A building’s exterior is more than a protective shell. It embodies artistic expression, showcases design intent, and speaks of functionality and sustainability.
Cladding crafted from stone, brick, wood and other materials offers the look of classic styles with added strength and protection from harsh climate conditions, fading due to UV exposure, rot, and insect damage.
Exterior Wood Cladding
Using wood as a facade material provides an attractive aesthetic and allows you to add natural textures and warm colors to the exterior of your building. It also helps enhance the performance of a structure by providing insulation and reducing noise pollution. Unlike some other cladding materials, timber has the added benefit of being a renewable resource that can be harvested without compromising the long-term health of the forest ecosystem.
Wood cladding is a popular choice for modern commercial buildings, and it also offers an attractive appearance for multi-story residential houses. Whether used for walls, doors or windows, it has a distinctive look that complements most architectural styles. However, if not properly treated, it can become susceptible to moisture penetration and pest infestations. Fortunately, the right preservatives and finishes can help to minimise this risk.
When it comes to cladding, the wood species chosen has a significant impact on its durability and performance. Specifiers should therefore ensure that the timber they select is suitable for their intended use and environment. Slow-grown Norway spruce (Picea abies) is generally preferred for cladding, as it has a high resistance to biological attack and is less susceptible to moisture uptake than spruce grown at faster rates [76].
Another key factor in the selection of timber for cladding is its ability to absorb vibrations and acoustics. This helps to reduce the noise caused by external sources, creating a calm and peaceful interior living environment.
Exterior Stone Cladding
Stone cladding has been a cornerstone of luxury for centuries and gives any home that extra flair to make it stand out. Whether it is installing a travertine kitchen island, building a natural stone wall or putting in floor-to-ceiling marble, it adds a sense of sophistication and elevates the look of any home. It also offers several other benefits such as a high rate of return on investment, better curb appeal and increased resale value.
Another benefit of exterior stone cladding is that it protects the building from weather conditions and other elements like moisture and UV rays. It comes in a variety of colors, textures and finishes. The material is very durable and lasts for a long time. It can also be treated with weatherproof coatings to prevent damage and maintain its appearance.
It is one of the most sustainable cladding materials around. It is a renewable resource that can be reused over and over again. Most stones are also naturally insulators and help keep cold air out and warm air in, which saves on energy bills.
It is low to no maintenance, which makes it ideal for people who lead busy lifestyles. It requires very little effort to keep clean, and can be easily scrubbed down or mopped with a mild detergent to get rid of grime.
Exterior Ceramic Cladding
Cladding is the frontline defense against environmental adversities and offers benefits beyond aesthetics, including thermal insulation. The material can also increase security and reduce maintenance costs. However, gaps, misalignments and the use of wrong materials can compromise its performance.
A growing trend is to combine contrasting cladding materials. This can add visual interest to a facade, but it is important to carefully consider the impact on construction and design. The combination of different materials also increases the complexity of the building and may create challenges with detailing transitions between the materials. It is essential to ensure that the different cladding materials are compatible with each other and can work together.
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for exterior cladding because they offer several aesthetic options and come in many colors. They are also resistant to cracking and fading. However, these tiles are a heavy material and require specialized heavy-duty tools for installation. Moreover, they have a high price tag and can be expensive to replace when they get damaged.
Brick cladding is another option for wall facades that are durable and low-maintenance. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and are water-resistant, but they do not offer the same level of insulation as other materials. Bricks are prone to moisture retention, which can lead to mold and rot in the walls and the structure. Moreover, they are not earthquake proof.
External Wall Cladding
Cladding materials are increasingly being used to revamp the aesthetics of a building. These materials are much more effective than paints in bringing out the uniqueness of the building structure, making them an ideal choice for residential or commercial buildings. They can be easily installed and require minimal maintenance. Moreover, they offer a high level of protection against external elements. Some of these materials are also fire-resistant, thereby providing additional safety to the structure.
They can be easily customised to match the design of the building, thereby enhancing its aesthetics. They can be made to appear more traditional, or even create a modern look. They are also easy to clean and maintain. They can be washed down with water to get rid of dust and other debris, ensuring that they are always in good condition.
Apart from enhancing the appearance of a building, external wall claddings can also be used to renew other structural elements. For instance, support beams, pillars, and water pipelines often look untidy or awkward when they are not covered with cladding materials. This enables them to look like statement features of the building. Similarly, power switch cabinets can be covered with exterior cladding to make them look more appealing and stylish. They can even be textured with different designs to create an artistic feel.