For homeowners, it’s crucial to find ways to keep their home safe from the elements. One way to achieve this is with the installation of exterior cladding. Adding exterior cladding is more than just an aesthetic element, as it protects your home against harsh weather conditions.
If you plan on investing in an upgrade soon, the available choices can be overwhelming. Most find the selection process a challenging ordeal. However, overlooking the need for exterior cladding puts your home at risk of damage, leading to costly repairs.
Choosing the right wall cladding is the best way to avoid this. It’s important to be familiar with the various types of cladding materials and factors to keep in mind to help you decide on the most suitable one for your home.
Understanding Exterior Cladding
Exterior cladding is any material that covers the outer wall of a house or building. Generally, it can be affixed directly to the walls or secured to supporting battens. Investing in exterior wall cladding for your home provides extra protection from the elements and improves curb appeal.
Types Of Exterior Cladding
Several exterior cladding options are available on the market, ranging from wood, vinyl, tile, and fiber cement, to name a few. If you initially believe that cladding and siding are the same, they’re different, especially in terms of thickness. Although both can provide weatherproofing for your home, cladding stands out in terms of durability.
Nowadays, there are different types of cladding materials available. Each of these materials boasts unique features that you need to know about.
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Wood
Wood cladding has been a favorite of many homeowners for its aesthetic factor. However, it has its share of disadvantages, such as a lower level of durability compared with other cladding materials. Installation and maintenance can be expensive for this kind of external cladding.
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Vinyl
Among the cladding materials, vinyl is also widely used for its affordability. The material is suitable for weatherproofing while giving the exterior an aesthetic upgrade. It’s mainly made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can be combined with other materials. This type of cladding usually comes with foam insulation. Many homeowners prefer this type of cladding for its affordable price range, low maintenance, and resistance to weather elements.
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Fiber Cement
Exterior cladding made of fiber cement combines cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. The material is resilient to weather conditions, with minimal expansion and contraction under extreme temperatures. As for the appearance, the boards are available with a textured wood grain character, strikingly mimicking the look of natural wood with an array of color choices.
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Stone
Stone cladding may be a suitable choice to provide a natural look to your property. The material works best on walls made of concrete or steel. Generally, stone claddings are lightweight counterparts of stone products with a concrete base that make the installation manageable.
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Tile
Tile cladding may be the right choice when you want to level up your home’s curb appeal. The material provides insulation and protection from the elements. In most cases, it can be available in natural materials such as clay or slate or synthetic materials such as plastic.
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Metal
Factors To Consider When Choosing Exterior Cladding
The exterior wall cladding mainly functions as a protective layer for your home. Due to this function, choosing the right material is important. Remember that the type of cladding you choose can affect its lifespan and maintenance requirements to keep it in good shape. Here are several essential factors to keep in mind before making a decision:
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Durability
The exterior cladding is responsible for protecting your home’s outer surface from elements such as wind, rain, heat, moisture, and UV rays. The material you select should depend on the weather conditions in your area to prevent water damage from developing. For example, wood may not be suitable for areas with heavy annual rains.
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Insulation
It’s best to select a cladding material with insulating properties. Doing so helps maintain a comfortable temperature within your home and reduces your monthly utility bill. Each type of cladding can provide a certain degree of insulation for your home.
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Maintenance
The exterior cladding material you choose should be easy to maintain. After the installation, it’s crucial to provide routine maintenance, especially if it’s going to be exposed to harsh conditions. Some materials will require routine finishing application for extra protection from environmental contaminants.
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Price
When selecting exterior cladding for your home, the price is also important. It’s crucial to fully know the pros and cons of each cladding material by creating an outline of all the cladding materials you prefer. Doing so will help you decide which one offers the best value for money.
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Aesthetic Appeal
The cladding is the first thing people see on a property. Choose a visually appealing design that complements your home, but it depends on the look you want to achieve. Nowadays, you can choose from various designs that best fit your home, such as vertical or horizontal planks.
Final Thoughts
The ideal exterior wall cladding for your home is one of your most important decisions. Choosing the right material will impact your home’s curb appeal, value, and energy efficiency in the long run. Considering the different types of materials and key factors will guide you to finding the right one in no time.
