When we set out for a home renovation project, we may spend days and months researching & brainstorming about how we can do the interiors. We contemplate the colors, the furniture, the ceilings, and the chandeliers. But when it comes to the exterior, we seldom think beyond simply painting. As such, ‘exterior wall claddings’ are something we can and should explore to give our property a significant aesthetic facelift.
So what exactly is a wall cladding?
Wall cladding is an exterior finishing system that can be likened to a non-load bearing layer of additional skin which serves a dual purpose – protecting the interiors of the building from the harsh weather elements and making the exterior decorative and attractive. The right cladding helps to maintain the buildings for longer periods, at the same time provides thermal insulation, reducing the temperature variation inside the building. It also helps to improve interior acoustic and daylighting. On the commercial front, it can greatly influence the value, sale-ability, and safety of the building. Thus, it is an investment that yields both short term & long term results.
How to choose the right cladding for my house
Today, if you go out in the market, there are a number of cladding options available enough to exhaust you. Cladding style, color, and texture are just the beginning; you’ll also need to consider factors such as cost, insulation performance, sustainability, and durability. The choice really depends on your application. We try to narrow it down to only 4 optimal options that are fascinating to the eyes, protective on the house, and easy on the pocket.
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Metal
Aluminum and steel are the two most commonly employed materials when it comes to metal cladding. Steel is generally more expensive but more durable; aluminum is cheaper but can be damaged more easily in bad weather. Metal claddings can create interesting smooth or textured looks in a variety of shades. The rustic property of steel claddings is specifically preferred creating an attractive, deep orange and a naturally corroded effect. While metal looks great and some interesting effects can be created over time, but as a cladding material, it may lack good insulation performance.
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Wood
The evergreen timber is light in weight, soothing to the eyes, and always on-trend. The wide range of timber, cladding styles offers heaps of attractive options such as weatherboards or slat screens. The minus point is, timber is not a long-lasting material, it degrades quickly and will require steady maintenance and eventual replacement. Timber can also warp and move. If you are ready to spend both time and money for a charming woodscape, wood is good.
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Stone
These sturdy blocks of rocks are the modern caveman’s fantasy. Schist, granite, and slate are just a few of the popular stone types preferred for cladding. They are often used to create a focal point for house exteriors, or as an attractive partition wall in your living room and blend well with other cladding types. Stone claddings look particularly beautiful in a countryside villa or amid natural surroundings where the stone blends harmoniously with the landscape. The drawback, well stones are heavy and that timeless look comes for a heavy price!
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Fibre Cement Board
What if you could combine the beauty of timber with the strength of concrete and the lightness of steel – well you would get fibre cement. Fibre cement boards are aesthetically beautiful, very light in weight, highly durable, and long-lasting. They can be easily cut into various designs, easily installed, and are easy on the pocket too. They are resistant to water, fire, and termite which makes them weather resistant. Certainly then, fibre cement wall cladding material is our most preferred choice!
EcoPro is a leading fibre cement boards manufacturer in India. Fibre cement boards are preferred by architects all over as the most optimal & cost-effective choice for exterior wall claddings. To explore a range of cladding ideas and visit the demo building, contact EcoPro today!
