What Are the Different Types of Wall Cladding?

Why is wooden cladding not good enough?

Timber cladding has been a popular choice of cladding over time. Timber is known for being one of the cheapest materials in the market. The wooden cladding has the feature of being sustainable, given that the material comes from trees that can be replanted. Many timber merchants will also provide evidence of where the timber comes from so that you are comfortable you are purchasing from a reliable source. One of the clear drawbacks of timber cladding is the ongoing maintenance required. Processes such as painting, oiling and staining are required in order to achieve a decent lifespan. When left exposed to mother nature’s harsh elements, timber can bend, warp or even crack in some cases. This means that the durability is low in comparison with other materials. Timber cladding maintenance can become very strenuous and time-consuming as it requires maintenance on an annual basis as well as cleaning on a seasonal basis. Another disadvantage is the fire risk. As we all know, timber is a flammable substance meaning your property faces more risk from a health and safety perspective. This can have a negative impact on the insurance costs for the property and the overall property valuation.

Other types of cladding

Composite cladding

Composite cladding is a stronger and more durable alternative for your exterior wall. The main advantages of composite cladding are its featherweight design, the fact that it’s easy to maintain and its durability. These advantages come at an additional cost when compared with the likes of timber cladding, but the extra money that you would spend to install composite rather than timber is an investment as this will save you time and money over a long period of time.

You can expect composite cladding to perform well for roughly 20 years. Some wood-plastic cladding materials can last even longer depending on the quality of plastics used during production.

As mentioned previously, one of the main advantages of composite cladding is the low level of maintenance required. Basic cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush will ensure your exterior cladding will look as good as new for years to come.

Other types of cladding may need extensive levels of maintenance. In terms of weather resistance, composite cladding comes out on top. This is because it will resist wind, heat, rain and snow. It will not splinter, break or crack due to extreme temperature as long as the installation guidelines are followed.

Composite wall cladding does a better job of protecting your home in comparison with other cladding materials. Wood-plastic cladding will simultaneously add further protection if it is used on a property. The cladding will give an extra layer of insulation and serve you with fire and water-resistant properties. The aesthetic value of composite wall cladding is unmatched. You can install any colour you prefer, and be assured that it will add beauty to your property. Composite cladding boards are available in numerous colours and designs, allowing you to find the best option to complement your garden.

Natural Stone Cladding

This type of cladding will give a natural look to your property and will also provide excellent insulation against extreme weather conditions. The long-lasting and durable properties of stone cladding will also increase the value of your home. It will give a classic and modern aesthetic to the property, which surveyors will definitely consider. The main disadvantage of natural stone cladding is that it requires a structural substrate which adds an extra cost. It is also one of the more expensive options because it is also labour intensive and time-consuming to install. This adds additional costs.

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl cladding is a plastic exterior for properties. It is often used as decoration and weatherproofing which imitates wood clapboard and batten board. Vinyl cladding is similar to composite cladding as it is made of recycled plastics to create a sustainable/durable product with fade-resistant properties. Given that vinyl cladding has a chlorine base, it will not ignite quickly and is, therefore, inherently flame retardant.

Wood cladding

Timber cladding is a cheaper alternative that many property developers use. Wooden cladding is essentially the chameleon of building materials. It is easy to paint, meaning you can tailor the cladding to your own aesthetic preference. The clear downsides to timber cladding are its durability and the level of maintenance that is required throughout its lifespan. Even if you were to use treated timber and U.V protected paint, you will stay see colour fading and general weathering from the natural environment. Using a standard pressure washer helps keep the cladding clear of mould and algae.

Brick Cladding

Brick is a key construction element that has been used for centuries. The material offers an outstanding level of resistance and is probably the best former against mother nature’s elements. It is also highly resistant to fire which is why you see them being used for fire pits. There is no maintenance required. However, the obvious drawback to investing in brick cladding is the overall cost of construction. Another reason people may not choose brick over other materials is that it is very common, and people like to have something that will stand out from the crowd.

Stainless steel cladding

Stainless steel cladding will provide you with low maintenance and insulated features for your home/property. The reviews on the aesthetics of stainless steel cladding are mixed, some people think it provides a slick and modern design, and some people think that they look very industrial. The main con to investing in stainless steel cladding would be the cost of the goods and the time for installation.