With the introduction of new and innovative technologies, which are reviving the sector, the construction industry is on the verge of a new era. Today’s businesses have reacted to this transition and are implementing the most recent innovations into their services, designs, materials, and construction equipment. Organizations thrive to provide the best in class with expertly designed and performed projects that have substantial effects on modern living, with a strong focus on upgrading both the interiors and exteriors of buildings.
One of the most critical decisions made during the construction or renovation of a home is the selection of the house cladding. Wall cladding is a material applied over another layer of material to provide thermal insulation and weather resistance and to improve the aesthetic pleasantness of the building. Cladding is mainly used to prevent the walls and internal cavities of the room from leaking with water, resulting in hazards. Wall cladding has several types and is compatible with different materials, textures, and dimensions. Wall cladding is used both in the interior and exterior of an infrastructure.
Advantages of Using Wall Cladding
- It increases the structural strength of an infrastructure
- Serves as a protective layer to the underlying surface of the building
- It improves thermal insulation
- It adds aesthetic value to the appearance of the building
- It provides resistance to sunlight
- Serves as a protective layer against air and chemical pollution
- Serves as sound insulation and absorption
- It reduces water absorption
Different Types of Wall Cladding
Types of wall cladding are distinguished according to the type of materials used for their production. With the constant growth of technology and advancements in the search for greater efficiency, much lower cost, and better protection. Several types have been added over time, which are discussed below.
Natural Stone Cladding
The cost of natural stone cladding varies depending on what type of stone is being purchased such as Slates, Sandstones, Marble, Granites, Limestones, and Quartzites. Cost also varies on the shape and sizes required to fit the design. Natural stone cladding can be installed both in the interior and exterior of a wall, to give the effect that it is made entirely of stone. This type of cladding is used when the design is preferred to be natural looking, rustic yet durable. Claddings can be made of stone strips ranging from 2 to 15 rows which will require a specific type of adhesive to paste them. An example of this adhesive is the LATICRETE 335 or any cement-based adhesive. Natural stone cladding provides a warm feeling during the night-time and provides a cool feeling during the daytime. It can also be installed over a surface made of either steel or concrete.
Vinyl Cladding
This type of cladding remains the cheapest type of wall cladding and is available in an array of different colors. The benefit of purchasing vinyl cladding is the fact that it is maintenance-free, unlike most other types of cladding which require repainting, and repairs over time, or may corrode and crack over time. In addition to these durable benefits, vinyl cladding is a very sustainable product as it is made from leftovers from various landfills, and it is also 100% recyclable. It can also be fitted with a layer of insulation to provide a temperature-controlling overlay in a house keeping the space warm in the night-time and cool in the daytime. Compared to other types of wall cladding, vinyl is significantly lightweight, allowing panels to be completely adjustable when covering a building. It is also dent resistant, fade-resistant, and flake-proof.
Aluminum Cladding
Aluminum cladding renders great benefits compared to other metals, Aluminum is a very lightweight material as it weighs a third of the weight of steel. The standard weight of aluminum is 2.70 grams per cubic centimeter which makes it an incredible material to work with. This type of cladding is weather resistant and can endure long exposure to UV. Moreover, it is also termite resistant. If the design requires a contemporary and industrial feel to the exterior, this cladding is suited. Aluminum is a very durable material however, it is prone to dents and scratches.
Wood Cladding
Wood remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing among all types of cladding. Conventionally in the Philippines, wood cladding is offered in these kinds of woods such as Ipil, Yakal, Tanguile, Teak, and Pine which is durable in the range of 15 to 30 years when used in the exterior. It is installed horizontally, vertically, and even diagonally on long narrow boards. It is also a weather-resistant and good insulator. This cladding is best suited when the design is natural looking. Wooden boards can also be used as materials for decking and flooring.
Fiber Cement Cladding
Fiber cement is a building material that is a mixture of cement and reinforced with cellulose fibers. It is manufactured in boards or sheets which lock together to create a weather-tight protective layer and is installed in the exterior of an infrastructure. Fiber cement cladding is suited for both residential and commercial buildings. It has a standard life expectancy of at least 50 years, extreme weather resistance, and insect infestation resistance. Using this type of cladding adds a layer of thermal insulation to your house as it has a low thermal conductivity which also reduces electrical consumption. Furthermore, fiber cement cladding does not require any maintenance and will continue to perform for many years as the day it was installed.
Stainless Steel Cladding
Stainless steel cladding is very durable and resistant to different environmental effects such as corrosion, stainless steel contains a sufficient amount of chromium which reacts to oxygen to create a passive layer of chromium oxide which is non-porous and restricts corrosion. This layer is also the reason why stainless steel has its “self-healing” property, for instance, if it is scratched the chromium oxide layer will repair itself by the oxidation process, and the scratch will be visible but will not rust. This type of cladding is widely used in hospitals, commercial kitchens, and industrial appliances because it is significantly hygienic due to its chromium oxide passive layer, stainless steel remains non-porous and easy to be maintained clean. It is very suited if the design requires a clean, industrial minimalistic style. In addition, stainless steel is used both in the interior and the exterior of an infrastructure.
Weatherboard Cladding
Weatherboard Cladding’s main role is to act as a shield to your house against extreme weather conditions while adding a natural and classic aesthetic value because they are made of high-quality wooden materials. Weatherboards are also fireproof and insect-resistant, manufacturers made sure that all the sugar and starches are removed from the wood to prevent termite infestation. It has a wide variety of configurations and designs and has a fast rate of installation. This type of cladding is easy to assemble to form different shapes, and wiping is the only maintenance program suggested. Installation of weatherboards also adds a layer of thermal insulation to your house which reduces electrical consumption.
Glass Cladding
Glass Cladding is considerably the most aesthetically pleasing type of cladding. Glass makes a strong design statement and demonstrates a sleek and sophisticated appearance. It provides the ideal balance of visual appeal and functionality. In addition, glass is very durable because it does not rust or weather, and environmental effects do not affect glass cladding. It is also very energy efficient as it allows sunlight to enter the building requiring much less artificial light use. Glass also provides flexibility in terms of transparency and translucency.
House cladding placing greater emphasis on crucial functions, such as shielding the building from inclement weather, offering thermal insulation, and blocking off noise. You’ll be in the greatest position to choose the proper cladding for your home if you have the right information and an understanding of your own priorities. For more inspiration and options of cladding for your ideal home, you may visit the Bria Homes website and feel free to browse. You may be interested on the different house and lot that are available in the Bria Homes near you.
Written by Denielle dela Torre
