Hello, this is DIY Renova.This time, we will focus on "resin siding (resin exterior walls)," which is not yet very popular in Japan, and will explain in detail its appeal, features, advantages and disadvantages.In recent years, resin siding has been gaining attention as a building material that can significantly reduce maintenance needs.In fact, it has a variety of advantages, such as "almost no painting required," "no rust," and "it is resistant to cracking even in cold regions," and is also an exterior wall material that is said to be the mainstream in North America.

However, in Japan, there is a limited number of construction experiences and dealerships, so this information is still difficult to obtain.In this article, we would like to cover everything from an overview of resin siding to comparisons with other exterior wall materials, points to consider when actually installing, and even an introduction to products that can be purchased in Japan.

Read this article and you'll be able to get the option of resin siding to become even more familiar when renovating exterior walls or choosing exterior walls when building new buildings.Furthermore, you will be able to learn a comprehensive overview of the construction methods, manufacturer information, and the distribution mechanisms when actually obtaining them, so if you are interested in wondering, "What is the best plastic siding?", please be sure to read to the end.

So let's take a look.

What is resin siding' (resin exterior walls, PVC exterior walls)?

As the name suggests, "Resin Siding" refers to exterior wall materials made from resin (mainly vinyl chloride resin: PVC).In regions including cold regions such as North America and Canada, it has become a very common exterior wall material for homes.In Japan, "Ceramic siding" accounts for the majority of the penetration rate, and metal siding (such as galvanized steel sheets) also has a certain share, but resin siding is still in the smallest market share.

However, if we investigate its properties, we can see that it is a material that suits the needs of people who want to "aim for maintenance-free" or "we want to protect the building from salt damage and moisture."The fact that no painting is required and the resistance to rust and corrosion is particularly good as it is suitable for beaches where there are many salt damage, heavy snow areas, and cold regions, making it a huge advantage.

Comparison with other exterior materials

It is said that three main types of exterior wall siding are broadly divided into three types: ceramic siding, metal siding, and resin siding.Here, let's briefly compare the characteristics, frequency of maintenance, durability, and more.

If you line it up like this, you will see how easy it is to maintain and have a long life.Ceramic siding requires repainting and caulking (ceiling), while resin siding generally does not require painting.Furthermore, there are few seams and minimal sealing areas, which greatly reduces the risk of leakage due to the loss of sealing.

On the other hand, metal-based siding has a high degree of freedom in design and also has a construction method that increases insulation, making it popular in the Japanese market.However, at beaches, the risk of rust caused by salt damage cannot be ignored, and regular maintenance is required.In this regard, resin siding is attractive because its strength against salt damage.

Benefits of PVC siding

From here, let's take a closer look at the benefits of resin siding.

"No painting required"

The biggest advantage of resin siding is that it does not have to be painted.PVC (vinyl chloride resin) coloring technology has advanced, and the main body itself has been colored since it was shipped.Therefore, even if the surface is slightly rubbed, the same color permeates the base, so the "painting film peeling" is not noticeable like metal siding or ceramic siding.

"No rust, no rot"

Resin siding has a great advantage against rust, which is a weakness in metal-based siding, and corrosion, which is a weakness in wooden exterior walls and wooden structural materials.The resin itself is not easily subject to chemical changes due to moisture or salt, making it very suitable for humid Japanese climates and seaside salt damage.

"Lightweight and less strain on buildings"

Resin siding is very light compared to ceramic and metal-based ones, and tends to put less strain on buildings.In response to shaking such as earthquakes, the lighter the exterior wall material, the lower the center of gravity of the building, which can be a positive effect on earthquake resistance.

"It's not easy to crack even in cold regions"

PVC materials are said to be easy to maintain flexibility even in negative temperatures and are less likely to crack due to sudden temperature differences.Even in snowy areas such as Hokkaido and Tohoku, or areas with low winter temperatures such as the Hokuriku region, as well as in the construction history in North America and Canada, they have already had a long history of being used.

"Less sealing areas"

Ceramic siding is filled with sealing (caulking) at the joints between the walls, and if this deteriorates, it can cause leaks.On the other hand, resin siding often has a structure (overlapping) in which the panels interact with each other, minimizing the points of repairing the sealing.As a result, in many cases, there is no need to replace the sealing for a long period of time.

