WHICH TYPE OF CLADDING IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME?
If you have walls on the inside or outside of your home that you don’t like the look of anymore, then instead of a new coat of paint, why not try wall cladding instead? By installing one of the many types of wall cladding, you can cover old and seedy looking walls and give them an entirely new lease on life.
Cladding is for both interior and exterior walls and provides a variety of benefits, such as aesthetic appeal, durability in all weather conditions, and even advanced insulation. If you’re thinking cladding might be right for your home, read on to discover some of the materials you have to choose from.
Timber
Timber cladding is made from naturally resistant or treated timbers that can be installed horizontally, vertically or even diagonally. The reason timber is becoming so popular these days is simply because it’s such a beautiful material to use on walls, both inside and out; plus, it comes in a variety of finishes, textures and styles. Not only that, but it’s also lightweight, easy to work with and recyclable — and it makes for great insulation. To keep timber cladding in top condition, however, you will have to be committed to regular maintenance and upkeep.
Stone
To give your home an unsurpassed feeling of style and opulence, consider installing stone cladding inside or outside. The reason so many people use stone on their walls isn’t just for its aesthetic appeal, but also it’s durability, low maintenance requirements and protective abilities.
Stone is better to use than timber in hot and humid climates because it doesn’t trap heat, but you also have to be aware that it doesn’t hold in warm air in cooler climates, and it is slightly more difficult to install. The variety you have with stone can’t be beat, as you can choose from granite, limestone, sandstone, marble, slate — the list goes on.
Vinyl
Vinyl cladding is made from PVC mixed with a few other elements to create cladding that is essentially maintenance-free. Additionally, vinyl cladding will never fade, rust, warp, dent or corrode, and it is extremely durable. People also really like vinyl because it is so affordable and there are almost an unlimited number of options when it comes to styles, colours, textures and patterns.
Weatherboard
Weatherboard cladding is typically used to cover the outside of a building so that it looks more attractive and to add an extra layer of protection. Weatherboards are generally made up of timber or reconstituted hardwood that can be either painted or stained to get your desired look, or they can be made from vinyl or fibre cement. Vinyl is probably the most popular because it can be made to look like timber and is very easy to maintain and clean, and fibre cement weatherboards resist moisture, rotting, termites and even fire.
Steel
Steel cladding is generally protected by galvanising or powder coating, and has been reformed into panels that take on many forms, from traditional cladding design to corrugated panels and sleek, flat panels. Generally for use on the exterior of the home, steel cladding has very high tensile strength, which can add plenty of structural integrity, especially to older homes. Not only that, but steel cladding is weather tight, easy to maintain, and comes in a large array of colours to suit any style.