The indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board tested features a surface laminated with a PVC film that mimics a wood grain appearance. This product is primarily designed for indoor use, offering an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective solution for a variety of interior applications. To assess its performance under outdoor conditions, a customer in Wisconsin, USA, placed the laminated PVC foam board samples outdoors for 8 months and 18 months, respectively. These samples were subjected to the state's typical weather conditions, including rain, UV radiation, snow, and temperature fluctuations.

The primary goal of this test was to evaluate the durability and performance of the indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board when exposed to harsh outdoor elements. The test aimed to determine how well the PVC foam board and its laminated PVC film withstand prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, such as moisture, ultraviolet rays, and freezing temperatures. This evaluation helps to identify potential issues and provides valuable insights for recommending appropriate product usage and selecting the correct grade for specific applications.

After 8 months and 18 months of exposure to the outdoor environment in Wisconsin, the base material of the PVC foam board demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite being designed for indoor use, the PVC foam board itself did not show signs of aging, such as cracking, warping, or disintegration. The laminated layer's adhesion remained strong, indicating that the glue used for lamination was effective even under adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, and UV radiation.

However, the test results highlighted significant issues with the PVC film laminated on the surface. The wood-grain film, which is designed to enhance the board's aesthetic appeal, began to degrade noticeably. After extended outdoor exposure, the film's surface became prone to detachment and could be easily scratched off with a fingernail. Additionally, the wood-grain pattern of the PVC film showed signs of color changes. The samples with dark gray and off-white wood grains experienced slight fading, while the sample with light gray wood grain exhibited more severe fading. This degradation indicates that while the base PVC foam board can withstand outdoor conditions to some extent, the indoor-grade laminated PVC film is not suitable for prolonged outdoor use, as it fails to maintain its integrity and appearance.

The results of the outdoor application test clearly indicate that indoor-grade laminated PVC foam board is best suited for environments where it will not be exposed to prolonged harsh weather conditions. The issues observed with the laminated PVC film, including detachment and significant fading, underscore the importance of using the product within its intended indoor environment. 

When selecting the appropriate laminated PVC foam board for your project, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

While outdoor-grade laminated PVC foam board provides superior performance in harsh conditions, indoor-grade boards offer a cost-effective solution for applications primarily within interior environments. They are perfect for projects where exposure to outdoor elements is minimal or only occasional, providing excellent value without the added cost of outdoor-specific treatments.

At Boardway, we offer an extensive range of PVC foam boards, catering to both indoor and outdoor applications. Our product lineup includes: