Which External Wall Covering Is The Best?

Exterior wall cladding is a crucial aspect of any home, and it can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, vinyl, and brick. Brick slip cladding is a popular choice for building projects, and it offers a unique solution for finishing the exterior of a house. Wood cladding is one of the most natural options, while timber cladding is a more natural option.

There are nine popular exterior wall cladding materials on the market, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option. For example, fiber cement lap provides better strength and protection than traditional wooden cladding, which can provide a three-dimensional effect but can be costly to install and maintain. Metal wall panels offer high durability and modern style, while vinyl siding and cultured stone are also options to consider.

There are numerous exterior wall cladding options available, including brick slips, timber cladding, aluminum cladding, stone cladding, composite cladding, perforated cladding, and uPVC. Each option has its own unique benefits, and some cladding options, such as aluminium, copper, steel, and zinc, are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and recyclable.

In summary, exterior wall cladding is a crucial aspect of any home, and it’s essential to choose the right material that suits your home’s style and needs.

What cladding to avoid?

Cladding materials like ACM, high-pressure laminate (HPL), and metal-based materials like Metal Composite Materials (MCM) have been linked to fire risks. Wood, traditionally used as cladding, can also pose a risk as it increases the opportunity for fire to take hold. While timber is used in some parts of buildings without causing fires, cladding with wood increases the risk. While stone or cement are sometimes used for wall cladding, they pose no greater fire risk than the building’s original materials but can be heavy, making them unsuitable for roof cladding.

Which type of cladding is considered high risk?

ACM cladding, an affordable insulation solution, is a significant fire risk due to its highly-combustible core materials. High-density polythene produces 25 times more heat than needed to start a fire, and its strong heat-conducting properties make it worse. When exposed to fire, the aluminium heats up, passing heat to the interior material, and when the panel melts down, it exposes the heated core material to oxygen, accelerating the fire spread.

The Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted these fire safety issues, leading to the ban of ACM cladding in 2018 for high-rise buildings in the UK. However, many buildings still have unsafe cladding, and the government has launched an initiative to fund cladding replacement for combustible claddings.

What is the longest lasting house cladding?

Engineered wood is the most durable siding due to its combination of aesthetics and strand technology. It is suitable for versatile applications. Vinyl is popular due to its affordability and minimal maintenance, but it has low impact resistance and can cause cracking, melting, and buckling. Fiber cement is versatile and fits various building styles, but can be challenging to maintain in climates with excessive moisture or frequent freeze/thaw cycles.

What type of exterior cladding is best?

Stone cladding, a popular choice for modern homes, is resistant to water and fire damage and has low condensation risk. Pre-primed boards are preferred for their classic style, while James Hardie’s ‘Matrix’ range offers a minimalist look. Layering white with slightly off-white shades can create a dynamic look. Cultured stone is increasingly used as a feature on exteriors, such as porches, outdoor fireplaces, or feature walls.

What is the problem with exterior cladding?

Cladding, designed for durability and protection, can deteriorate over time due to factors like weather exposure, moisture retention, poor installation, and lack of maintenance. Environmental factors, such as bad weather and pollution, can be detrimental when cladding is not maintained. Common issues faced by commercial and domestic property owners include mould and mildew growth, which thrive in moist environments and spread quickly. The main causes of these problems are moisture accumulation and inadequate ventilation.

What are the pros and cons of wall cladding?

Cladding tiles offer durability and a neat appearance, but can peel off and be difficult to remove. Metal cladding is weather-proof, easy to build, and eco-friendly, but can cause corrosion in tropical climates. It doesn’t absorb water and can withstand harsh conditions. Steel and aluminium are common metal cladding materials, with steel being the most cost-effective and long-lasting. Metal wall panels are a great choice for exterior cladding due to their high durability and modern style.

Glass cladding can also be used for an artistic, minimalist appeal, but it requires consideration for heat insulation and sun protection. Overall, metal cladding offers both durability and modernity, but requires careful consideration of heat insulation and sun protection.

What is the most durable external cladding?

Stucco cladding, a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water, is a cost-effective and durable exterior cladding option due to its resistance to weather conditions and minimal maintenance. It can be painted over, providing flexibility to the building’s aesthetics.

Slate cladding is an elegant and sophisticated exterior finish, known for its natural beauty and longevity. Made from natural slate, it offers a unique texture and a range of color variations, adding a sophisticated and timeless charm to buildings. It is fire-resistant and waterproof, offering additional safety and durability benefits.

Ceramic tile cladding is an external wall covering option that uses ceramic tiles as the primary material. Made from fired clay, ceramic tiles are renowned for their durability, resistance to wear and tear, and low maintenance requirements. They are exceptionally resilient to weather conditions, come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and textures, and offer a wide range of design possibilities.

Ceramic tile cladding is also resistant to moisture and can provide an extra layer of insulation, enhancing energy efficiency. Its resistance to fading, staining, and fire makes it a compelling choice for properties seeking both aesthetic appeal and practicality in their external cladding solution.

What is the cheapest way to cover an exterior wall?

Large outdoor walls can be covered with decorative metal screens or other large features, while smaller ones can be decorated with smaller pieces. Accurate exterior measurements can be obtained using apps like Hover or online resources. Despite eyeballing the blank wall, exact measurements are essential for custom wall art creation. Set aside a quiet weekend to measure the wall with a tape measure and pencil, or use an app if preferred.

What is the best exterior wall covering?

Fiber cement lap is a popular choice for residential construction due to its superior strength and protection compared to traditional wooden cladding, which is susceptible to deterioration from rot, discoloration, and other factors. Fiber cement lap offers a classic look without the need for extensive maintenance.

What is the cheapest material for exterior walls?

The cost of siding material is a crucial factor when choosing a siding for your home. Vinyl siding is often the least expensive option, costing as low as $2 per square foot. However, it’s important to balance the cost with the desired aesthetics. Choosing a slightly more expensive but lower maintenance siding may save you money in the long run. The installation process is another important factor to consider.

Different materials have different installation processes and difficulties, and some types may require more maintenance throughout their lifetime. Various siding options are available to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.