How to Choose the Right Exterior Cladding Material
The addition of cladding to the exterior of a property can boast a range of advantages. Not only can the right exterior cladding material enhance the durability of a property, it also opens a range of opportunities for unique and stylish design. With options ranging from wood to modern composite solutions, each material offers unique benefits and challenges. This buyer’s guide aims to assist property owners, architects, and builders in making informed decisions about cladding, particularly for exterior walls.
In this blog from NORclad, we offer some key information on how to choose the right exterior cladding material for your project – noting key factors to consider, the pros and cons of timber cladding, advice for installation and maintenance and alternative materials.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Cladding
Planning Permission & Permitted Development Rights
Before embarking on any kind of exterior property modification, it is important to first establish whether or not planning permission will be required for your change.
In some cases, fitting cladding to the outside of a property falls under permitted development rights, whereby the work can be carried out without specific planning permission. This might be the case in instances where the cladding is replacing other cladding that has been weathered or worn, in a like-for-like swap.
In many cases, planning permission isn’t required providing that the materials used are in keeping with the existing appearance of the house. There are however exceptions to this if you are looking to modify a listed building or a building that is situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Paying Attention to Fire Rating
In addition to planning permission, it is also important to select cladding with an appropriate fire rating. For homes in England and Wales, the fire rating classification required depends on a building’s height and distance from a boundary.
To check a product’s fire rating, speak to the manufacturer – making sure to check for warranties and correct installation procedures.
Cladding Lifespan
When weighing up the costs associated with your exterior cladding project, it is worthwhile to consider long-term costs and commitments – in particular how long a prospective material will last before needing to be replaced.
In addition, it is also wise to consider any additional measures that may be needed to maintain the cladding to reduce weathering and natural wear.
Your Design Goals
Another vital consideration when choosing wood cladding for exterior walls is aesthetics. What look and feel are you aiming for with your design? The type of cladding selected is central to how exterior cladding looks and fits in with its surroundings.
Wood Cladding vs Other Exterior Materials
As with any structural project, it is important to consider how wood cladding stands up against other exterior materials – placing the pros and cons of each side by side.
Common alternatives to wood cladding include brick cladding, fibre cement cladding, stone cladding, metal cladding and UPVC cladding.
Each of these material options boasts unique advantages and disadvantages. With no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the right exterior material for your project will depend on factors such as design vision, your budget and environmental considerations.
The Benefits of Timber for Exterior Cladding
- Natural aesthetic appeal – The natural, earthy appearance of timber cladding offers a unique yet timeless visual impact ideal for modernising both residential and commercial properties.
- Sustainability – Timber is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly, sustainable building material. Unlike synthetic alternatives, timber cladding is also biodegradable and can be recycled.
- Durability – Another key advantage of timber cladding is durability. With effective maintenance, varieties of timber cladding can have a lifespan of several decades.
- Insulation – Timber cladding also boasts natural insulative properties, with its small internal air pockets working to trap air and slow down the transfer of heat and consequential conductivity. Not only does this increase interior comfort, but reduces heating bills too.
- Low maintenance requirements – Timber cladding is highly resistant to wear and doesn’t often require maintenance. This timeframe can be extended with the use of treatments.
NORlad’s range of timber treatments includes our Brunnea Treatment, Lite Treatment and Fire Protective Treatment for tailored advice on which treatment would be best suited to your project, contact our team today.
How to Maintain Exterior Wood Cladding
Regular maintenance is integral to extending the lifespan of exterior wood cladding. To arm cladding against mould and decay, cladding can be pre-treated using treatments such as our Brunnea treatment and NORclad Lite treatment.
In addition to applying treatments, carrying out regular power washing can also remove mould or algae growing on the cladding’s exterior surface.
Explore our advice for effectively maintaining timber cladding >
Best Practices for Installing Wood Cladding
Effective installation is also essential to the appearance and lifespan of exterior timber cladding. Key stages in the cladding installation process include:
Choosing your Timber Cladding
Firstly, a project manager must select a timber variety that meets both aesthetic, environmental and costing goals. This includes selecting the appropriate varieties, sizes and quantities to meet the design specifications of your project.
Allow your Timber Cladding Boards to Acclimate
To allow for effective installation, timber cladding must be allowed to ‘breathe’, in order to absorb and release moisture. This prevents the battens from expanding or contracting and compromising the structural integrity of a build.
Gather Installation Tools
Next, tools must be gathered ahead of installation. These include: timber cladding boards, battens, a breathable membrane, timber cladding fixings as well as appropriate hand tools.
Prepare the Surface
Ahead of installation, the target surface must be clean and smooth. It is at this point that a breathable membrane may be installed. Such membranes allow moisture to escape a structure while keeping water out – limiting unnecessary damage or structural weakening.
Install Battens
Battens are used to create an air gap between a target surface and timber cladding. Battens allow for ventilation that reduces moisture damage as well as offering a stable surface to which timber cladding can attach.
Fix Cladding
Once a batten outline is in place, timber cladding can be fixed onto a structure using a selection of screws and nails. It is also recommended to use a spirit level to ensure installation is even.
More on how to install timber cladding >
Choose the Right Exterior Cladding with NORclad
Are you looking to use cladding for your exterior walls? Take a look at the range of timber cladding products available with NORclad and see what best suits your design goals. Our range of treatments also assists with effective maintenance and maximising the lifespan of your timber. If you’re looking for tailored advice regarding your timber choice, get in touch today or view our timber cladding guide. Our team of friendly industry experts are on hand to offer advice suited to the specifics of your project.
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