What types of wall cladding are on offer?
There are many different types of wall cladding available. They are all designed to finish the exterior of a building attractively and protect its structure at the same time, so let’s take a look at the most popular types of wall cladding on offer.
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Stone cladding
Stone cladding is manufactured from thin layers of stone and can be either simulated or natural. Stone cladding can add elegance to a structure whilst giving it a natural appearance. One type of stone cladding is sandstone cladding, which is available in various shapes and sizes that can be applied in different ways. It also has the advantage of coming in a variety of shades so that it blends well with the surrounding environment.
Timber cladding
Timber cladding is available as panels, shingles or horizontal boards. It has the advantages of insulating a building well and being environmentally friendly.
Shiplap cladding is one type of timber cladding. It is made from slow-grown softwood timber that is kiln dried. It is often used on garages and garden buildings and can be stained, painted or varnished as required. Shiplap cladding is durable, recyclable and eco-friendly. It is also flexible and cost-effective, so it is very popular.
Weatherboard cladding is often manufactured from reconstituted timber or hardwood. It is often painted or stained and provides an unusual and attractive finish.
Brick cladding
Brick cladding systems are very flexible and it is possible to create various styles and looks using bricks of various colours. If you are searching for lightweight wall cladding, brick cladding is ideal. It also has the advantage of providing a very high standard of insulation.
Many authorities, including BBC News, reported on the failure of the aluminium cladding on Grenfell Tower to meet safety tests. This underlines the importance of ensuring the cladding you choose is suitable for the application for which it is to be used.
There are various other types of wall cladding systems; for example, New England-style cladding looks traditional and can be used with other types of cladding or to enhance a rendered exterior wall.
Amongst the more economical options for wall cladding is vinyl cladding. In addition to being economical, it is eco-friendly. Vinyl cladding is popular because it is available in many different colours to suit any surroundings.