Hygienic cladding trims and joints are essential components used in the installation of hygienic wall cladding systems. They provide seamless transitions between hygiene panels and create watertight seals at corners, edges and junctions.
Trims come in various profiles, including internal and external corners, H-joints and U-channels. Joints can be welded, sealed with silicone or fitted with specialised joining strips to maintain hygiene standards.
How Do I Choose Which Hygienic Cladding Trims & Joints to Use?
Factor in the environment's moisture levels, temperature fluctuations and potential chemical exposure. For areas with high moisture, opt for fully sealed systems with welded joints or specialised waterproof trims.
In spaces with extreme temperature changes, choose trims and joints that allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Also think about appearance. Some trims offer colour-matching options to blend with the hygienic wall cladding sheets.
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What Are the Differences Between PVC and Aluminum Cladding Trims?
PVC trims are cost-effective, lightweight and resistant to moisture and chemicals. They are easy to cut and install, making them popular for many applications such as PVC cladding for bathrooms.
Aluminium trims offer superior durability and fire resistance. They are best for high-traffic areas or spaces requiring extra robustness. Aluminium trims can be powder-coated for improved corrosion resistance.
Both materials have their merits, but aluminium generally outperforms PVC in terms of strength. However, PVC may be better to use with hygienic wall panels in environments with specific chemical exposures that corrode aluminium.
How to Fit Hygienic Cladding Joints
Proper surface preparation is crucial. Ensure the substrate is clean, dry and free from dust or grease. Use appropriate adhesives or mechanical fixings as recommended by the manufacturer.
For welded joints, use a hot air gun and welding rod designed for the specific cladding material. Maintain consistent temperature and speed for a uniform weld. After cooling, trim excess material and sand for a smooth finish.
When using silicone sealants, apply masking tape for neat edges. Use an anti-fungal silicone for hygiene-critical areas. Smooth the sealant immediately after application and remove the masking tape while still wet.
In bathrooms, the focus is on moisture resistance. Fully sealed systems with welded joints or waterproof trims are preferred. Internal corner trims often feature coved profiles to eliminate sharp corners and facilitate easy cleaning.
With cladding for kitchen spaces, heat resistance and impact protection are key. Robust trims, often made of aluminium, are used around work areas. Hygienic sealants resistant to food acids and cleaning chemicals are essential for joints.
Do Hygienic Cladding Trims & Joints Differ in Various Applications?
In bathrooms, the focus is on moisture resistance. Fully sealed systems with welded joints or waterproof trims are preferred. Internal corner trims often feature coved profiles to eliminate sharp corners and facilitate easy cleaning.
With cladding for kitchen spaces, heat resistance and impact protection are key. Robust trims, often made of aluminium, are used around work areas. Hygienic sealants resistant to food acids and cleaning chemicals are essential for joints.