Can laminated PVC foam board be used outdoors?

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Explore the differences between interior-grade and exterior-grade laminated PVC foam boards and learn why choosing the right type is critical for durability. XXR is a leading manufacturer in China, providing customized solutions to meet all your PVC foam board needs.
Can laminated PVC foam board be used outdoors?
Laminated PVC foam board
Is a versatile material known for its lightweight, durable and beautiful properties. It is used in a wide range of applications from indoor signage to decorative elements. Bowei is a leading manufacturer and supplier in China, specializing in providing high-quality PVC foam boards to meet different needs. Our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that our laminated PVC foam panels provide exceptional performance whether used indoors or outdoors.

Learn about laminated PVC foam board
Laminated PVC foam board is a composite material that features a PVC foam core laminated with a decorative top layer, usually made from PVC film. This combination provides a lightweight yet strong board suitable for a variety of applications. There are two main types: indoor grade and outdoor grade. Interior-grade laminated PVC foam board is designed for use in protected environments and is aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective. In contrast, outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as UV exposure, rain and snow, ensuring durability and longevity in outdoor applications.
Outdoor testing indoor grade laminated PVC foam board
To evaluate the suitability of indoor grade laminated PVC foam panels for outdoor use, customers in Wisconsin, USA, conducted comprehensive testing. Testing involves placing the boards in an outdoor environment for extended periods of time, specifically 8 and 18 months. Test conditions include exposure to typical weather elements such as rain, UV rays and snow.

During the testing phase, several key observations were made:
Base material PVC foam board performance:
The core of the PVC foam board that serves as the basis of the structure remained intact throughout the testing period. There are no visible signs of aging, deterioration or disintegration, indicating the substrate is strong and durable in all weather conditions.
Glue Lamination:
The lamination process, which bonds decorative surfaces to a PVC foam core, continues to perform well. The adhesive layer holds the PVC membrane securely in place without any noticeable delamination or failure. This indicates that the lamination method used is effective in maintaining the bond between the layers.
Surface material properties:
The most important problem observed was the PVC film surface layer. Some problems have arisen with wood grain films designed to provide a decorative effect. It is worth noting that with light scratches, the surface begins to peel and separate. Additionally, the appearance of wood grain patterns can change over time. Both the dark gray and beige wood grain samples showed slight fading, while the light gray wood grain samples showed more severe fading. This suggests that PVC films are not durable enough for long-term outdoor exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation and moisture.