Composite cladding is an exterior structural material engineered to be exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and a low-maintenance alternative to wood or timber. Composite cladding is eco-friendly and a sustainable option that reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Our Ecoscape composite cladding boards have several benefits, including resistance to extreme weather elements, rot and decay, and water resistance. With this level of resistance and durability, how is composite cladding made?
How Is Composite Cladding Manufactured?
Ecoscape composite cladding is made of recycled materials like recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibres. The manufacturing process included splintering the reclaimed wood into strands that are treated chemically individually, and this chemical treatment becomes substrates, meaning they are chemically coated pieces of wood.
The cladding boards are then enclosed with a permeable polymer casing for additional protection. They are reshaped and laminated between two solid wood boards to create cladding panels.
When deciding which composite cladding is best, choose cladding that uses wood fibres that are FSC-certified, such as our Ecoscape’s ethically sourced composite cladding materials.
Why Use Composite Cladding?
Composite cladding is much thicker than traditional timber cladding material. It is designed and engineered to protect external structural walls from extreme weather conditions.
The additional insulation of the cladding reduces noise pollution and provides excellent heat retention, making it incredibly energy efficient. The added protective layer on the building makes it easier to regulate the temperature indoors, and this energy efficiency lowers your monthly energy bills and has a positive environmental impact.
Benefits of Adding Composite Cladding To Your Exterior Wall
Installing composite cladding to your exterior wall is a time-efficient and cost-effective way to give your home a new look.
Minimal Maintenance Required
Composite cladding requires little maintenance. Compared to wood cladding, composite cladding does not require regular painting, sanding, or staining to retain its visual appeal.
Although composite cladding does fade over time, it does not require varnish or sealing and will look incredible for many years. To maintain your cladding, simply use warm soapy water and a good rinse to keep it in tip-top shape.
Durability
Composite timber cladding is often far more long-lasting than traditional timber cladding, and composite cladding has a longer lifespan of twenty-five years. Hardwood cladding would need regular painting and staining to ensure that it is long-lasting and needs to be treated with harsh chemicals to ensure its durability.
The quality of composite cladding’s durability ensures that it does not rot, warp, crack, or splinter. There is no need to be concerned about pest and insect infestations that timber cladding is prone to.
Furthermore, you do not have to worry about composite cladding boards suffering from extreme damage caused by weather elements. Composite cladding does expand and contract but will always retain its shape.
Easy To Install
The composite cladding installation process is relatively straightforward and is secured using a specific aluminium clip that accommodates the cladding expanding and contracting. The clip is then attached to joists or battens made from pressure-treated timber, aluminium, or plastic.
Composite Cladding Applications
Composite cladding on external walls perfectly suits garden buildings, residential homes, and commercial buildings. Ecoscape’s composite cladding provides exceptional protection for the exterior walls of your house from the elements.
Does Composite Cladding Add Value?
Composite cladding adds to your home’s market value, and it is visually appealing, eco-friendly, and adds curb appeal. A key selling point for many homeowners is the minimal upkeep required, aesthetics, durability, and resistance to damage with composite cladding.
While composite cladding has somewhat more expensive upfront costs, your investment will pay for itself since it has a lifespan of twenty-five years and is exceptionally durable. Additionally, the insulation features of composite cladding will reduce your energy costs and save you money due to how low maintenance they are.
Composite cladding is not only aesthetically attractive but also increases the mechanical strength of the building, reducing the need for expensive upkeep that saves you from unforeseen expenditures.
An additional reason why composite cladding adds value to your home is the sustainability factor. You will be at the forefront of the fight to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the battle to combat the ongoing climate crisis. Composite cladding reduces CO2 emissions, and composite materials are part of the government’s Net-Zero 2050 decarbonisation strategy.
Does Composite Cladding Require Planning Permission?
If you’re installing composite cladding outside your home for cosmetic purposes, you probably won’t require a building permit since this falls within your permitted development rights.
Installing composite cladding for cosmetic purposes does not require planning permission since it falls within your permitted development rights.
Planning permission is required if your home is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the same goes for composite installation that exceeds a specific height threshold.
Consult an architect or a local planner if you are unsure whether you require planning permission or special approval. They will be able to advise you whether you can install composite cladding on a high-rise or historical building.
Traditional Timber Cladding vs Composite Cladding
Wooden cladding may be natural and have a different texture on each piece, but it only looks like wood unless it is painted. Since composite cladding is synthetically manufactured, it can come in many different colours, textures, and styles.
You might be able to find wood cladding that fits the style of your home and the way you want the outside walls to look, but composite cladding will probably fit a broader range of styles.
Some of our composite cladding is versatile and looks like wood, with each piece having its colours and surface textures. Therefore, composite cladding panels give the outside of your house the look of natural timber without dealing with the maintenance that real wood requires.
The cladding or siding outside your home gives it an extra layer of “skin.” So, it’s not just there for looks; it can also protect your house from the weather. If you have to choose between wood and composite cladding, the composite cladding will likely last longer because it is weatherproof and keeps pests away.
Composite timber cladding might be the same price or a little more expensive than wood cladding at first, but it will probably be cheaper in the long run because it needs less work and maintenance.
Can I Install Composite Cladding Myself?
Installing composite wall cladding is relatively easy and can be done if you enjoy DIY projects. Be aware that some skill is required to install cladding. At best, you will need to know how to operate power tools. Also, ensure you have the right safety gear, like protective eyewear.
Understand the Tools Required for Installation
Installing cladding requires the use of specific tools that you need to be familiar with. You will need experience operating a saw to cut the composite cladding boards accurately. Here is a list of tools required: Here is a list of tools required:
- Tape measure
- Circular saw
- Carpentry Square
- Spirit Level
- Power Mitre Saw
- Hand Drill
- Impact driver
- Safety Glasses
Familiarise Yourself With the Clips and Joists
Composite cladding is heavy and will need the correct support frame or joists. Use pressure-treated wood to create your joists for added durability and longevity. Also, ensure that your measurements are as accurate as possible and that the distance between the joists adheres to the relevant building codes.
You must be familiar with the various clips and fasteners needed to install wall cladding. It would be best if you had starter clips to secure the first set of cladding boards. The clips you use must be for composite cladding. Cladding boards expand and contract, and the clips should be able to accommodate them.
It is recommended that you use our professional Ecoscape service to ensure that your composite cladding installation is correctly installed and is up to code.
FAQS
Can composite decking be used for cladding?
Although composite cladding and decking are made from the same composite materials, installing decking as cladding materials is not recommended. Using high-quality composite decking as siding or cladding will void the warranty.
Does composite cladding need ventilation?
During the installation process, there will be a gap between the cladding boards as well as the exterior walls to allow air ventilation and drainage. The space between the boards ensures that no moisture or air becomes trapped.
Is composite cladding eco-friendly?
Our composite cladding is eco-friendly due to the recycled composite material used to manufacture the boards. The carbon footprint of composite cladding is also much lower than any other cladding product.
Is composite cladding flexible?
One of the most significant benefits of composite wall cladding is design flexibility and how versatile it is.
Final Thoughts
Composite cladding from Ecoscape can dramatically improve the value and overall look of any home or commercial building. The extended list of benefits of composite cladding is incredibly varied and easy to install and maintain. Composite cladding’s strength and durability came from a combination of the recycled plastic and reclaimed wood it is made from.
If you plan on installing composite cladding yourself, ensure that you have the correct tools and safety gear. Also, ensure that your building does not need planning permission.
