Choosing the right cladding for your home is more than just the look, there are many areas where attention should be given to ensure you have selected the right application for the longevity of your investment.
The range of materials and styles of cladding now available is always evolving and some sound knowledge can go a long way before making your final selection.
We all want our homes to be eye catching and look a million bucks, however when it comes to external cladding, what works for one home does not always work the same way for another.
Appropriate guidance and understanding is very necessary ahead of making this large investment and could save some unwanted future dilemmas.
Elements to examine prior to making the final selection for your external cladding:
· Climatic conditions in your area, this is in terms of energy efficiency and the overall thermal performance of your home. Different cladding's have different thermal ratings and when used with insulating materials they form an overall energy efficiency system. The cladding's composition, weight, colour and thickness all play a part and whether it be for heating or cooling, your cladding can make the difference in long term comfort.
· Geographical conditions, this includes things such as high wind and cyclonic zones or close proximity to the ocean. When dealing with cyclone ratings the stud spans of the frames are closer together for additional strength. Always be mindful that many cladding's come in standard sizes and different frame spacing's can impact the amount of materials and wastage. No one wants to be paying for many unusable off-cuts. Always check frame spans and structural requirements to ensure the correct cladding is selected. Ocean spray and the harsh salt air can cause long term deterioration to the outside of your home, so it pays to investigate the many material and installation options available when it comes to your cladding to prevent any unnecessary damage.
· Bush fire zones, always check the fire levels in your area as you have a regulatory obligation to comply with the requirements set out. There are many fire-resistant cladding options available, and also be aware of the different installation guides that apply to the higher fire zone levels.
· Construction and Installation, this is something that can be forgotten especially by owner builders. Become educated and understand the cladding material. Detailed installation guides and videos are always recommended for some advanced insight and remember that some products will required specialised tools and/or labour to install.
· Price and budget, it is not just the raw material that should be considered here, but the overall including installation and finishing requirements. For example, a F/C plank cladding is more cost effective to purchase than sheet metal custom orb. However, with the overall finished installation, the reverse applies as sheet metal can be installed a lot quicker and does not require any painting and F/C planks take a lot longer to install and require a painted finish.
· The overall look and style, gone are the days of a single cladding application. Feature walls, decorative gable ends, mixed textures and the use of several different cladding's materials can give an outstanding finish to your homes appearance. Get creative and mix different cladding materials up a little. A correct and well thought out cladding design can be the difference between an ordinary home to an extraordinary home.
For any suggestions, recommendations, queries or further information surrounding the wide world of cladding options available, please get in contact and one of our team can help you.