From new builds to refurbished homes, cladded properties seem to be popping up on most roads and housing estates. There is no doubt that exterior cladding is one of the go-to building trends of this decade. But is it just cosmetic, is it simply a quick-fix, or are there other benefits to investing in exterior cladding? In this series, we look at why people choose cladding, and the types of cladding available today.
A low maintenance solution
Whether you are fed up with the prospect of having to paint and repaint your exterior, or you are looking to change tired rendering, cladding can offer an excellent, low-maintenance, long-term solution. When done properly, most cladding will last for around 20 years, with many companies offering warranties for 15+ years. During that time, you won’t need to worry about the exterior of your home – your cladding will continue to look as good as new.
Effective insulation
Cladding adds an extra layer of protection to your home, which will prevent cold air from getting in and warm air from getting out. Think of it as wrapping your home up in a blanket, or a lovely warm jumper. This can have considerable benefits in the longer term – as well as being kind to the environment and your wallet by reducing your heating bills, exterior cladding can prevent condensation as your interior walls won’t get so cold that they condense the vapour in the air into water droplets.
Protect your home
Your walls take a battering from the weather, from the heat of the sun to wind, rain, hail and snow. Cladding acts as a first layer of defence and can prevent damage to your rendering, which could in turn lead to more serious problems. So, as well as preventing damp in the form of condensation, cladding can also prevent damp from penetrating water from the elements.
Add kerb appeal
Exterior cladding isn’t just practical and low maintenance, it looks great, too. There are lots of colours and styles to choose from, so you can express yourself and know that it will look good for years to come. Just remember that cladding, especially composite cladding, is designed to last for decades, so don’t choose a colour or style that is too out-there!
It is important to remember that while wall coatings such as exterior cladding can help prevent wear and tear, it won’t fix existing problems. Before investing in cladding, it is a good idea to get pre-existing problems such as cracked or damaged rendering or rising damp, assessed by a professional and fixed before covering them up with cladding. If you are attracted to the style, functionality and insulation benefits of exterior cladding, get in touch with a cladding specialist to find out more.
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