What Is the Best Cladding Material?
Choosing the best cladding material can be time-consuming and difficult if you are new to the world of cladding.
For a start, cladding is a material that is applied to the exterior of a building.
It works as a shielding skin of a building. From the last sentence, it is easy to guess the function of cladding. Cladding bolsters what it is installed on.
Also, cladding adds an aesthetic value to a structure or building
This implies that if you install a beautiful cladding material like composite cladding in your house, the exterior will be very beautiful.
Aside from that, cladding insulates the building that it is installed on. This enables it to enhance the thermal performance of the house.
Type of Cladding Materials
There are numerous cladding materials to choose from in the market. You can choose timber cladding, composite cladding, stone cladding, metal, and cement cladding.
Wood Cladding
The cladding is a type of cladding material that is widely used. Also, wood is a versatile, endurable, and a useful insulator.
This sort of cladding material is made from softwood like pine and hardwood like cedar.
The durability of wood cladding depends on the type of wood that is used to make the cladding material.
Softwood, for example, will not survive as long as hardwood cladding.
Also, hardwood is more resistant to weather elements than softwood. But note that hardwood is more expensive than softwood.
This suggests that you will expend extra cash installing a cladding made of hardwood than you will when you install softwood cladding.
The downside of wood cladding is that most wood material needs to be protected with varnish.
This makes it possible for wood cladding to withstand weather elements and deter insects such as termite.
The disadvantage is that varnish is made of dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to you and others.
Stone Cladding
Stone cladding is another type of cladding material. Being a natural material, stone cladding is easy to maintain, and it lasts longer than other types of cladding.
Flint, limestone, granite, and marble are common materials used to make stone cladding. Stone cladding will give your home a nice appearance.
The downside of stone cladding is that it is much more expensive than other kinds of cladding. Compared to wood and composite cladding, stone cladding cost is high.
Also, the weight of stone cladding is something to consider. If you compare stone to wood and composite, then, you will discern that stone cladding is heavier.
Stone cladding needs a professional to install it, and if done incorrectly, it can crack.
When it cracks, it will leave a vent that can let moisture build up and create a building ground for mould.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is made with 95% recycled materials. The materials used to make composite cladding are wood fibre and plastic.
It is resistant to weather elements and will not crack or splinter like wood.
Also, insects like termite can’t bore into a composite cladding. Another good side of composite cladding is that it can be finished in different colours.
Furthermore, composite cladding is easy to install because it is lightweight. Again, you can work with a composite cladding easily.
The downside of composite cladding is that it is more expensive than wood. Note that it is not as expensive as stone cladding.
Vinyl Cladding
This is a widely used cladding material and a better alternative to wood.
Vinyl has a long life span when you compare it to wood cladding. Also, vinyl is affordable.
The downside of vinyl cladding is that it is made of polyvinyl chloride, which is a known human carcinogen. Again, vinyl cladding is not fire-resistant.
Which Should You Choose?
When choosing a cladding material, you have to consider your budget and the quality of the material.
Wood cladding, although not too expensive, has its own downsides.
It is not resistant to weather and insects. Vinyl cladding can burn easily, which is too bad.
Stone cladding is expensive and must be installed properly.
Composite decking is more expensive than wood, but it is a cost-effective cladding material. You don’t have waste cash maintaining it, and it is easy to install.
Conclusion
The best cladding material is one that is durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. When you read the article, you will know the best cladding material that you can use in your house.