House cladding serves as an external layer that protects your home from the elements while enhancing its appearance. It can be attached directly to brickwork or mounted using a batten system, creating a breathable space for insulation. This façade shields the outer wall of your home, offering long-lasting protection and improving energy efficiency.
Cladding not only keeps your home safe from rain, wind, and snow but also elevates its aesthetic appeal, making it a smart investment for any homeowner.
Ready to find out which types of wall cladding are best for your home? Let’s dive into the top external cladding options and discover what makes each one unique.
Stone Cladding
Stone cladding has stood the test of time thanks to its natural beauty and durability. Originally used to enhance both aesthetics and structural integrity, stone cladding has come a long way. Modern techniques now allow for precise cutting and polishing, giving it more texture and character than ever before.
The unique, rustic charm of stone is hard to replicate with synthetic materials, and each piece can develop subtle, beautiful changes over time. This makes stone cladding perfect for rural homes or new builds, and is available in granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate.
- Pros: Elegant and natural look, highly durable, weather-resistant.
- Cons: Expensive, labor-intensive to install, can be heavy on structural supports.
- Cost: Starts at £50 per square metre for real stone cladding and faux stone cladding.
If you’re thinking about enhancing your home’s exterior, consider the stunning range of stone wall cladding options available at Paving Supplies. Stone wall cladding is a fantastic way to add both style and durability to your outer walls, creating a timeless and sophisticated look. Ensure your materials are stored safely and conveniently to make the installation process smooth and efficient.
uPVC Cladding
Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) is a popular cladding option due to its affordability and low maintenance. Ideal budget-conscious buyers, uPVC comes in a variety of colours and finishes, including wood-effect, offering a traditional look without the upkeep.
It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy to install, making it suitable for quick renovations or consistent applications on rental and holiday properties. With UV protection to prevent fading and fire-resistant properties, uPVC provides practical long-term use.
- Pros: Affordable, low maintenance, weather-resistant, fire-resistant, UV-protected, easy installation.
- Cons: Less luxurious appearance, potential for cracking or warping over time.
- Cost: Range from £30-£50 per square metre.
Brick Cladding
Brick cladding is a classic and durable option that adds character to any home. The process involves adding a layer of thin bricks or brick panels to the exterior, giving it the traditional brickwork appearance without the weight and labour-intensive installation of full bricks.
Brick cladding is highly customisable, suiting various architectural styles and is available in different colours and finishes. Overall, it’s a highly versatile option for both modern and traditional home designs.
- Pros: Classic look, highly durable, fire-resistant.
- Cons: Expensive, may require structural support, limited colour options.
- Cost: Starts at £35 per square metre for installed brick slips.
Timber Cladding
Timber or wood cladding adds a natural, rustic charm and warmth to any home. Its versatility allows for different installation styles, such as vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, with finishes like shiplap and tongue-and-groove.
It is an eco-friendly choice, especially when responsibly sourced, and can suit both traditional and modern designs. Popular options include Western Red Cedar and Larch, known for their durability and distinctive looks.
While timber is easy to install, it requires regular maintenance to prevent discoloration, warping, and cracking. Annual staining or sealing is necessary to keep it looking its best, but its sustainability and carbon-neutral properties make it a standout choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
- Pros: Natural look, versatile design, sustainable, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance, can warp or crack over time.
Cost:
- Oak: £20-£50 per square metre
- Larch: £10-£40 per square metre
- Red Cedar: £10-£65 per square metre
Glass Cladding
Want a modern and sleek look for your home? Consider glass cladding. This option allows natural light to flood into your home, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. It comes in various types such as float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, and coated glass, each with its unique benefits.
Glass cladding is also highly customizable, with options like frosted or tinted glass for added privacy and energy-efficient coatings that help reduce heat loss. While glass may seem fragile, types like tempered and laminated glass can be surprisingly durable and weather-resistant.
Installation costs for this type of cladding are higher due to the precision required, and it may not be ideal for areas with extreme weather conditions.
- Pros: Comes in various shapes and translucency options, transmits up to 75%-80% of natural light, lightweight and reduces structural load, contributing to energy savings.
- Cons: Can cause glare, unsuitable for hot climates without special coatings, and not typically earthquake-resistant.
- Cost: £900 to £1,200 per square metre.
Aluminium Cladding
Aluminium cladding offers a sleek and contemporary look while being highly durable and low maintenance. Additionally, it comes in a variety of finishes, including powder-coated or anodized, giving homeowners plenty of design options.
One significant advantage of this type of metal cladding is that it does not require any regular upkeep besides occasional cleaning. This material is also non-combustible and resistant to moisture, making it suitable for areas with harsh weather conditions.
However, aluminium cladding can be on the pricier side, and some may find its appearance too industrial for their liking.
- Pros: Cost-efficient, versatile with a range of finishes, durable and fire-resistant, low maintenance.
- Cons: Susceptible to dents, high thermal conductivity impacting energy efficiency, requires careful joint sealing.
- Cost: £50 to £215 per square metre, depending on the type of aluminium, its finish, and potential issues during installation.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding, made from Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), offers the natural look of wood with enhanced durability. It is created using a mix of recycled wood fibers, plastic, colorants, and bonding agents that are heated, shaped, and cooled into cladding boards.
