There’s a lot to learn when it comes to cladding, and with so many sources out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve decided to make things easier for you by pulling all the important information together in one handy place. So, sit back and keep reading to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about cladding. We’ve got you covered!
What is Cladding?
When it comes to construction, cladding is material applied over another to provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing skin or layer over a building. There are two kinds you’ll typically find in your home or office – exterior cladding, used to shield against the weather, and interior cladding used to provide thermal insulation. There’s also something called rainscreen cladding which is used to direct water or wind away from your structure. Here we’re taking a closer look at exterior and internal cladding…
Exterior Cladding
Exterior cladding is a building’s weather-resistant layer attached to the surface of walls and roofs. It doesn’t need to be completely waterproof, but it’s designed to direct rainwater away from the building, keeping things dry and protected. Not only does it safeguard the structure, it also acts as a cover up for any unappealing materials used in the main building.
While exterior cladding doesn’t directly affect the structural stability of a building, it plays a key role in transferring wind pressure and protecting against impacts, snow, and other external forces. Plus, the ventilated cavities within the cladding help moisture escape through drainage and evaporation, keeping everything in check. There are plenty of other perks, too – like fireproofing and easy maintenance. All in all, exterior cladding is functional and practical!
Interior Wall Cladding
The main job of interior wall cladding is to offer extra protection to your building’s structure, all while providing some insulation to keep things nice and warm. If you’ve got uneven walls or surfaces that just aren’t your style, interior wall cladding can work wonders by hiding imperfections or even changing the layout of a room.
Cladding is also a fantastic way to completely transform the look of your interiors. With an almost endless selection of colours, textures, and designs, you can easily find something that suits your personal taste and fits your home perfectly. In fact, you can even have it custom-made to match your space – if you’re after bespoke, get in touch and let’s make something great! Just a heads-up, though – make sure you’re choosing a style you really love, since removing or replacing it down the road can get pretty pricey.
One last thing to remember: make sure you keep track of the materials you use for both exterior and interior cladding. This information will come in handy if you ever decide to sell your home.
What Materials can be Used for Cladding?
With so many options available for your cladding material, it can be difficult to know which is the correct choice. If you’re looking for an option that looks good and is made to last, we recommend brick slip cladding – but let’s explore all of the options…
Brick Slip Cladding
Affordable and built to last, brick slip cladding is a solid choice with plenty of perks. It’s most commonly used for exterior insulation, working hard to reduce your energy bills! When installed and sealed properly, it’s excellent at handling heat and minimizing water damage, making it an ideal option for areas like bathroom walls and floors.
What’s even better is the variety of colours, styles, and shapes brick slip cladding comes in. This gives you total creative freedom to transform your space. You can apply it over existing brick or clay walls, giving your home a fresh new look while also adding a layer of protection against the elements – a win-win!
Inside, brick slip cladding can create a great feature wall, mimicking the look of real brick. If you’re looking to brighten up a room, a lighter-coloured brick can work wonders by creating the illusion of more light and space – perfect for smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light.
Wood Cladding
Timber is often used for wood cladding due to its natural finish and durability, making it easy to maintain for both exterior and interior cladding. While timber is great, there’s a range of different softwoods and hardwoods also available.
Softwood is more affordable than hardwood while still providing the necessary strength to protect your building against natural deterioration. If you’re someone who’s more into the aesthetic finish, hardwood offers a classic darker colour.
Whichever wood you go for, it’s super important to treat your chosen wood well, to prevent discolouration and extend its lifespan.
uPVC Cladding
High-quality uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) cladding is incredibly weather-resistant, which means it’s built to last and you’ll rarely have to worry about repairs or replacements. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that uPVC can be prone to discolouration over time, especially when exposed to the sun. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to invest in uPVC cladding that’s been treated to resist fading. That way you can keep your cladding looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
Tile Cladding
Tile cladding is often used for improving the aesthetic of indoor living spaces, specifically around fireplaces and kitchen cabinets. Tiles are extremely versatile, coming in hundreds of shapes and styles – they’re your best option if you’re looking to add some unique texture to your building.
Glass Cladding
One of the most interesting options for cladding is glass. Offering a connection to the outside world, glass lets an abundance of natural light into your home, without compromising on strength. The only downside is lack of privacy, but this can be avoided by strategic positioning or simply covering the area with curtains or blinds.
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding adds a clean and modern touch to the outside of buildings. Like most materials used in exterior cladding, metal can rust and become discoloured when not properly treated, however it’s the most durable option and requires very little maintenance.
Stone Cladding
Want to give the impression of real stone? Stone tiles work a treat. They’re easy to install and maintain, and work really well in all kinds of weather conditions. Plus, this lightweight alternative to traditional stonework doesn’t require the expertise and cost of a stone mason.
Cladding at Kladworx
For any help with cladding, get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your build. We offer tailored advice and, for those based in London or the South East, we can arrange a site survey to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Let’s make your project a success!
