Cladding can be made of a variety of materials, styles and colors that enhance the aesthetics of any building. Choosing the right material is an important part of the design process.
Composite cladding is a modern and durable option that provides an attractive appearance with minimal maintenance. It’s also easy to install and fits well with other types of cladding.
Wood
Wooden cladding brings a warmth and character to buildings, complementing both traditional and modern architecture styles. It’s available in a wide range of natural colours and textures and can be installed in a variety of patterns to create dimensional and textural contrasts. Narrow timber slats for example can be a great choice to add structure and rhythm to facades, defining aesthetic volumes while also providing protection against the elements.
Besides offering visual appeal, wooden cladding acts as an additional layer of insulation and reduces heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building, significantly reducing energy consumption and costs. It also carries sound absorption properties which contribute to a quieter and more peaceful living environment for residents.
It is important to choose a sustainable cladding material that’s been sourced from a certified forest. Not only does this ensure that the timber is not destroying natural forests but that these forests are protected for generations to come, and that carbon emissions from the wood are kept to a minimum. Using thermally modified timbers like blackbutt and Jarrah is another way to reduce the environmental impact of your cladding choice whilst maintaining its beauty.
Timber cladding is an excellent choice for residential and commercial projects as it’s easy to install, affordable, and durable. However, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Wood is also susceptible to rot from moisture and insects and is less fire-resistant than other cladding materials.
Glass
Cladding materials have a significant impact on the construction and maintenance of buildings. They help improve a structure’s sustainability, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and energy efficiency. While builders and architects can utilize a variety of cladding materials, glass cladding is one of the most popular options.
Glass cladding is made of transparent or translucent material that can be moulded into any shape. It is a versatile building material that can be used in residential and commercial buildings. It offers many benefits, including a modern look and a sense of transparency. Glass wall cladding can also be customized in terms of color, texture, and transparency. For example, tinted glass is available to reduce glare and increase visibility while translucent glass allows natural light to penetrate into a space.
Using glass cladding is an effective way to make your building more energy efficient. It provides better thermal insulation than other materials. It is also lightweight, which helps reduce the dead load of a building. Additionally, it is resistant to corrosion and other chemicals. Glass is also dustproof and easy to clean. It can also be tempered to prevent breakage. Additionally, a protective coating can be added to glass to prevent damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Metal
Many architects love to use metal as a building material for exterior cladding due to its modern aesthetic. It is also strong and durable, able to withstand the harsh elements of your climate. However, it is important to choose the right type of metal to ensure durability. Steel is an excellent choice, but it can be susceptible to rusting over time. Zinc is another excellent cladding material because of its unique weathering ability. It naturally oxidizes to create beautiful blue and green hues.
In addition to its visual appeal, metal cladding is also extremely flexible. It can be used to cover the entire surface of a structure or in segments to contrast with other materials. Moreover, it can be powder coated or patterned for even more style options.
Other advantages of using metal cladding include its low maintenance and energy efficiency. Some architects are using it as an overcladding material for existing schools with masonry enclosures to improve insulation R-value and weather resistance.
Architectural metal wall panels are an easy replacement for heavy cladding materials such as bricks and concrete. They are available in a wide variety of colors and designs, making them a great fit for any type of building. Some panels can have varying textures or unique ridges for added style and beauty, while others are flat for a more subtle look. They can also be made from different materials to suit the architectural needs of your project.
Stucco
Stucco is a popular exterior building material that comes with a lot of benefits. It’s highly customizable in terms of its color, texture and appearance and it’s also very durable. Additionally, stucco can improve a home’s energy efficiency as it acts as an effective barrier to outside elements.
Stucco can stand up to extreme weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance, assuming that it is properly installed and cared for. It’s also fire resistant, which is an important factor to consider if you live in a high-risk area.
The main ingredients in stucco are cement and sand, which makes it a natural choice for resisting heat and fire. It can also be made more fire-resistant by adding some types of fiberglass insulation to the mix. This type of cladding is also an excellent choice for commercial buildings that must comply with strict fire safety codes.
While stucco is a durable material, it can crack if improperly applied. It’s crucial that a skilled plasterer is hired to do the job. Moisture penetration is another potential cause of failure; excessive moisture leads to salt efflorescence, staining and biological growth, which may cause the surface to break down. It can also corrode metal lath, and water trapped within the walls can expand and damage the structural integrity of the structure. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring that a proper rainwater disposal system is in place.