Composite cladding is very popular amongst homeowners for many reasons, and it has been for some time. However, it’s also increasingly used for commercial applications as well.
This is because it provides similar benefits to commercial properties as it does to private residences. Its versatility means that it can be used on the exterior of almost any type of commercial building.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at some of the ways that composite cladding can be applied commercially. We’ll also examine some of the many benefits that composite cladding can bring to the premises of a business.
Why Is Composite Cladding Popular For Commercial Use?
There are many reasons why commercial composite cladding has become so popular amongst designers, architects and contractors. It’s one of the most economical choices for building projects and businesses.
It’s also a more functional and sustainable option than traditional timber cladding which makes it an appealing choice for business owners. Commercial composite cladding boards are the most innovative form of exterior wall cladding currently on the market.
Architects and contractors appreciate the fact that composite cladding can be cut easily and is not difficult to install. This means that it can be used to create unique and creative designs.
Its versatility as a building material is also greatly appreciated. It can be used to help a building blend into its surroundings with smooth curves or can help to make a building stand out.
As it’s so easy to install, commercial composite cladding can also be fitted over extensions to buildings that are added at a later date.
This gives wood-plastic composite cladding a distinct advantage over wood cladding which is more difficult to remove and re-fit once it has been installed.
Examples Of Commercial Composite Cladding Uses
Healthcare facilities
Deciding on the best look for a hospital or healthcare facility facade can be difficult. Many still prefer the appearance of wood cladding boards to adorn the exterior walls of such facilities. This is due to the belief that natural wood creates a more traditional feel.
However, our WPC cladding boards have a wood-grain finish to mimic the appearance of traditional timber. This means that our composite wall cladding has the visual appeal of natural wood with all the benefits of composite.
In such large buildings, reducing energy wastage is very important and commercial composite cladding provides excellent thermal insulation.
Factories & warehouses
Commercial composite cladding is ideal for factories and warehouses. The exteriors of such buildings have a large surface area and so installing a type of cladding that’s low-maintenance is essential.
Commercial composite cladding boards require almost no maintenance at all. They need to be cleaned around once every 6 months with a power washer. This will save a great deal of maintenance time when it comes to large properties like factories.
If you were to choose wood cladding boards for the exterior of a factory or warehouse then a lot of maintenance would be required. For buildings with such a large surface area, this would be very time-consuming.
School buildings
Commercial composite cladding is the perfect facade for all places of learning including universities, colleges and schools. When it comes to the construction, design, refurbishment or maintenance of these buildings efficiency and value for money are vital.
Whether you’re building a new learning facility or refurbishing a school as part of the UK government’s School Rebuilding programme, commercial composite cladding can provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for your learning facility.
Installing composite wall cladding will help to boost your building’s energy efficiency and reduce its maintenance needs. This will save you money in the long term and will ensure that the learning facility is a comfortable environment for pupils and staff.
Sports & leisure facilities
Commercial composite cladding boards are available in a range of colours and styles. This means they can complement a wide array of sports and leisure facilities such as leisure centres, golf driving ranges, sports complexes, gymnasiums, and ski centres.
Whatever the type of environment you’re trying to create, composite wall cladding will fit in perfectly. For facilities with large exteriors such as sports complexes and ski centres, the versatility of composite cladding will be beneficial.
Composite cladding can be installed vertically as well as horizontally depending on the look you’re going for.
Office buildings
When choosing cladding for both residential and commercial buildings longevity is key. The last thing you want is to have to replace the cladding on a large building after a short space of time as this will be very costly.
One of the many benefits of commercial composite cladding is its anti-rot properties. As composite cladding is made from a mixture of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibre it is highly resistant to water and doesn’t rot over time.
This means that it’s very long-lasting and if you use it to clad the exterior of an office space it won’t need to be replaced for a very long time.
Studios, garden rooms & home offices
With many people now working from home garden rooms and additional home offices have never been more popular.
If you’re looking to add the final touch to the exterior wall of your home office or garden room then composite cladding would be a great choice.
Composite cladding could be used during the construction of your new space to provide insulation and give it a contemporary look. Or, if the building is looking slightly tired and weathered you can use composite cladding to give it a re-vamp.
These kinds of projects are often undertaken without the help of contractors. Composite cladding is very easy to install which makes it perfect for DIY projects.
