Cladding
What is cladding?
Cladding is a type of external weatherproof finish that is installed on the exterior of buildings for weatherproofing or aesthetic purposes. Cladding comes in many different materials, systems, and finishes, and can be used to great effect to modernise the appearance of a building. IIn modern construction, cladding is most often installed as a part of the weather proof finish of timber framed loft conversion, though it is also commonly installed over existing masonry during renovation works to spruce up the appearance of the property
What are the criteria for the installation of cladding?
All types of cladding are installed to a pattern, either perfectly level, perfectly plumb, or installed at a set angle. Care should be taken to ensure that the desired orientation is maintained during the installation. Before installation, a correct membrane should be installed onto the substrate in accordance with the cladding instructions. For most commonly available products, this is some type of breathable membrane. The felt is held in place, and the cladding ventilated through the installation of battens that the cladding is fixed to. Again, the battens must be installed at correct centres in an appropriate orientation for the installation of the desired cladding effect. As part of the weatherproofing systems, each subsequent row of cladding installed clicks into or laps over the previous row to prevent water from entering between the rows. Necessary trims should be installed where required in relation to the cladding systems. Appropriate fixings should be used for the cladding.
How is cladding installed?
As mentioned, there are many different types of cladding that can be used to achieve different aesthetic outcomes and regulation requirements. Here we shall look at the features of the most common types of cladding, and how they are installed.
Cement board
Cement board cladding is a cement based material that is very durable - boasting fire resistant properties. There are many manufacturers of this product, each offering different finishes, styles, and colour options. The cladding comes in lengths, often around 3.6 metres long, and are relatively heavy. Many cement board systems come with an array of trims that aid with the installation of the product as well as the overall aesthetic. This style of cladding is very modern and is used to great effect in new builds as well as renovations. The engineered nature of this product ensures that every board is straight and free from twist and cup. It also ensures that every board is more or less the same width, to within a couple of millimetres. The following is an explanation of how this cladding system is installed, with a description of the purpose of each trim.
Battened out with inch and a half. Vent trim and starter trim at bottom. Dpc up corners behind corner trim. Dpc behind joins. End trim can be used for sloped as well as non returning ends. Internal and external corner trims are available. Starter trim installed over windows.
Timber
Cheapest options - not neecesasrily fire resistant and high maintenance. Prone to warping and cupping in the sun. also not a regular size from the factory. Different materials are more or less resistant. The best stuff is very expensive. Does look good though, very warm and aestheitc. Doesnt necessarily come with times, just vented with a corner on it. Ship lap or feather edge is the most typical.
Plastic
Upvc product, middle of the road price wise, doesnt require much maintenance but doesnt look fantastic. Easy to install, widely available with trims. Different colours.
Tile hung
not directly a type of cladding, and also not typically installed by carpenters - its used to the same end though and so worth mentioning.