There are two main types of composite cladding: capped and uncapped boards. Capped boards come with an added polymer layer that offers superior protection against elements, fading, and scratches, making them ideal for high-exposure areas. Uncapped boards, while still robust, may need more care over time to maintain their appearance.
- Pros: Improves home insulation and energy efficiency, provides UV and weather protection, low maintenance compared to wood, resistant to warping, rotting, and insect damage.
- Cons: Higher initial cost than some traditional materials, can fade over time without UV protection, may look synthetic depending on the brand, and repairs can be difficult due to material variations.
Cost:
- Starts £40 and £100 per square metre.
- Less durable options range from £35 to £45 per square metre.
Weatherboard Cladding
Weatherboard cladding, also known as feather edge cladding, is a traditional style that has been used in the UK for centuries. It features overlapping horizontal boards that create a distinctive, layered appearance. While typically made from timber, weatherboard cladding is also available in more durable materials like PVC or fiber cement, offering reduced maintenance compared to wood.
This cladding style is popular for its classic, rustic charm and its ability to suit a range of architectural designs, from cottages to modern homes. It acts as a barrier against rain and wind and can be treated or painted to enhance its durability and match a home’s aesthetic.
- Pros: Classic and versatile look, natural material, easy to install and repair, good insulation properties.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance (e.g., painting or staining), susceptible to rot and insect damage if not maintained properly.
Cost:
- Timber: £20-£30 per square metre
- PVC/Fiber cement: Higher-end costs from £30-£50 per square metre
Fibre cement cladding
Fibre cement cladding is highly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly nature. Made from a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibres, this type of cladding is known for its durability and excellent resistance to fire, moisture, and rot.
Fibre cement boards are available in various styles and colours, often mimicking the appearance of wood or stucco at a lower cost. It requires minimal maintenance, typically just regular cleaning, which makes it appealing to many homeowners.
- Pros: Affordable, durable, low maintenance, eco-friendly, fire and moisture-resistant.
- Cons: Prone to cracking under significant impact, can be heavier than some alternatives, and professional installation is recommended to ensure proper handling.
- Cost: Ranges from £20-£75 per sqm.
Stucco Cladding
Stucco cladding, also known as render or plaster, is a popular choice for modern and contemporary homes. It is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and sometimes lime, which is applied in multiple layers to create a textured or smooth finish on exterior walls. This type of cladding is highly versatile and can be applied to various surfaces, including brick, concrete, and timber, providing a seamless, clean look.
Stucco is generally low-maintenance and can last for decades if properly cared for. However, it’s important to note that it may not be ideal for all climates, as extreme freezing temperatures or excessive moisture can lead to cracking.
- Pros: Versatile and customizable finishes, durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance, can be applied to different substrates.
- Cons: Not suitable for all climates due to potential cracking from freezing temperatures or high moisture, can be difficult to repair if damaged.
Tile Cladding
Tile cladding offers a more unique and decorative option for exterior walls. These tiles can be made from various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, and are installed in a similar fashion to interior tile installations.
These can be installed similarly to interior tiles and are available in a range of colours and finishes, making it highly adaptable for creative designs. Hanging tiles can lend a traditional look, while custom or handmade tiles offer a modern, sophisticated appearance.
- Pros: Decorative and customisable, good insulation properties, durable, available in various colours and finishes.
- Cons: Can be more expensive, especially with handmade or high-end options; may require skilled installation to avoid damage.
- Cost: Starts from £28 per sm
Additional Cladding Options to Consider
Aside from the commonly used cladding materials mentioned above, there are other options available that can provide unique and visually appealing finishes for exterior walls:
- Perforated Cladding: Perfect for those wanting a unique, customisable look with added functionality. Ideal for architectural projects that need standout visuals as well as improved ventilation or fire protection.
- Zinc Cladding: Renowned for its durability and recyclability, zinc cladding develops a unique patina over time, making it a great choice for modern, sustainable designs.
- GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) Cladding: Tough and lightweight, GRP cladding is perfect for high-traffic areas. It’s known for its anti-vandal properties and being non-conductive, making it practical and secure.
- 3D Cladding: A fresh and contemporary option that adds depth and visual interest to buildings. Perfect for modern projects aiming to make a statement.
- Terracotta Cladding: Made from natural clay, terracotta cladding offers fantastic durability and fire resistance. It brings a warm, earthy touch that suits both traditional and contemporary designs.
- ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) Panels: Comprising layers of aluminium with a core material, ACM panels are durable, lightweight, and come in a range of finishes. They’re ideal for commercial buildings, with fire-resistant options available for added safety.
- Slate Cladding: A top-notch choice for its natural beauty and lasting durability. Slate is weather-resistant, holds its colour, and adds an elegant, timeless touch to any building exterior.
- PVC Cladding: A budget-friendly, lightweight option available in various colours and finishes. While easy to install, PVC cladding is less durable compared to uPVC or other materials, making it more suitable for interior projects or budget-conscious exteriors that do not face harsh weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right cladding system can transform the look and performance of your home or building, offering everything from timeless elegance to modern flair. Whether you opt for the classic appeal of stone and timber, the sleek lines of aluminium, or the unique textures of 3D and terracotta cladding, each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.
Choosing the types of house cladding depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and practical needs. With so many great choices available, there’s never been a better time to enhance your property’s exterior.
