If you are looking for a high quality, low maintenance siding, you can’t do any better than High Pressure Laminates (HPL). HPL’s, like Trespa Pura siding are a beautiful and virtually maintenance free option for any project, commercial or residential. HPL manufacturing is a high-tech operation that produces a remarkably resilient, durable and stable product. Rigorous testing ensures that HPL siding can endure the elements and look good doing it, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that your investment will last.
It might be best to start with what High Pressure Laminates are not. They are not a laminate in the same way that flooring, or countertops are laminates. Flooring and countertops only use a single top layer which is glued, or laminated, to a substrate of some kind, generally MDF or particle board.
HPL’s, on the other hand, use a process that involves multiple layers of kraft paper and wood particles which are saturated with a thermo-setting phenolic resin. A decorative top layer is added and the whole sandwich is pressed together using more than 1000 psi of pressure and at a temperature over 300 degrees. The heat activates the resin and converts it into a bonding plastic creating a solid, inseparable panel.
The sheet is then coated with a transparent topcoat that then, at least in the case of Trespa cladding, undergoes an electron beam curing process. This creates a super hard, nonporous surface that is resistant to damage of all sorts. It resists scratches extremely well. Dirt, markings, and even graffiti can be cleaned off with ease. It also creates a product that is impervious to weather, is UV resistant and color stable.
As we say in the northeast, “wicked tough.” Though that may not be a scientific term, there is a ton of science to back it up. Trespa is a European company specializing in HPL cladding that has put their product through rigorous European Standard testing – and far beyond. They have tested for fire resistance, impact resistance, moisture resistance and a dozen other standards.
Here’s a complete list of Trespa testing and performance standards
Further, Trespa tested under the European Standard for color fastness and, because that wasn’t good enough, they developed their own test, which they call the “Florida cycle test.” They expose their siding to 3000 hours of UV exposure, the equivalent of ten years of Florida sun. The results are remarkable, showing a barely perceptible change in color.
For a more detailed discussion and some photos, click here.
Speaking of Florida, the state has some of the most rigorous requirements for building products in the US. This is for good reason. Florida gets pounded by the weather. Once again, Trespa Pura HPL cladding passes the test. They do fun stuff like shoot it with pellets at 90 mph and subject it to 178 mph winds. No problem. Read all about it.
Synthetic sidings have gotten a bad rap over the years, and for good reason. Vinyl and aluminum sidings might be low maintenance, but it doesn’t take long for them to look ragged and worn out. HPL sidings, like Trespa Pura, are a great cladding solution. You can have a premium, low maintenance siding that is impervious to just about anything you can throw at it and it will look just as good years down the road as it did the day it went up.
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