Exterior Wall Cladding:Types & Benefits

The construction sector is evolving rapidly with growing demand everyday. In this competitive environment, designers and developers are exploring innovative options e to make their projects look unique. Beyond quality, they take high concern about design, safety, styles, etc. The method that works efficiently in various aspects is wall cladding – the most popular and commonly used wall finishing technique.

Cladding is an additional layer attached to buildings that resists external damage and safeguards the internal structure. Though it is not a part of the primary structure, it involves carrying some load of fundamental construction. You may think, how? Cladding prevents the formation of unequal pressure on the surface and reduces the extra load created at specific points on the structure.

This blog explains wall cladding, its significance, and types to make an informed decision on your construction project.

What is Wall Cladding?

Wall cladding is the process of adding an extra layer of material to the interior or exterior surface of the building. It shields a room or building from the damaging effects of harsh weather conditions. 

Cladding layers can be made from a variety of materials, such as vinyl, wood, metal, or brick. Choosing the appropriate type, texture, and dimensions enhances the style and appearance of a building. It is cost-effective and offers a long-term solution to prevent damage. Cladding is a sign that your property is cared for. As days pass, the property value will be increased at a lower maintenance cost.

Different Types of Cladding in Buildings

For outdoor spaces, there are various material choices available, such as:

Glass Cladding 

Glass cladding is cost-effective and can be a good  alternative to painting, tiling, or any other form of decoration. The personalized option is an extra feature, it can be enameled, laminated, tempered, or curved according to your taste. It makes the space visually appealing and creates a wow factor for your potential buyers if combined with well designed backlighting systems. They perfectly fit for a wide range of exteriors, as the maintenance is pretty low.

Natural Stone Cladding

Stone cladding offers a clean and rustic look to the building. Stones are naturally derived, containing water and moisture-resistant properties, making them a sustainable and durable option. They are available in various finishes such as polished, rough, leather, hammered and flamed. The cost of stone cladding is highly variable due to the availability of these choices. Meanwhile, it is also directly interconnected with the type of stone being purchased. They include limestones, granites, slates, quartzite, and marble.

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl cladding is a widely known option available in various appealing colors. It is cost-efficient but also provides an extra temperature-controlling layer over your property. This property keeps the space warm even during heavy winter and summer. It is dent-resistant and completely flexible to install and maintain. Re-painting is not essential, which saves money in the future.

Wood Cladding

Wood cladding is an ultimate choice to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It can be installed horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in other patterns to achieve a perfect decorative finish. Generally, wood is durable, easy to install, a good insulator, and durable. However, it may not be suitable for very humid or moisture-prone areas, due to its inability to resist rot. In such cases, other cladding materials which resemble wood in finish may be used instead.

Fiber Cement Cladding

It is an exterior wall cladding, well-suited for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Fiber cement cladding is made with traditional materials like cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. They do not contract or expand, providing excellent dimensional stability to the structure. They are also highly durable and can generally bear heavy loads. Their cost ranges in the moderate zone when compared to other cladding materials.

uPVC Cladding

uPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. One of the most widely used exterior and interior cladding materials, it offers high flexibility in design. It is highly resistant to weathering, corrosion, and water. Homeowners and developers are primarily choosing this option for its maintenance-free quality. It is available in different colors and designs and is also a cost-effective option.

Ceramic Cladding

Ceramic cladding can withstand extreme weather conditions and will not get damaged easily. This cladding is highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the safety of the building even during rain or increased pollution levels. It is composed of natural materials and can be recycled easily. It helps reduce carbon footprints in the environment.

External Foam Cladding

It is manufactured from a type of foam, like expanded polystyrene, which is manufactured in the shape of lightweight boards. The cladding contains a special coating, which is strong and highly resistant to impacts. These claddings come in panels, available in various thicknesses and sizes to fit for different application requirements.

Benefits of External Cladding in Construction

Cladding is an extra safety measure that helps reduce building maintenance and provides a long life. Here you can know why it is vital:

Excellent Durability: Cladding provides an additional layer of protection against external elements such as rain and snow. This prevents issues like mould formation, water seepage and leakage, which in turn increases the building lifespan.

Elevate Appearance: Property investors or owners can avail an aesthetic look, which can enhance the monetary value in the future.

Cost and Maintenance: Although the initial cost of cladding can be high compared to other methods like painting and plastering, persistent maintenance costs are reduced due to the eliminated need for repainting or refinishing.

Conclusion

Cladding provides a low-maintenance and durable protective option for exterior surfaces of buildings. There are numerous types available in versatile finishes to blend with your requirements. Cost, maintenance, aesthetics and durability are some of the important factors you must consider carefully before making a choice.

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