Cladding is used primarily to protect another material on the exterior of homes around the roof. However, cladding can significantly improve the look of a home, as well as protect it from damage. When looking for cladding the following factors should be taken into consideration: water resistance, cost, thermal insulation, visual appeal and durability.
Wood has traditionally been used for house exteriors and has been popular because of the beauty of wood, ease of use, and almost limitless choice of design. Wood is suited for all climates and locations, and has a natural resilience which adapts to movements in the foundation or to windstorms. Pine, spruce, larch or cedar are the common choices. The wood can be pretreated so as to be more weather resistant, but should be maintained regularly to prevent rotting, deterioration, or infestation by vermin. Wood is also vulnerable to fire.
Stone cladding is thin layer of stone or simulated stone that is applied to a wall made of material other than stone, such as concrete or steel. Granite, limestone, sandstone, marble and slate are some of the materials used. The advantage of stone cladding is its permanence, and also its aesthetic appeal. The disadvantages are the possibility of trapped moisture within the walls of the building, and the difficulty of installing and removing. Stone will not trap heat, and is therefore an effective cladding for hot climates; in cold climates, an insulated layer can be used to prevent heat loss.
Brick is one of the most flexible cladding materials with a range of textures and colours to choose from. Requiring minimal maintenance, giving an impressive look to any home and with so many styles to choose from it is no surprise brick is a popular cladding material. With colour treating, glass cladding is an alternative material to consider when selecting cladding for your home.
Concrete blocks used as cladding bring many natural advantages: they are strong, insulate well, block out traffic and outside noises, resist termites or white ants, and require practically no maintenance. Aerated concrete blocks, such as Hebel panels, are now commonly used for retrofitting older homes, and bring the advantages of better insulation and water resistance.
A cladding material that many are unaware of is that on Stucco. This form of cladding is strong, durable, and weather resistant and looks good. In the past, stucco was made from water, lime and sand but today is made with cement as well, often with the addition of glass and acrylic fibers, making modern stucco a more durable cladding material.
A problematic form of cladding that may be best to avoid is that of EIFS. The Exterior Insulation and Finish System, consisting of foam plastic insulation with synthetic coatings above, reportedly is vulnerable to severe water damage. This has been said to be due to the sheathing not containing a vapour barrier. Despite drainage EIFS being employed to solve this problem, reports have been made of continued water damage and consequently a different cladding option may be preferable.
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