Wall Cladding is a protective layer which is attached to the exterior surface of a building. It shields against the elements and also enhances the appearance of the building. There are several types of exterior wall claddings available, each with its own set of characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Graana.com has compiled a list of the different types of exterior wall claddings, along with their unique properties, in detail below.

Types of Wall Claddings

Following are the several types of wall claddings below:

Brick Cladding

Brick cladding is a popular choice for exterior walls due to its durability, longevity, and resistance to fire and extreme weather conditions. It is made from fired clay or concrete and is available in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles. It is used to create a traditional or modern look, depending on the design of the building.

One of the main advantages of brick cladding is its low-maintenance requirements. It does not require painting or staining, and only needs to be cleaned occasionally to maintain its appearance.

However, it is a heavy material and may require additional support during installation. Brick cladding is more expensive option compared to the other types of cladding.

Stone Cladding

One of the most popular types is stone cladding. It is commonly used for exterior walls due to its natural beauty and durability. It is made from natural stone, such as granite, limestone or marble, and is available in a range of colours and finishes.

Stone cladding adds a unique touch to a building and can be used to create a rustic home or elegant look, depending on the type of stone used.

It is a durable option that is resistant to fire and extreme weather conditions. However, it is a heavy material and requires a strong foundation for installation. It is also more expensive than other types of cladding. In addition, it requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and prevent the growth of algae.

Vinyl Cladding

Vinyl cladding is a synthetic material that is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC wall panels are the latest addition to the interior decor of homes. It is a lightweight, low-maintenance option that is available in a range of colours and styles. It is a popular choice for exterior walls due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. 

Vinyl cladding is resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, making it suitable for areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall. It is also a low-maintenance option that does not require painting or staining and only needs to be cleaned occasionally to maintain its appearance. However, it is not as durable as some of the other types of cladding and may fade or discolour over time.

 Wood Cladding

Wood cladding is a popular choice for exterior walls due to its natural beauty and versatility. It is available in a range of styles and can be used to create a traditional or modern look, depending on the design of the building.

It is made from a variety of materials, including cedar, redwood, and pine, and is available in many different colours and finishes.

One of the main advantages of wood cladding is its natural insulation properties, which can help reduce energy costs. It is also a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice for building materials.

However, wood cladding requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and insect damage. It is also prone to fading and discolouration over time and may require painting or staining to maintain its appearance.

Metal Cladding

Metal cladding is a durable, low-maintenance option that is suitable for a variety of buildings. It is available in a range of materials, including aluminium, steel, and copper, and can be used to clad the exterior walls, roofs, and other surfaces of a building.

One of the main benefits of metal cladding is its durability. Metal is resistant to weathering, rot, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting option for exterior cladding. It is also resistant to fire, which can be an important consideration for buildings in areas prone to wildfires.

In addition, it does not require regular maintenance or touch-ups and can be cleaned with just a simple wash. Metal cladding is also energy efficient; it can reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain in the summer and retain heat in the winter. This can help reduce energy costs for the building.

Overall, metal cladding is a practical and attractive option for exterior cladding that offers a range of benefits for the building occupants.

Steel Cladding

Steel cladding is a popular type of wall cladding. It is made from steel sheets or panels. Most people choose it for exterior walls due to its durability, low maintenance and versatility. It is used for a variety of building types and styles and is available in a range of colours and finishes.

One of the main benefits of steel cladding is its durability. Steel is a strong and resilient material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and other external factors. It is also resistant to rot, insect damage, and fire, making it a suitable option for exterior walls.

Moreover, it does not require regular maintenance, apart from a simple wash. Steel cladding is also energy efficient, which can help reduce energy costs. 

Aluminium Cladding

Aluminium cladding is a type of wall cladding is made from aluminium sheets or panels. This type of cladding is used for many types of buildings, primarily due to its durability, low maintenance, and versatility.

  It can endure harsh weather conditions and other external elements and does not require regular upkeep as such. Plus, it is resistant to fire, rot and insect damage – making it an extremely sturdy and hard-wearing option.

Similar to steel and metal wall claddings, aluminium cladding is also energy efficient and, thus, helps in reducing energy costs. Along with aluminium cladding, you can also add aluminium windows to your house to give it a modern look.

Composite Materials

Composite materials are materials made from a combination of two or more materials with different properties. For wall claddings, composite materials may be made from a combination of wood fibres and plastic, or other materials.

One of the main benefits of composite materials for wall cladding is their durability and low maintenance. Composite materials are resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering, and do not require regular maintenance. 

They are also often made from recycled materials, which can help reduce the environmental impact of building construction.

Why You Should Choose Wall Cladding

There are several reasons why wall cladding is a popular choice for buildings. The following are a few key benefits:

Durability

Wall cladding is typically made from durable materials such as metal, stone, or composite materials, which means it remains undamaged or unaffected during extreme weather conditions and other external factors. 

Low Maintenance

Wall cladding usually requires minimal maintenance, as it does not need to be painted or treated like other cladding materials. This can save building owners time and money in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

Wall cladding can help reduce energy costs by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat gain in the summer, and by retaining heat in the winter. This can help make the building more energy-efficient and lower energy bills.

Aesthetics

Wall cladding is available in a variety of styles, colours and finishes. It can be used to elevate the appearance of a building. This can increase the building’s curb appeal and value.

Versatility

It can be used on various building types and styles, making it a versatile option for exterior cladding.

Environmental Benefits

Some types of wall cladding, such as composite materials, are made from recycled materials, which can help reduce the environmental impact of the construction process.

Advantages of Wall Cladding

There are several advantages of wall cladding, as described below:

Protects the Building

Wall cladding can protect the underlying structure of the building from weathering, rot, and other external factors. This can help extend the life of the building and reduce maintenance costs.

Improves Insulation

It can improve the insulation of a building by adding an additional layer between the exterior and interior walls. This can help reduce energy costs.

Increases Curb Appeal

It can also improve the appearance of a building, increasing its overall value.

Easy to Install

Wall cladding is relatively easy to install, making it a convenient option for building renovations or new construction projects.

Wide Range of Options

There are many different types of wall cladding materials available, including metal, stone, and composite materials, which means there is a variety of options to choose from, to suit different styles and budgets.

Follow Graana blog for more related information.

The post The Different Types of Exterior Wall Claddings appeared first on Graana.com.