Exterior Wall Cladding made of high-performance material serves as a protective skin and simultaneously creates a building to stand out on the street. Used in new constructions or renovations, the claddings have visually stunning looks and shield the outers from harsh sun rays, wind, rain, and other adverse conditions.
External wall claddings are a versatile solution to transform home aesthetics. Durable and affordable in nature, these are available in different types to suit your individuality.
How to choose the right wall cladding?
From the various types of exterior wall claddings available, it is hard to make a final decision. Some of the primary considerations to look, while making your final choice can be written below:
Insulation – One of the key considerations, the claddings help reduce electricity bills by maintaining a moderate temperature inside the buildings. At the time of installation, a gap is maintained between the walls and the structure, on which the clads are installed. These gaps ascertain a regular airflow to keep the walls cooler, thus managing the inner temperatures and saving high electricity bills.
Protection - Harsh weather conditions produce ill-effects to the exposed exteriors of a building. External wall claddings protect the structures from climatic factors like sun, rain, snow, heavy winds, and many more. When chosen according to the weather conditions in your area, the smart use of clads is sure to give you the best results.
Easy maintenance – A proper exterior-clad solution is expected to serve its purpose for an extended period. High-quality cladding materials are prepared, keeping in mind that they don’t require much maintenance, once installed. Most of the exterior wall solutions are a one-time investment and need less up-keeping.
Budget – Cost benefits analysis is an essential aspect while choosing a wall cladding. With no compromise in quality, one should avoid the petty gains to sub-standard cladding solutions. Remember that these are a covering to the exteriors and are to be exposed to adverse conditions, round the clock. So go for the premium quality as the wall clads are remaining with you for an extended period.
Types of wall cladding material
To meet the challenge of balancing durability and appearance at the same time, there are several varieties available to choose from as wall cladding. Exterior cladding options for various housing and commercial buildings are:
- Stone Cladding – Made of thin layers of natural or simulated stone, stone claddings are suitable for low-rise buildings. They are elegant in appearance and provide an earthy look.
- Metal Cladding – Steel and Aluminum are the most preferred choices as metals for exterior walls. Mostly used in small and large commercial buildings, metal clads are light in weight and strong in nature to last long. A metal façade provides a more modern look to the exteriors of a building. Available in a range of different colours, you can choose according to your design and particular requirements.
- Brick Cladding – These are also lightweight materials and provide good insulation to a building. Brick claddings are easy to work with and are maintenance-free. Different colour combinations are available to choose, to help match the existing pattern of a building.
- Fiber-cement cladding – With a wood look, the fibre clads are made of compressed cement sheets, sand, and fibre. These are light in weight and easy to install. Relatively low in price and with less maintenance, these clad hold good demand in current time.
- Vinyl Cladding – Cladding made of PVC combined with other substances; these are insulated with foam affixed to their back. They provide a better insulation benefit than other cladding materials. They are also available in many colours to allow users to make interesting patterns.
- Timber cladding – These clads are available in large panels and act as natural insulators. Environmental friendly in nature, timber planks provide a natural look to the outer of a building.
- Stucco – A product designed with lime, silica, sand, and white cement, these exterior wall clads can last as long as 50 years or even more. Customizing colours and shapes to provide an aesthetic look is an added advantage while using these clad types.
Conclusion
Performance and durability are the most desired trait while choosing an exterior wall cladding. High-performance composite panels are the right choice for large exteriors. With a wide range of high-pressure compact laminates available, remember to opt for an impact-resistant material so as to make your exteriors look good and last long simultaneously.
