If you’ve wanted to clad your home for a while, then you’ve likely started doing research on what the best materials to use will be. This will have inevitably led you to composite cladding, as it has become one of the most popular cladding materials around, and for more than a few good reasons.
One of the main reasons people are choosing composite cladding over traditional timber cladding is the fact that composite cladding boards can last much longer and require far less maintenance than timber cladding boards.
What Is Composite Cladding Made From?
Composite cladding is made from Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), which is a building material that is designed to look just like wood, yet is far more durable.
Our composite cladding boards are created with a mixture of recycled wood fibre, recycled plastic, colourants, and some bonding materials. This mixture is heated to an extreme temperature, extruded into the shape of cladding boards, embossed, and then left to cool.
There are also two different types of wood-plastic composite cladding boards, as you can purchase either uncapped composite cladding boards or capped composite cladding boards.
The difference is that the capped boards have an extra layer of polymer plastic that protects them from the elements, fading, scratching, and staining better than uncapped boards do.
What Are The Benefits Of Composite Cladding?
Composite cladding can offer many different benefits to your home besides just giving it a fresh, modern look.
Cladding can improve the insulation of your home significantly, which means you’ll end up spending a lot less on heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
It can also provide your home with an extra layer of UV resistance and protection from wind and rain. The fact that cladding boards will likely cover most of the exterior area of your home means that it will bear the brunt of whatever weather conditions the UK climate is going to throw at it.
Composite cladding also requires much less maintenance than wood cladding boards. Wood cladding needs to be cleaned, oiled, stained, varnished, and/or painted a few times a year. If you don’t maintain your wood cladding, it can warp, splinter, rot, develop mould and algae, and become infested with termites or other wood-eating insects.
Composite cladding, on the other hand, only needs to be cleaned when you notice it has started to become dirty. You can easily clean composite cladding boards using a pressure washer set to low pressure, or you can use some soapy water, a soft-bristled brush and it will work just as well.
How Long Does Composite Cladding Last Compared To Other Materials?
The lifespan of timber cladding will depend on the type of wood that you choose to use. Cheap softwood will only last between 7 to 15 years, while the most expensive hardwood can last up to 25 years if it is maintained properly.
Ecoscape’s composite materials come with a 25-year warranty, but composite cladding and other Wood Plastic Composite products can last up to 50 years if they are installed properly and maintained on a regular basis.
uPVC cladding can last for an extremely long time, as it is made entirely from plastic; however, it is prone to fading more quickly than composite cladding, so while your uPVC cladding could last for longer than 50 years, it won’t look as good doing it.
Why Does Composite Cladding Last Longer Than Wood Cladding?
The use of recycled plastic in composite cladding allows it to withstand the elements far better than timber cladding, as wood is still a natural material whether it is treated or not.
This recycled plastic prevents the rest of the components of the mixture from rotting, fading, scratching, and insects. Composite cladding also does not warp, splinter, or sag over time, which means it will not need to be replaced as soon.
Why Does Capped Composite Cladding Last Longer Than Uncapped Composite Cladding?
As stated above, the extra layer of plastic surrounding capped composite cladding increases the lifespan of the product, making it more durable than uncapped composite cladding. This extra plastic layer provides extra protection against scratching, staining, and the elements.
Uncapped composite cladding is still far more durable than normal timber cladding boards, as it still has the inclusion of recycled materials like plastic that protects it from the elements far better than wood can.
FAQS
Does composite cladding fade?
Composite cladding boards will likely fade to become a few shades lighter after they are installed, as the natural wood oils will begin to wash out once they have been exposed to the sun and some wet weather.
Your composite cladding should not fade much more than this, though, and will only begin to fade after many years of it being outdoors. Our Forma Cladding is UV stable and guaranteed not to fade, please review our technical data.
Will I need planning permission to install composite cladding?
Generally, you will not need planning permission to install composite cladding to the exterior walls of your home; however, this may not be the case if you live in an estate or conservation area.
Where can I purchase composite cladding from?
Ecoscape is a great place to purchase composite cladding. We offer 25-year warranties, delivery, and have a wide range of natural colours to choose from. We really do believe we offer the best composites on the market, in terms of quality, colour streaking and design.
Final Thoughts
If you look after your composite cladding properly by keeping it clean on a regular basis, it could take the rest of your life before you need to replace it.
This is why composite cladding from Ecoscape should definitely be your first option when it comes to choosing cladding materials. We also offer a range of low-maintenance composite decking which will add a modern touch to any outdoor space.