Disadvantages of resin siding

Of course, it's not all good, but there are also some points to keep in mind when it comes to plastic siding.Before considering installation, be sure to understand the following disadvantages:

"There are only a limited number of contractors."

As the penetration rate is still low in Japan, there is a problem that there are few companies who are skilled in installing plastic siding.Construction requires specialized knowledge, skills, and appropriate tools, so if you ask a less experienced contractor, you may not be able to follow the correct procedures and will not be able to fully demonstrate their performance.

"Design is limited"

Compared to ceramic siding, it is common to find less design variations.If you want elaborate designs such as stone-like or tile-like designs, ceramics may be the best.However, manufacturers have recently been developing highly decorative products, and there are more designs to choose from than before.

"There are some colors that are more noticeable when the surface gets scratched."

Since resin siding does not have a paint film, it may be thought to be "hard-resistant," but products with too dark colors or with high glossy finishes may have noticeable scratches.It is definitely better to look at the actual sample and consider this.

"Price aspect"

Plastic siding may require less construction than ceramics, but since the circulation is still small in Japan, the cost of materials may be higher in some cases.In addition, since there are few contractors with extensive experience, construction costs may be expensive.However, in the long term, there is less number of painting and repairs, so it is likely to be a great deal if you look at it in total.

Maintenance frequency

Plastic siding is said to be "almost maintenance-free," but it does not mean that you don't need to take care of it at all.The exterior walls are constantly exposed to UV rays, rain, dust, etc., so it is natural that light dirt and dullness will occur.

However, the big attraction of resin siding is that it does not require regular repainting.Just wash it with water once or twice a year to keep it clean.When performing high-pressure cleaning, you can rest assured that you should pay attention to the cleaning pressure and the type of cleaning nozzle to avoid damaging the resin.

Also, check the joints.Although there are few sealing areas, it is not completely missing, so if it deteriorates over many years, it is important to replace the sealing as needed.

Manufacturers and Product Examples

In Japan, the following manufacturers handle resin siding:Check the characteristics and design variations of each product and choose the product that suits your image.

ZEON Kasei Co., Ltd.

The resin siding provided by Zeon Kasei uses vinyl chloride resin and uses natural salts as part of the raw materials to reduce the environmental impact.It is also considered recyclability, and is known for its low CO2 emissions during manufacturing.

You can also view product catalogs and construction examples on the official website, so please check them out if you are interested.

Asahi Tostem exterior "WALL-J"

The "WALL-J" exterior of Asahi Tostem is famous for its vinyl chloride resin siding.It is lightweight, durable, and is suitable for the "cover construction method" that can be worn over existing walls, making it an easy product to choose even for renovations.

It also promotes durability against salt and frost damage, making it a very reliable product, especially near the coast or in cold regions.

LIXIL "WALL-J"

LIXIL also offers resin siding in the same "WALL-J" series.Originally based on a siding system with over 50 years of experience in North America and Canada, it has been improved to suit Japan's climate.

Because of its brand strength, it tends to be easy to secure contractors, so you can hire them with confidence.

Where to buy (purchase option)

Plastic siding is generally available through specialized construction companies and building materials stores, but there are more and more cases where it is available online.Some of the services can be checked on the following sites:

• "価格.comSearch for "
• E-commerce sites such as Rakuten
• Online shopping site specializing in building materials

Of course, there are still some large home improvement stores that do not have any available, so it is safer to inquire in advance or consult a construction company that will handle the construction work and get an estimate.

How to purchase and estimate the amount required

Even if you want to introduce plastic siding, many people will be wondering, "How do I calculate the amount I need?" or "Where should I buy it?"In this section, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner how to estimate the number of tickets you need yourself and how to purchase them.

How to estimate the required amount (Basic steps that can be used by both DIY and business operators)

1. Measure the wall area

First, measure the "length x width" of each exterior wall of the building.Calculate the area (m2) for each wallI will.It is OK to subtract openings such as windows and doors, but in order to make estimates that are generous, the key is to avoid subtracting too small and get a rough area.

Example:
South side exterior wall: Height 2.7m x Width 8m = 21.6m
Eastern exterior wall: 2.7m high x 5m wide = 13.5m ㎡
Total = 35.1㎡

② Add "10-15%" with plenty of room to spare

Considering cut losses (cutting material) and spare material during installation,Estimate 10-15% moreis common.

