PVC Cladding | The wall covering for an uneven wall
PVC cladding has many benefits and one of the unsung benefits is the ability to add panels to an uneven wall to create a perfectly flat, consistent surface.
If there is a significant bow in the wall another approach is to use plasterboard with either dot and dab adhesive or a framework to hold the boards. You would then apply a skim coat to the plasterboard, allow it to dry and then paint.
If the wall is uneven due to degraded plasterwork or exposed brickwork you would first remove any obvious loose elements and then stabilise the wall by using a PVA Adhesive. You would then fix the panels to the wall using a good quality solvent free adhesive in either a Z or dot configuration on the rear of the panel.
Fit the first panel to the left, ensure it is plumb and then continue to fit each panel into the previous panel’s groove. After each panel check that the panels are flat and consistent, if not apply increased pressure to any high spot.
If the wall has a significant bow either horizontally or vertically you can use timber battens with wedges, this creates a perfectly flat framework to fit the panels to. You would use the wedges behind the batten in a low spot to ensure the batten is flat and true. Fit the panels to the battens (battens would be fitted horizontally if the panels are fitted vertically) by staples and again check that the panels are true after fitting three or four.
The modern method is DIY level so therefore lower cost plus will take a fraction of the time of the plaster + paint method.
The uneven wall?
There can be many reasons as to why the wall is uneven, there could be a horizontal or vertical bow in the wall, the plaster may have degraded, there could be exposed brickwork or previous works.The Traditional Approach
The traditional method for correcting an uneven surface or wall is to engage the services of a plasterer and they will apply layers of plaster + skim coat to create the required flat wall. This process can take hours or days depending on the condition of the wall, but it is messy work, and you also have to factor in drying time before you can paint.If there is a significant bow in the wall another approach is to use plasterboard with either dot and dab adhesive or a framework to hold the boards. You would then apply a skim coat to the plasterboard, allow it to dry and then paint.
How to use PVC Cladding on an uneven wall
Without doubt the quickest and easiest method is to use PVC panels. They can either be wall panels or shower panels – the installation method is the same for both.If the wall is uneven due to degraded plasterwork or exposed brickwork you would first remove any obvious loose elements and then stabilise the wall by using a PVA Adhesive. You would then fix the panels to the wall using a good quality solvent free adhesive in either a Z or dot configuration on the rear of the panel.
Fit the first panel to the left, ensure it is plumb and then continue to fit each panel into the previous panel’s groove. After each panel check that the panels are flat and consistent, if not apply increased pressure to any high spot.
If the wall has a significant bow either horizontally or vertically you can use timber battens with wedges, this creates a perfectly flat framework to fit the panels to. You would use the wedges behind the batten in a low spot to ensure the batten is flat and true. Fit the panels to the battens (battens would be fitted horizontally if the panels are fitted vertically) by staples and again check that the panels are true after fitting three or four.
Traditional Versus Modern approach
The traditional method requires more time due to the preparation requirements and additional drying time plus you will need the services of a plasterer which will mean more cost.The modern method is DIY level so therefore lower cost plus will take a fraction of the time of the plaster + paint method.
