Leaf moisture resistant wall panels belong to the materials of the highest quality. They are made on the basis of plates of fiberboard, consisting of their eucalyptus fibers. Natural resins and natural oils present in the composition of the material give the product the necessary strength and fire safety.

Also in the sheets can be found and panels made of polyvinyl chloride. In this case, they will look like a large piece of plastic (1,22х2,44 meters), the front side of which is made in the form of various patterns and reliefs. Such elements are covered with protective compounds that protect them from the negative effects of aggressive environment and mechanical damage.

The main advantage of such materials is the increased size, due to which the lining has a minimum of seams, and the finishing works are performed much faster.

Positive features

Wall panels (moisture resistant) for the bathroom have a lot of advantages, thanks to which they are very popular among the consumer and are considered the main option for replacing tiles.

Advantages of the material are as follows:

1. The cost of plastic panels is quite low, so anyone can buy them.
2. The walls are finished very quickly and cleanly. After the completion of the work, the masters do not have to bother with cleaning and removing heavy debris.
3. On the surface of plastic panels does not form mold, which is very important when it comes to the bathroom.
4. For such a finish, you can hide electrical wiring, water pipes and other communications.
5. An extensive range of colors and a variety of textures allows you to finish the walls in different styles.
6. The presence of a protective layer allows you to wash plastic surfaces with any cleaning agents.
7. Panels perfectly withstand impacts, bends and other mechanical effects.

How to choose the right moisture-resistant wall panels for the bathroom

Choosing wall panels for the bathroom, you should pay attention not only to their appearance and size. Before purchasing such products, you need to read its passport. In it, the manufacturer indicates the main properties of the product and its purpose.

Indoors, you can not use options designed for outdoor decoration, as they can be unsafe for humans. A big role is played by the class of water resistance. In the bathroom and the bathroom, panels with high ability to withstand the effects of moisture are used.

For the installation of wall panels, you will also need to purchase the main components - moldings.

In the course of the work, the following types may be needed:

• Connecting (for joining panels and decorating joints);
• Face (decorative);
• Ceiling (for masking the places of joining the slabs and ceiling);
• Angular (for decoration of internal and external angles);
• Start (installed on the walls at the beginning of installation);
• Universal slats.

Leaf moisture resistant wall panels (for bathroom and kitchen) can be fixed with glue, screws or special metal braces, which should also be purchased in advance.

Cost

As already mentioned, the price is the most important criterion by which buyers choose plastic wall panels. The cost of this material depends on its main characteristics, appearance and manufacturer.

So, the simplest versions with a simple drawing (size 2700x250x8 cm) will cost buyers from 150 rubles apiece. Products with volumetric images cost about 350 rubles apiece. The price list of sheet panels starts from 250 rubles per square meter.

Mounting on the lathing

Wide sheet moisture-resistant wall panels for the bathroom and kitchen are often attached to the pre-mounted crate. For its assembly use wooden bars section 10x30 mm. They are placed in a horizontal or vertical position and fixed at the base with dowels.

If as the finishing material the rack panels were chosen, and according to the design of the project they should be installed horizontally, the bars of the crate are fixed vertically. If the elements are fixed in an upright position, then the bars are set horizontally.

This method of installation does not require preliminary leveling of the walls. If there are depressions on the surface, in such places it is possible to simply place a bar of greater width, and the convexes are removed by any suitable tool.

Fastening of panels to bars is carried out by means of self-tapping screws or nails, which are driven into the elongated groove side of the plastic product. Work is carried out in the following order:

1. In the corners of the room are installed corner rails (in the vertical position).
2. At a distance of about 40-60 cm from each other fix the wooden bars. They are joined to vertical bars.
3. The starting moldings are installed.
4. The first plastic panel is mounted. Pazogrebnevym method to it all subsequent elements are fixed.
5. The installed lining is complemented by ceiling skirting boards and other decorative rails.

Fastening on glue

In the presence of ideally flat surfaces, the wall panel (moisture resistant) can be fixed to the glue. The arrangement of the elements, as in the previous case, can be vertical and horizontal.

A similar method of mounting panels is also divided into several stages:

1. From the walls of the room take measurements.
2. With the help of a hacksaw (metal), the panels and accessories are fitted to fit.
3. In the place of the beginning of the installation of the cladding, the starting bar is fixed.
4. Thin and winding rows on the panel cause the adhesive composition, after which it is pressed firmly against the wall. Similarly, all other elements are fixed.
5. 12 hours after installation of the lining, the docking points of the panels (with each other, with the ceiling and the wall) are glued with silicone sealant.
6. At the final stage, all corner joints, joints with the floor and ceiling are decorated with ceiling molding and plinth.

In conclusion of the topic, I would like to note that at a low cost, the quality of the material and its performance characteristics are quite high. Of course, the life of such a finish is somewhat less than that of tiles (about 10-15 years), but the owners with a small budget have the opportunity to transform their bathroom beautifully and inexpensively.