Let’s be straight, it is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Uncapped cladding boards need a quick quarterly wash, while capped boards can be stretched to twice a year. Giving it a simple, regular wash stops airborne dirt, pollution, and algae from bedding into the grain, guaranteeing the boards look sharp and perform brilliantly well beyond the 10-year mark.

Supplier note: Avoid using high-pressure jet washes (over 1,500 PSI) as they can damage the protective “cap” of the boards.

The honest answer is yes, but the amount of fade depends entirely on the generation of board you buy. Modern capped cladding features a protective shield, meaning UV fading is practically invisible. However, first-generation uncapped boards will naturally lighten by about 20% to 30% as they weather. In our experience, the most noticeable colour changes happen on lighter shades. If locking in the exact day-one colour is critical to your property’s design, always keep your eye on the product type and opt for a capped board.

As a general rule for UK properties, adding cladding usually falls under Permitted Development, provided the new boards look reasonably similar to your existing house. The big catch? If you live on protected land—like a Conservation Area, a National Park, or an AONB—those permitted development rights are strictly restricted, and you will almost certainly need to submit an application. You should always double-check with your local planning authority before ordering materials.

Tradesman Tip: Always notify your home insurance provider when adding cladding to your exterior walls. Skipping this step can lead to nasty surprises or voided policies years down the line when you decide to sell the property.

Put simply, composite is a mix of two materials—a heavy-duty hybrid. In the UK, the best cladding boards are manufactured from a mix of recycled wood fibres and high-density plastic (HDPE), usually containing over 85% recycled materials. If you are currently comparing options and wondering which is the best cladding material for your project, this gives you the ultimate exterior solution: the highly water-resistant, rot-proof benefits of plastic, combined with the authentic, rustic look of traditional timber. The best part? You will never have to sand, stain, or paint the exterior of your home again.