35.1㎡ x 1.15 = Approximately 40.4 m2Prepare the ingredients.

③ Check the area of ​​the construction cover per piece

Sizes vary depending on the product, so check "How much area can one piece cover?"**.

Example: For the "WALL-J" series
Per sheet: Width 255mm x Length 3660mm = Approx. 0.93m2 (effective construction area)

→ 40.4㎡ ÷ 0.93㎡ ≒ Approximately 44 sheets required
(In reality, the length and cutting position of each part also affect the length, so having +2 to 3 spares is safe.)

Purchase options

There are three main ways to obtain resin siding:

■ ① Have the contractor arrange it (recommended)

This is the most secure method.The contractor calculates the quantity and arranges the products all at once.Because they do it, there are no hassle or mistakes, and there are no unnecessary inventory.The product warranty and malfunction response are also smooth, so this route is the best option if you are requesting installation.

■ ② Purchase online building materials online

For those considering DIY or want to get the building materials themselves.Plastic siding bodies and other entities (inside corners and outward corner parts) are available on the following building materials online shopping sites.

• Rakuten Market/Hanajima Hardware Store
• Oatmi building materials net
• Search results on Kakaku.com

*ProductConstruction manualIt is often included, so be sure to check carefully before installation.

■ ③ Contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer directly

If you would like a product from a specific manufacturer (e.g. Zeon Kasei, Asahi Tostem, LIXIL "WALL-J" etc.),Contact the authorized agent from the official website or catalog to place an orderIt is also possible.It is also effective when you want to order custom colors or bulk orders.

Additional information: Don't forget about the roles (parts)!

In addition to the main unit panel, don't forget to prepare the following parts (vectors) **.

• Outside corners and inside corner parts
• Starter (lower end part)
• Kasagi parts
• Mall around the opening
• Special screws and fixing hardware

These specifications differ for each product.It's less likely to fail if you choose one sold as a set with the main unit..

As mentioned above, resin siding is a building material that is relatively easy to use even for DIY purposes, but you need to be careful about "estimating the required amount," "lack of parts," and "different specifications for each product."If you are unsure,Only some DIY, others are left to the contractorsWe also recommend this hybrid option.

PARTS GUIDE: What are the "vectors" of resin siding?

For the installation of resin siding, not only the main panel but also special components called "vehicles" are required.These are parts that are used to make small areas such as corners, edges, and openings beautiful and waterproof, and come in the following types:

These products are available in a special shape for each product.Use the same manufacturer as the main unit panel as a setThe basics are:Even if you're going to DIY, you can't install it unless you have all the useful items, so be sure to check it out!

Construction method overview

Specific construction methods are detailed in the manual provided by each company, and it is most important to comply with them.Here we will only introduce the general flow.

1. Correctly install the base body edge and waterproof sheet.
2. Attach each resin siding piece by layer
3. Use special functional parts to finish key areas (around windows, inside corners, and out corners).
4. Fill sealing material in the necessary areas to ensure waterproofness

Resin siding is characterized by its lightweight and easy to handle, but if the installation is poor, gaps can occur.In particular, it is necessary to properly close the rain in the areas where the siding is stacked and around the windows.It is also important to keep the temperature and weather at the time of installation and to keep the product secured to the temperature to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

There are times when you can try it out DIY, but exterior walls are extremely important factors that affect the waterproofing and durability of your home, so unless you are experienced, we recommend that you contact a professional.

Estimated cost

The cost of installation of resin siding varies depending on the product used, the condition of the underlying material, and the average price in the region.This is a rough guideline, but the material costs and construction costs are often considered to be around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per square meter.However, in the case of renovations, it also depends on whether the existing exterior walls are peeled off or the cover method is used as is.

Additionally, if the volume of distribution in Japan increases, prices may fall, and on the other hand, in areas with fewer contractors, construction costs may be added.From a long-term perspective, there are some who say that the frequency of painting and caulking replacement is extremely low, so the total cost is advantageous compared to ceramic and metal products, but we recommend that you order estimates from multiple companies and compare them as the final decision.

Frequently asked questions

Here we will pick out some of the questions that people who are considering resin siding often ask.

Q1. "Is it okay to deform and fade due to heat?"

