The Most Popular Types of House Cladding
The most commonly found cladding shapes and materials as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each variant.
Maybe some of you have heard the term cladding but not many understand what the actual cladding is. Cladding is an exterior structure on a building that is mounted on the outer wall as a finishing. This cladding serves as the frame that supports the main structure of the building’s exterior. This cladding is said to have dual functions, namely as one of the elements that give a beautiful look to the building, as well as protection so that the building is not easily touched by dirt or pollution from the outside which causes the exterior structure of the building to be easily damaged. Although the cladding is not 100 percent resistant to wind or water, at least cladding is needed in adding to the exterior style of a building.
There are various shapes and materials commonly used to make this cladding. Cladding with a particular type, material, or model is usually chosen to take into account the design and beauty of the building. Cladding is also sometimes referred to as ‘siding’. Both of these terms refer to the same object, so you do not need to be confused in their habitation. The term cladding is more widely used in Europe and Australia, while ‘siding’ is more popular in South America. In fact, in some areas, there may be many who refer to this cladding as a ‘weatherboard’.
To be sure, various types of Cladding are now starting to find a place in the hearts of the community. Cladding is considered necessary to be installed on the exterior of the house, especially for homes located in areas with high pollution levels. So, what are the most widely chosen types of cladding today? Below we will describe some of the most common types of cladding found.
1. Vinyl Cladding
As the name suggests, this cladding is made from panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The use of this type of cladding is very famous in South America. This one cladding is relatively cheap and easy to cut – cut, install, and replace whenever needed. This cladding is also available in an attractive color choice, so there is no need to be repainted. Other advantages that are owned are thickness, durability, and ease of care. However, the use of siding is not suitable for homes that apply the principle of Go Green because this material is called to produce toxins that decompose and spread through the air and are very dangerous for humans. After all, it interferes with breathing.
2. Stone Veneer
This type of cladding is classified as expensive cladding, but it lasts for decades once installed without the need for complicated maintenance. Masonry veneer can consist of several types of rocks or clay arranged on the support structure of a building. This type of cladding is also more resistant to corrosive elements from the outside because once installed, this cladding will directly attach to the wall and there are no cavities in between. This minimizes the humidity of the air that can damage the walls of the building. In addition, this cladding can control the air temperature in the building so that it is not too cold or too hot.
3. EIFS
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) is the type of cladding that is probably the most popular today, especially for non-residential buildings such as schools, offices, or commercial buildings. The material used is often called similar to stucco. This cladding is made from artificial materials. EIFS is a system made of plastic-coated material that at first glance looks like stucco. With a unique texture, many are fooled and think that this cladding is made from intact natural rocks. However, this cladding still has shortcomings, namely the drainage system that has not been so good.
4. Wood Cladding
Wood cladding is more widely used in buildings in the South American region. Usually, the materials used are oak, pine, and cedar. However, there is often an ‘overlap’ in the installation of segments and this is called “clapboard”. This later gave rise to the term “clapboard house”. The use of wood cladding is certainly naturally weather-resistant, environmentally friendly, and can reduce heat in buildings. In addition, this material is also quite strong and durable, it’s just that it needs more maintenance and periodic re-tightening.
5. House cladding
There are 2 variants of House cladding or siding. The first is a type of corrugated steel that is commonly used for storage warehouses. This product is very strong, durable, and durable and can last years without treatment. It’s just that, in a less attractive and easily rusty appearance. The second variant of metal siding is aluminum siding which is used in homes. This material is suitable for homes in coastal areas because it is not easily corroded and resistant to sea breezes that contain a lot of salt and intensity that is quite strong. In general, metal siding is indeed more expensive than siding or other cladding. It’s just that this material is not easily weathered or eroded by weather changes.