If you’re considering updating the exterior of your home, composite cladding is an excellent option to consider. Composite cladding provides many benefits over traditional materials like wood or brick, making it a popular choice for people who want to improve their home’s aesthetics while also reducing maintenance costs.
Read on to learn the basics of composite cladding, including its advantages and what to know before installing it on your home.
What is Composite Cladding?
Composite cladding refers to exterior wall panels made from a combination of materials bonded together – typically wood fibres, plastic, and cement or other binders. This composite material provides strength and durability that can withstand environmental wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for use as a cladding material.
Benefits of Composite Cladding
There are many reasons why composite cladding is growing in popularity for homeowners and builders alike:
Durability
The bonded exterior sheets protect the cladding from weathering, rotting, and pest damage. It does not warp or crack like wood. Composite cladding can last decades with little maintenance required.
Weather resistance
Composite cladding excels at standing up to all weather conditions – from rain and snow to UV rays. It will not degrade or discolour over time.
Aesthetics
Composite cladding is available in a wide range of colours, textures, and plank styles. This allows for lots of design flexibility to achieve your ideal look.
Lightweight
Weighing less than traditional cladding means it places less stress on a home’s structure. This makes installation quicker and easier.
Eco-friendly
Many composite cladding products contain recycled materials like plastic and wood pulp. This makes it an environmentally sustainable choice.
Things to Consider Before Installing Composite Cladding
If you decide composite cladding is right for your home, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cost – The initial cost is higher than vinyl or wood cladding, but it’s a smart long-term investment. Get a few quotes to find the best value.
- Qualified installers – Composite cladding should only be installed by qualified professionals. Mistakes during installation can compromise its performance and appearance.
- Building codes – Ensure any composite cladding products meet the necessary fire, structural, and wind resistance codes for your area. Your installer should handle this.
- Substructure – Composite cladding still requires battens or studs attached to the wall for proper support. The existing wall must be in good condition.
- Maintenance – While very low maintenance, composite cladding will still need the occasional power wash to keep it looking fresh. Use mild detergent and avoid high-pressure washing.
- Expansion gaps – Allow small gaps between cladding boards to accommodate expansion and contraction from temperature changes.
- Moisture management – Proper installation is key to prevent any water ingress behind the cladding. Flashing, sealed joints, and vapour permeable underlayment help direct moisture away.
Choosing the Right Composite Cladding
With many product options on the market, it’s essential to choose high-quality, durable composite cladding for your home. Look for cladding with long-term warranties, good UV resistance, and a high fire rating.
Keep in mind that composite cladding may be more expensive than traditional materials like wood and brick, but the lower maintenance requirements make it a great choice.
Ecoscape’s Composite Cladding Solutions
Composite cladding is one of the best options for transforming the exterior of your home with beauty, style, and outstanding performance. Ecoscape UK offers homeowners premium composite cladding containing a unique combination of recycled plastic and wood fibres. Our cladding comes in planks that mimic traditional wood grain and textures, available in a wide variety of colour and size options.
In addition, our composite cladding has a durable polymer outer shell that encapsulates the board, forming an impermeable layer that protects it from fading or scratching.
Shop our range of composite claddings today, or get in touch with us to find out more.