The building industry is growing by leaps and bounds with the rollout of different systems and technology. It is now cheaper and simpler to construct, renovate or upgrade a house with these low-cost options. Cladding is one of them—it has tremendously improved the building industry, allowing homeowners to boost the value and lifespan of their properties without hassle.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed more and more homes adding cladding to their homes in the UK in recent years.  So what exactly is cladding and why are people investing in it for their homes?  

This article will analyse the meaning of cladding, its benefits and the popular cladding types in the United Kingdom. 

What is cladding?

Cladding is a layer added to building surfaces for aesthetic or protection purposes. Surfaces are susceptible to damage due to wildfires, extreme temperatures and insect attacks. As a result, building structures may start to deteriorate because of wear and tear. With cladding, you can add an extra layer to the building to conceal the damage and curtail further damage. Cladding can be manufactured from different materials, including composite, timber, brick, stone, and wood.

Why do people invest in cladding for their homes?

People invest in cladding for their homes for a variety of reasons, including improving the appearance of the exterior, protecting the building from the elements, increasing energy efficiency, and adding value to the property.

Cladding is a type of material that is attached to the exterior walls of a building, creating a layer of insulation and protection from the elements. This can help to improve the energy efficiency of the building, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and reducing heating and cooling costs.

In addition to the practical benefits, cladding can also enhance the appearance of a home, giving it a more modern or stylish look. Cladding comes in a wide range of materials, such as wood, stone, metal, or vinyl, which can be selected based on the homeowner's preference and budget.

Finally, investing in cladding can also increase the value of a property, as it can improve the curb appeal and energy efficiency of the home, making it more attractive to potential buyers in the future.

Types of cladding

Here are the most popular types of cladding in the UK:

Brick cladding

This cladding offers an enchanting, ornamental and classic appearance akin to stone. You can install bricks in various designs to give your home a genuine, distinctive look. Cladding bricks are available in a variety of colours and are likely to be delicate as opposed to construction bricks. Brick cladding is increasingly preferred due to its ability to resist harsh climatic conditions. Though the installation can be a bit pricey, brick cladding is ultimately low maintenance and durable.

Composite cladding

Composite cladding is an environmentally-friendly, highly durable and easy-to-maintain cladding option that is constructed from recycled wood fibre and polymer. They are suitable for either residential or commercial projects. Certain products come with a fire safety rating of class B. Furthermore, composite cladding has a resilient polymer protective shell that envelops the board, which forms an impervious barrier to safeguard it from scratching and fading. This type of cladding can retain its beauty for more than 20 years, especially if purchased from a highly reputable supplier.

Timber cladding

Wood is now incredibly prevalent for residential and business artistic use because of its strength— particularly when the outer base is covered in paint. The type of lumber that is generally utilised as cladding is hardwood, such as cedar, since termites generally can't ingest it. Because it can be recycled and biodegradable, wood is environmentally beneficial. Wood cladding gives the surface a nice appearance while also offering enough insulation to satisfy energy-saving labelling needs.

Stone cladding

Natural stone cladding is available in a variety of colours and sizes. External walls are usually covered in stone cladding to protect them as well as give them a clean, unique appearance. Stone cladding is popular because it's durable and doesn't retain moisture. Some popular varieties are made with materials like marble, sandstone and slate. Stones are simple to prepare as they only have to be trimmed to size. Stone cladding can resist all kinds of poor weather, which makes it a smart choice.

Glass cladding

This type of cladding consists of utilising glass to improve the exterior look of buildings. Most people and businesses nowadays tend to opt for glass cladding rather than metal or timber since it is comparatively cheap and simple to install. Glass cladding is frequently found in commercial environments and hardly ever in residential properties.

The set-up process includes utilising brick cladding tiles and adding glass panes. The panes are supported with upstands, which keep the glass firm and ensure it's not affected by heavy winds. A glass surface gives a building a stylish appearance, which boosts its value.

Aluminium cladding

Aluminium is well-liked due to its high strength, long-lastingness, easy maintenance and low moisture absorption, and it can take on any type of weather. This type of cladding material gives off a smooth, modern appearance when utilised. Aluminium is also simple to install because it is malleable. Another advantage of aluminium cladding is that it is lightweight, fire-resistant and available in an array of colours.

Stainless steel cladding 

This category kind of cladding possesses 10% chromium, indicating it's basically free of the hazard of corrosion. Since steel does not rust, it is capable of lasting a long time, which offers long-term protection to your home exterior. The steel cladding is also fairly cheap and is simple to put up and maintain.

A 3D cladding

The decorative cladding offers surfaces a remarkable three-dimensional appearance and is available in an array of colours. It is primarily utilised for aesthetic purposes. The cladding is affordable, lightweight and simple to set up and maintain. It's perfect for quick renovations, although you can also use it in newly constructed buildings.

Composite cladding

Composite cladding is an excellent option for those who are looking for an environmentally-friendly, durable, and low-maintenance cladding solution. Constructed from recycled wood fiber and polymer, composite cladding is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions and comes with a protective shell that safeguards it from scratches and fading. To get a feel for what composite cladding looks like, check out the website HR Composites who are a highly reputable supplier of composite cladding in the UK. This cladding is an excellent option for both residential and commercial projects and can add significant value to a property.

Final word

Cladding is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your home while also protecting it from the elements. With a wide range of options available, homeowners can choose the type of cladding that best fits their needs and budget. Whether you prefer the classic appearance of brick or the modern look of composite, cladding is an investment that can significantly increase the value and lifespan of your property. So, if you're looking to renovate or upgrade your home, consider investing in cladding and enjoy the benefits it offers.