The Benefits of Overcladding for Commercial Buildings
As commercial buildings age, it is commonplace for owners and tenants to make modernising changes to interior features and design. However, the core structure and externals of such properties often remain untouched. As a result, many commercial buildings are in fact poorly insulated, visually unappealing and increasingly expensive to heat and maintain. For many property developers and owners of commercial buildings, improving both the exterior appearance and integrity of a building is gaining increasing importance. In this time of change for the exteriors of commercial properties, overcladding is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their property. In this blog from Norclad, we explore why overcladding is a beneficial renovation option for commercial buildings – defining what overcladding is before going on to explore its benefits and how it can be applied to architectural projects.
For more articles relating to timber cladding, and its varied uses and features – take a look at our blog. Articles include The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Building with Timber in 2023, The Complete Guide to Timber Cladding for Commercial Buildings and How Can Timber Cladding Improve a Building’s Performance and Durability.
What is Overcladding?
Overcladding refers to the process of covering an existing exterior wall with a new layer of cladding. Often, overcladding is understood as giving a property a ‘second skin’ using metal sheeting or cladding. During its application, cladding is supported by a space bar system which supports the new panels. Many project managers utilise the installation process as an opportunity to add additional insulation between new and old cladding – maximising the thermal benefits of overcladding.
Overcladding can come in a variety of colours and styles, here at NORclad, we offer a wide range of timber cladding varieties that are suitable for overcladding. Our timber varieties include Thermowood, UK & Canadian Western Red Cedar Timber and Painted Timber to name a few. Looking for more inspiration? Why not take a look at our full range of timber cladding products?
Benefits of Overcladding for Commercial Buildings
Minimised disruption to buildings and occupants
For many businesses that operate out of commercial buildings, time is money. More invasive renovations or restructures often require a workforce to temporarily vacate a premises while work takes place. Luckily, overcladding can be carried out without the need for empty premises, meaning that a workforce can continue to work without disruption.
Appearance
For many project managers and architects, a central advantage of overcladding is its visually appealing appearance. Especially if you’re transforming an older building, timber overcladding can breathe a new lease of life into a property. For this reason, timber overcladding is becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial properties. Consequently, adding timber overcladding may help your commercial building become more in-keeping with surrounding units or premises – depending on the appearance of properties nearby.
Not only does overcladding improve the external appearance of a property, the durable nature of the cladding allows this impressive appearance to be maintained long after its application. Timber cladding is also more resistant to weathering and general wear than many alternative materials – offering greater longevity to the overcladding.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
When choosing to modify a property in some way, it is important to consider what maintenance may be required to keep your addition both functioning effectively and looking as it should. Many experts suggest that overcladding offers real maintenance benefits in that it has a lower risk of condensation, thermal bridging and corrosion. Not to mention the inherent low-maintenance benefits of timber. For more information about how timber overcladding can improve the durability of your building, take a look at our blog – How Can Timber Cladding Improve a Building’s Performance and Durability.
Increased Lifespan
Overcladding’s reduced susceptibility to weather damage and low maintenance needs bring about an additional advantage of increased lifespan. Nobody wants to invest in their property only to find themselves replacing the work a handful of years later. Overcladding provides an external remodelling solution that will keep your building looking great for years to come, without having to spend frequent money on repairs or maintenance.
Increased thermal performance and Energy Efficiency
Another particularly notable benefit of overcladding is the improved insulation and energy efficiency it grants. The additional layer of protection that is added by overcladding naturally increases insulation, with the optional extra insulation previously mentioned further adding to this! Improved insulation not only helps keep a property warm in winter and cold in summer but also helps reduce energy bills – suggesting that investing in overcladding has long-term financial benefits.
How to Implement Overcladding for Architectural Projects
The façade of a building is one of its most important features. In addition to providing the practical benefits notes, it also offers architects a range of options for design. For an architect, overcladding offers an opportunity to play with colours, textures and shapes – all of which can be combined to achieve a particular effect of style. This flexibility may allow those occupying a commercial premises to tailor their design in accordance with their brand or wider image. Panels can be applied in flat vertical or horizontal rows to create a clean, sleek aesthetic. Alternatively, cladding can be applied in diagonal or layered formations, sometimes in combination with other materials.
As previously noted, the diverse range of coloured cladding available offers a host of creative options for architects and project managers – businesses may find it possible to incorporate their brand colours into their chosen overcladding or make a conscious effort to be more closely in keeping with surrounding properties.
Timber Cladding with Norclad
Wondering if timber cladding would be suited to your next design project? Here at Norclad, we have over forty years of experience providing high-quality, durable, and practical timber cladding solutions for commercial clients of all sizes. We work alongside some of the leading paint manufacturers in the field to offer our customers a range of colours and stains to fit their projects.
Our team have a range of expertise working on both residential and commercial projects of varying sizes – we even offer the option to apply timber cladding to a pre-existing structure. To find out whether our range of timber products could be a solution for your next project – get in touch today. Our expert team are on hand to specialist advice tailored to your needs.
