Exterior wall cladding has become a popular choice for homeowners and builders over the years as it offers both practical and aesthetic benefits. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property, or looking to upgrade your home’s exterior, external cladding solutions, such as composite and fibre cement, can dramatically transform the look and functionality of your home.
In this blog will explore the key benefits of exterior wall cladding, and explain why it’s an investment worth considering for any property.
Can You Put Cladding Over Brick?
Before we look into the benefits of wall cladding, we often get asked the question from homeowners as to whether it’s possible to install cladding over an existing brick exterior. The good news is that cladding can indeed be installed over brick walls, and doing so can offer several benefits.
By installing cladding over brick can give your home a fresh, updated appearance without the need for extensive demolition or renovation. Brick exteriors, while durable, can become weathered as well as outdated over time.
One thing we do advise is that before installing cladding over bricks, it’s essential to ensure that the underlying brickwork is in good condition. Any structural issues, such as cracks or moisture damage, should be addressed before the cladding is applied to prevent future problems.
The Top 6...
Exterior wall cladding offers a full range of benefits that go beyond just enhancing your home’s appearance. From boosting your home’s overall appeal to improving energy efficiency, cladding provides practical advantages for homeowners looking to protect and modernise their properties.
1. Stylish Exterior Transformation
One of the most significant benefits of exterior wall cladding is its ability to revamp the appearance of your home. Wall cladding is available in a wide variety of materials, finishes, and colours, including light grey, sage green and stone, allowing you to create the exact look you want, whether it’s sleek and modern or rustic and traditional.
External wall cladding materials range from natural wood and brick to modern options like fibre cement, aluminium, and vinyl. Each material offers its unique style, so you’re not limited in terms of design flexibility.
2. Protection Against Weather Elements
One of the primary functions of external wall cladding is to provide a protective shield against the harsh weather conditions. External composite cladding, known for its lightweight installation and durability against various weather conditions, offers an aesthetic appeal with multiple color options, making it a versatile choice for exterior walls. Your home’s exterior is constantly exposed to the elements (rain, wind, snow, and UV rays) which over time, can cause significant wear and tear to the underlying structure.
It also acts as a barrier, protecting your property from moisture damage, which can lead to mould growth, structural weakening, and expensive repairs. Cladding is designed to be water-resistant, ensuring that rainwater doesn’t penetrate the building’s structure.
Some of the cladding materials such as fibre cement and aluminium are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, making them ideal for harsh winters or scorching summers. By adding an extra layer of defence, it helps maintain the structural integrity of your home and prolongs its lifespan.
3. Improved Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Another significant advantage of exterior wall cladding is its ability to improve your home’s insulation. The many cladding materials, such as timber and fibre cement, offer excellent thermal insulation, helping to regulate your home’s internal temperature.
Cladding for interior walls can also provide a modern update to your indoor spaces, with a variety of colours available to meet aesthetic needs and ease of installation.
By acting as an additional layer of insulation, external wall cladding reduces heat loss during the winter and prevents excessive heat gain in the summer. This means your home will stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, ultimately reducing energy bills and a more energy-efficient home overall.
In addition to thermal insulation, wall cladding also improves acoustic insulation. This is especially beneficial if you live in a noisy area, as the cladding helps reduce the amount of external noise that enters your home, creating a more peaceful living environment
4. Low Maintenance
Many homeowners tend to pick external wall cladding because it requires relatively low maintenance compared to other types of exterior finishes, such as painting or plastering. Most modern cladding materials are designed to be highly durable and resistant to issues like fading, cracking, and peeling. For example, fibre cement and vinyl cladding are both long-lasting and require minimal upkeep.
Unlike painted exteriors, which need frequent touch-ups or timber that requires regular treatments, wall cladding materials are built to withstand wear and tear over time. Occasional cleaning with water and soap is often all that’s needed to keep it looking its best. This low-maintenance feature not only saves you time but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that cladding is resistant to pests, particularly materials like aluminium and fibre cement. Insects like termites can cause damage to timber structures, but with cladding, you won’t have to worry about infestation, making your home more durable.
5. Increased Property Value
A well-maintained and visually attractive exterior significantly boosts the value of your home, and exterior wall cladding can play a crucial role in this. By enhancing your property’s appeal, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring long-lasting protection, wall cladding makes your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Investing in high-quality cladding materials can be a strong selling point, particularly if buyers are seeking a low-maintenance, energy-efficient home. Not only does cladding make your home look more modern and stylish, but it also provides added protection, making it an excellent long-term investment.
6. Versatility and Customisation
One of the most attractive aspects of exterior wall cladding is its versatility. Whether you prefer a contemporary or traditional style, there’s a cladding solution to suit your taste. Cladding can be used to complement existing architectural features or completely transform the exterior of a building.
With various materials such as timber, fibre cement, metal, and stone available, the customisation options are vast. Homeowners can choose different textures, colours, and finishes to achieve the desired look, including options like stone grey that maintain their appearance over time due to UV stabilisation. You can even mix and match materials to create unique design features that enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
Conclusion
Exterior wall cladding offers numerous benefits that go beyond just improving the appearance of your home. From enhanced protection against weather elements and improved energy efficiency to low maintenance and increased property value, cladding is an excellent investment for any property. Whether you’re looking to modernise your home’s exterior or increase its durability, exterior wall cladding provides a versatile and practical solution.
At Greenoaks, we have over 25 years of experience and offer a wide range of exterior wall cladding options allowing you to customise your home however you wish.
