Composite Cladding FAQ

Here we have compiled a list of composite cladding FAQs to help you learn more about the product.

What Are Composite Cladding Boards?

Composite cladding is a material that can be used to cover the walls of buildings. Cladding is a term in building construction that refers to the process of putting one building material over another. The aim of doing it is to give the building an extra layer of protection against the environment.

Also, cladding increases the insulating properties of buildings. Furthermore, cladding a building with composite material will increase its aesthetic value.

What Are Composite Cladding Boards Made Of?

The primary composition of composite cladding is wood fibre and plastic. That is why it is sometimes called plastic wood cladding—manufacturers of composite cladding process the wood fibre and plastic in a factory where they mix them. After this, they heat the mixture until it forms composite cladding. Then, they cut the composite cladding into different sizes.

Benefits of Composite Cladding Boards

The composite cladding has lots of benefits. The advantages range from low maintenance to high aesthetic value. It is mould and mildew-resistant, resistant to pests. This gives it a long lifespan (around 10-30 years).

Do I Have to Maintain My Composite Cladding?

Yes, you must maintain your composite cladding to keep it in good condition and improve its lifespan. Composite cladding requires brushing with a soft bristle brush to avoid scratches. Followed by cleaning the boards with warm soapy water and rinsing them with a hose.

You don’t have to sand, seal, oil, stain or paint, as this can make the material lose its durability.

How Do I Maintain My Composite Cladding?

Maintaining your composite cladding is easy. All you should do is use a cloth to wipe or brush off the dirt from the surface of your cladding. Followed by brushing the boards with a soft bristle and warm soapy water and rinsing with a hose. We recommend that you soak a cloth in soapy water if you want to wipe simple stains. That is all your composite cladding needs to stay beautiful.

If oil and grease spill on your cladding, removing the stain as soon as possible is easy. You will need a soft brush and soapy water for the task. You should gently scrub the oil or grease after you have sprayed the soapy water on it. After cleaning, you can rinse your cladding surface with water and ensure that the soap washes away completely.

Note that when you are scrubbing, you should ensure that you scrub along the grain of your cladding boards. If you scrub hard, you will damage the surface of the cladding board, which will show as faded. It is very difficult to bring colour back to patchy cladding so take care when trying to remove a mark on a composite cladding board.

What Size Do Composite Cladding Boards Come In?

Composite cladding comes in various sizes. Some companies will do a variety, and some will do a set size. You can shop around till you find the size that best suits your project.
What Are the Different Colours of Plastic Wood Cladding?

Composite cladding comes in an array of colours. The colours range from traditional colours such as Brown, Teak, and Chocolates to modern colours such as Grey and Black. You can also find atypical colours such as Red, Orange and Green.

Does Plastic Wood Cladding Fade Over Time?

Yes, composite cladding will fade. If the board is a first-generation, then it would be expected to fade anything up to 40% in the first few months, level out at this point but continue to fade throughout its life. If it is a second-generation board, it will still fade but at a much slower rate.

How Thick Is Your Composite Cladding?

The thickness of composite cladding varies. Usually, the thicker the cladding, the more expensive it is. If your project is your average garden shed, then thin cladding will do the job. If your project is a luxury log cabin, it would be expected that thicker cladding will be selected.

What Is the Warranty of Your Composite Cladding?

Composite cladding warranties vary; this is due to the makeup of the materials used varying. The percentage of wood to plastic and the bonding agents used can affect the lifespan of a composite cladding board.

Another factor is whether the board is first-generation or second. A second-generation board has a protection layer around the board. As this protects it from mother nature’s elements, it will have a longer lifespan. Composite cladding warranties can vary from 10-15 years.

Is Plastic Wood Cladding Resistant to Insects?

Yes, composite cladding is resistant to insect attacks. Insects, like termites, enjoy damp areas. A good example of this is rotting wood. As composite is designed not to rot like wood, termites have nothing to feast on