A1. Even in areas where the heat in the summer is severe, such as Japan, weather resistance has been confirmed from its track record in North America and Canada.High-quality resin siding is designed to be extremely low in fading due to UV rays and to make it less noticeable due to aging, so it can be said that there is no problem.

Q2. "How much can you expect to have sound insulation and heat insulation?"

A2. Compared to ceramic siding, it is not overwhelmingly thick, but since it is often installed in a way that creates an air layer, it can be expected to have a certain degree of insulation and sound insulation.However, if you are looking for excessive soundproofing or insulation, you will need to make efforts such as adding insulation.

Q3. "Is it okay to have a northern or snowy country?"

A3. Resin siding has a huge track record even in cold regions.Even if the material expands or contracts due to temperature differences, as long as appropriate installation is carried out, the risk of cracking and other factors is low.

Q4. "Is fireproofing okay?"

A4. In fireproof areas or semi-fireproof areas, there are restrictions on choosing materials.Some resin siding itself has been certified as fireproofing, so be sure to check in advance.Depending on the local government and laws, it may be restricted, so we recommend consulting an architect or contractor.

Selection and installation tips

Here we will explain the points you should check out when actually introducing resin siding, as well as tips on how to choose one.

1. "Find a reliable contractor" There are not many contractors in Japan who are looking for plastic siding.It's safe to check actual construction examples and reviews to see if they have a history of construction, and then ask multiple companies to get estimates and compare and consider them.
2. "Check not only the catalog but also the actual sample." It is difficult to grasp the true texture and color using just a catalog or photo on the web.We recommend that you contact the construction company or manufacturer and order the actual sample to confirm.
3. "Considering the location conditions of the building" The performance required for each climatic condition, such as the seaside, cold regions, and areas with high typhoons, differs slightly.Consider carefully whether the features of resin siding, such as anti-corrosion, rust and cold resistance, are suitable for the area.
4. "Looking at future maintenance" Although plastic siding requires little maintenance, it is not completely unavailable.You should regularly clean it and check the sealing condition.However, the major advantage is that it reduces the burden significantly compared to ceramic and metal products.

Consideration for eco

Recently, the viewpoint of "building a home = SDGs and eco-friendly" has also been emphasized.PVC, a raw material for resin siding, contains at least a few ingredients derived from petroleum, but on the other hand, it is also attracting attention that "about 60% of the ingredients are salt" and that it is "relatively easy to regenerate."

Furthermore, the need for paint reduces the use of paint, which also contributes to long-term CO2 reductions.Each manufacturer is also working on developing technology to reduce the environmental impact, so if you are concerned about ecology, it is a good idea to check the manufacturer's environmentally friendly information.

Summary

So far, we have comprehensively looked at the overview of resin siding, comparisons with other siding, advantages and disadvantages, and specific product introductions.Although it is still not popular in Japan, it can significantly reduce maintenance effort and costs, making it an extremely attractive option as an exterior wall material that is durable enough even in harsh environments such as the seaside or cold regions.

This is the perfect material for those who want to reduce maintenance in the long term or want exterior walls that are resistant to cracking even in salt damage, moisture, and cold regions.There are still issues with issues such as appearance and construction costs, but considering its track record in North America and Canada, its potential is extremely high.

The number of manufacturers handling this product is also increasing in Japan, and we can expect further variations and price competition in the future.Why not consider resin siding as a candidate for exterior wall renovations or new construction?

reference

Finally, we have compiled a list of the sources we used as references to creating this article, as well as websites and videos of creators who should respect plastic siding.If you're interested, please take a look at these links as well.

・YouTube video from "Learn home building studio with female architects"

・Siding catalog for "Plastic Development Association, General Incorporated Association"

・"Zeon Kasei Co., Ltd" resin siding official page

・ "Asahi Tostem Exterior" column and WALL-J introduction page

・"LIXIL" WALL-J (resin siding) variation

・Address for resin siding mail order (example)

These sites and videos are extremely helpful, and by downloading actual construction examples and product catalogs, you will be able to get a more specific image.Well, thank you for reading to the end.We hope that as many people as possible will learn about the appeal of resin siding.If you have any questions or comments, please let us know by commenting or enquiry.We will continue to provide useful information for your home building and renovation, so we look forward to your continued support.

(All in this article we have summarized the appeal and overview of resin siding. We will continue to update any new information from time to time, so please be sure to check it out.)