The Benefits Of Commercial Composite Cladding
Low-maintenance
Due to the unique properties of the recycled materials used to make commercial composite cladding, it is resistant to moisture, rot, and mould. This means that it doesn’t require anywhere near as much maintenance as wood cladding.
It doesn’t need to be treated, sealed, or stained. This makes it a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution for all types of commercial buildings.
Once installed, commercial composite cladding can simply be left to do its job and withstand the elements without the need for any extra care.
Durability & longevity
When making your decision about using composite for your cladding project you may ask yourself one question. Just how long can composite cladding last? The good news is that composite cladding last for between 25 and 30 years.
This makes it a better choice for both commercial and residential properties than wood cladding. If you were to choose wood cladding instead then there would be a high chance of it rotting over time and needing to be replaced.
This could also risk damage to the exterior wall of the building as rot and mould may spread from the timber cladding to the structure of the wall itself.
Aesthetics
Commercial composite cladding is available in a wide array of styles and colours. During the manufacturing process, the colours are set and there is no need for painting once the boards have been installed.
Our range of composite cladding boards comes in 6 contemporary colours. These are silver birch, spiced oak, Havana, flint, argent, and midnight.
Our composite cladding also comes as both smooth-finished panels and slatted boards so that you can choose the style to suit your commercial property.
You can order free samples of our composite cladding so that you can experience its amazing quality and colours for yourself.
Insulation
One of the greatest benefits of commercial composite cladding is the extra insulation it provides for your property. This will ensure that heat is kept within the building and isn’t wasted.
Insulating a commercial property is one of the best ways that you can reduce its carbon footprint and make it more eco-friendly. This is particularly important for large buildings such as schools, gymnasiums and hospitals where a lot of energy is needed.
As well as making the building more eco-friendly it will also help to reduce the amount of money that is spent on energy bills. Again, this is very beneficial for larger buildings.
In addition to heat insulation, commercial composite cladding will also provide sound insulation. This is ideal for creating a more quiet and more peaceful environment within your commercial property. It is particularly good for office spaces where concentration is vital.
UV resistance
Another benefit of composite cladding is that it’s very resistant to the sun’s UV rays. This means that it fades very little over the course of its service life and retains its colour.
Having a fade-resistant exterior wall is important for commercial buildings as your business premises will maintain their visual appeal and promote a positive image.
FAQs
What are the other popular types of cladding?
The other most popular types of cladding are brick, aluminium, and wood. However, composite cladding has several advantages when compared to these other cladding options.
For example, it is more eco-friendly than wood due to the lack of maintenance required during its service life. The fact that it lasts for so long also makes it a more sustainable option than wood, which needs to be replaced far more often.
Will I need to get planning permission before I install composite cladding?
Generally, you don’t need to get planning permission before installing composite cladding.
This is due to the fact that installing it tends to fall under ‘permitted development rights’. These rights mean that, as the property owner, you don’t need planning permission to install composite cladding.
Composite cladding installations are usually classed as ‘repairs, maintenance or minor improvements’ in the UK.
Is composite cladding the most expensive type of cladding?
In terms of upfront costs, composite cladding does still tend to be more expensive than the other types of cladding in the UK. However, it’s usually more cost-effective over the course of its lifespan than the other options.
This is largely due to the fact that you won’t need to spend money on expensive treatments, paints, or sealants to keep it from rotting or fading. Its amazing durability also means you will save money on repairs and replacements.
Does composite cladding warp over time?
As with all other cladding materials, composite cladding does expand and contract when temperatures fluctuate. However, composite is designed to withstand these changes in size and won’t warp as a result of them.
Typically, a gap of around 5mm will need to be left in between the boards to allow them to expand and contract without any damage being caused. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of spacing.
Explore Our Exciting Range Of Composite Cladding Panels And Boards Today
Now that you’re up to speed on the amazing benefits of using composite cladding for commercial properties it’s time to browse our range of composite cladding panels and boards. Our entire range is scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, rot-resistant, and much more.
Each of our panels and boards also comes with a 25-year warranty to give you peace of mind that it’ll be around for a long time. We’re confident that you’ll be able to find a style and colour to perfectly complement your commercial property.
So, take a look at our range and order your free quote or sample today.
