Can you clad a caravan?

By Elaine Knight
Page last updated: 22/08/2021 | Next review date: 22/08/2023
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Elaine Knight
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In this blog, we will answer the following question: Can you clad a caravan? We will discuss the pros and cons of cladding a caravan with vinyl or wood. 

Can you clad a caravan?

Yes, you can clad a caravan. The most popular materials used in classing a caravan are:

  • Vinyl siding;
  • And wood.

Below we will discuss the pros and cons of both types and help you decide whether cladding your caravan is a good idea or not. 

Caravan cladding with vinyl siding

Exterior vinyl siding is an affordable material. It is generally the most widely used exterior cladding. Very popular, this exterior siding is light, easy to install, in addition to being offered in several variations of colours and sizes. Several companies offer different types of finishes, but the composition of this product is essentially the same.

Some vinyl contain recycled material. If in its composition there is polyurethane, it can act as an insulator. Depending on the company, we also suggest different formats, such as the single, double or triple latte format. It is interesting to know that some companies continually push the limits of their product and succeed through testing to improve results.

The advantages of vinyl cladding:

Its first advantage is, without a doubt, its low cost. Its second advantage is its duration. Note that this siding offers a lifespan of approximately 40 years. Vinyl also has the advantage of resisting scratches and defending well against impact. In the event of blows, it quickly regains its shape. The fact that it is offered in several colors and reliefs will allow you a simple aesthetic arrangement with all the other exterior materials of the house.

The disadvantages of vinyl cladding:

Vinyl tends to expand and contract depending on the climate. It can therefore break when mishandled in the cold. Also, it can melt if it is too close to a heat source such as an overly hot barbecue left too close to the house. Due to its lightweight, vinyl also remains rather weak to sloshing in high wind. This inconvenience may require small alterations. In full sun, we notice that the dark colours of the vinyl will have a predisposition to fade over time.

Vinyl cladding installation and maintenance 

In a metropolitan area or in urban areas where the air quality is poorer, vinyl can be cleaned with a mild detergent. However, this maintenance tip is aesthetic. To find out the best way to maintain it, we suggest consulting the product manufacturer.

Installation of vinyl siding is quick and easy. You will only need a few tools. The slats are nailed down and cut easily. Minimum hardware is required and may vary from company to company. Among other things, you will need starting corners, interior and exterior corners, and finishing mouldings. 

All of these pieces are used to join the other pieces and are essential. A vertical installation, for example, will require the use of joint coverings at the junction of two boards to ensure a good seal. For horizontal installation, the assembly must be done in such a way as to prevent infiltration. At all times, the planks must allow rainwater to flow. Over time, you may have to touch up your vinyl siding. 

You can easily replace a damaged piece of vinyl. However, be aware that there may be a slight variation in colour between this new piece and the others due to the discolouration of the material. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The companies usually offer a very detailed technical sheet. It is essential to know the steps of an exterior siding installation before installing your siding. 

Never go into installing an exterior siding if you are not authorized to do so. Exterior siding protects your home, if it is improperly installed you risk serious water infiltration problems. Your home could be seriously damaged. Contact an accredited general contractor to ensure quality work.

Other questions you may be interested in

Can you put underfloor heating in a caravan?

Can you paint the outside of a caravan?

Can you buy a caravan on a credit card?

Caravan cladding with wood

This facade cladding is mechanically fixed to a wooden or metal frame. It conceals an air gap, sometimes thermal insulation and a rain screen. Its implementation is simple and causes only low site nuisance. It can therefore be carried out in an inhabited house, even in the case of insulation from the outside. 

The materials used in coating are extremely varied: we find the natural stone, sheet steel or lacquered aluminum, and even ceramic.

We prefer it in its natural version, as it develops a patina over time. Stains and paints can also stabilize it and give it a decorative touch!

When we talk about siding, we very often think of wood. While it has long given an Anglo-Saxon style to houses, today wood siding is no longer limited to this aesthetic. It is highly sought after for its natural appearance which gives it great power of seduction and better integration into the environment. In addition, its intrinsic characteristics also allow it to improve insulation.

How to choose the best wood cladding

You will have the choice between the various solid wood siding which are generally made with naturally rot-resistant and durable species such as Western Red Cedar, Larch, Douglas … or autoclaved wood siding.

 These are in fact conifers (northern fir class 3, maritime pine, etc.) which are autoclaved – that is to say, they undergo treatment under pressure and in-depth to resist the attacks of fungi. , insects, etc. – which gives them stability and durability. This treatment is mandatory for conifers that have a lower density and are therefore less resistant over time. This option is the most economical.

The choice of wood cladding is no longer made solely for the purpose of masking the cracks in the facade; it is more of an aesthetic choice that allows you to personalize the house. The boards are available in various colours, or, if they have been chosen raw, there is always the possibility of renovating the cladding: to refresh it or to change its appearance altogether (stains, paints, etc.).

Some tips for a successful installation of your caravan cladding

  • Ventilate well to avoid any presence of humidity, by providing an air gap behind the slats. The minimum thickness of the latter must be 20 mm: the thickness of the cleats (22 x 40 mm in section, centre distance of 40 cm), after installation of the main screen, allows this air space to be spared, without forgetting a ventilation inlet and outlet.
  • The cleats of the framework must be treated in class 2 (class 3 for perforated boards and horizontal cleats). They are fixed using dowels and screws suitable for the support, which must penetrate at least 30 mm into the wall.
  • The blades are fastened with stainless steel or aluminum alloy tips. – To ensure a good waterproofing of the building, it is imperative to install a rain screen, which will be fixed with spikes. Be careful of the openwork (or openwork) installation, it must be resistant to UV, frost and wind, so the strips must be glued together to avoid tearing.
  • Do not forget also to install anti-rodent grids in the upper and lower part in order to avoid any obstruction of the air gap.

The bottom line

Cladding your caravan is a good idea. Besides giving it a completely new look, the cladding will also help with the isolation, making your caravan warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Do you have any questions or tips on cladding a caravan? Let us know!

FAQ on Can you clad a caravan?

Can you wood-clad a static caravan?

Yes, you can wood-clad a static caravan. The only thing that will matter is whether wood cladding is allowed in the RV park your static caravan is placed in. 

Can you clad a park home?

Yes, you can clad a park home. External cladding with wood or vinyl siding is a cheap option to insulate your park home. 

What’s the best insulation for a caravan?

The best insulation for a caravan is reflective foil and foam. We recommend Ametalin and Air-Cell Insulshed for insulating a caravan’s roof, floor or walls. 

References

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