Just as appearance of the building world and that of architects changes in it, cladding is today part of structure not only due to its function but also due to its appearances. For commercial building, home renovation, or even just plain simple wanting to reconstruct an old current run-down structure, newer material and technology applied with cladding provide visually stunning solutions that can enhance performance, security, and beauty.
But what on earth is cladding, anyway? And why is new cladding making all the waves across the entire construction sector today?
Let's take a proper look at what exactly makes new cladding such an incredible solution to architecture for our era.
What is Cladding
Cladding is the material that covers the outer surface of a building to give weather protection and an aesthetic look. Cladding can be made of many materials such as wood, metal, vinyl, fibre cement, composite panels, etc. The significant functions are:
Thermal insulation
Weather protection
Noise reduction
Aesthetic appearance
Protection from fire (by using the right materials)
Cladding is literally the first defence of the building as well as shaping the personality of architecture.
Why New Cladding Is So Popular
With improved material technology and higher expectations of energy efficiency, fire performance, and sustainability, new cladding systems are greener, better, and more attractive than the previous ones.
Following are some valid reasons why new cladding is a must-select option:
- More Stringent Fire Safety Requirements
Because of historical past occurrences involving risk in combustible or deteriorating cladding material, tight security regulations have compelled manufacturers to design fire-resistant cladding material. The mentioned materials already in existence like burning-free cores as well as having world fire performance standards guarantee facility managers and building administrators receive even safer.
- Improved Insulation Performance
New cladding systems are engineered to render a building energy efficient. The majority of the new cladding panels consist of insulating layers, which are able to regulate internal temperatures and provide the owners with a saving in cooling and heating by a considerable amount. This is a highly suggested option for green property owners.
- Easy Installation and Light Weight
With advances in material technology, clad recently is lighter, so repair is quicker, simpler, and quicker. This can decrease building construction time and scheme cost for full schemes without affecting the appearance or life.
- Design Flexibility
Cladding today is not only about function but also aesthetics. With finishes, colors, texture, and patterns galore, homeowners and architects can pick cladding that reflects their personality. Weathered timber-look cladding to metal metal panels, the visual appeal choice is practically limitless.
- Green and Sustainability Factors
Green is no longer a choice when it comes to construction. A lot of the new cladding material is:
Made from recycled material
100% recyclable
Built with low-energy production
With changing building codes that demand more environmental responsibility, more cladding is added to green building systems.
- Low Maintenance and Longer Lifespan
Rather than the cycle of deterioration, crack along the way, or rot in between, newer cladding systems are designed to withstand the heavy environmental stresses—starting with UV rays through water and dust. Low-maintenance, they are as lovely as and function according to specified expectations for decades.
- Acoustic Gains
Urban regions have greater noise pollution. There are additional levels to the sound-proofing of new cladding materials that absorb outside noise to a high degree, particularly in residential property or business offices near highways, airports, or industrial parks.
- Value Addition and Market Appeal
A new cladding building is not only more aesthetically pleasing, more energy efficient, and overall holds a higher value for the building. For developers and investors, luxury cladding application can provide improved return on investment in terms of greater marketability and curb appeal.
Top New Cladding Materials
Now let us discuss some of the top most used new cladding materials:
- Fibre Cement Cladding
Long and robust fire-resistant, fibre cement is made up of cellulose fibres, sand, and cement. Offering superior quality weather and clean, modern look, it provides very fashionable look.
- Composite Aluminium Panels (ACM)
They are made up of a core of aluminum which is placed between two thin layers of aluminum. ACM panels are strong but lightweight, and they are acquiring many applications in commercial buildings with more freedom of design.
- Timber Effect Cladding
For maintenance-free timber looks, timber-effect cladding in composite material provides timber looks but with greater durability.
- Stone Veneer Cladding
More attractive to look at and simpler to maintain, stone veneers provide luxury looks to buildings at a fraction of natural stone's expense and weight.
- Vinyl Cladding
Cheaper, easy to maintain, and with a wide range of colors available, vinyl is the homeowner's best friend.
Things to Bear in Mind when Selecting a New Cladding
Imposing as it seems, cladding selection is something to be weighed. Keep the following in mind:
Local Climate: Select material that will perform in your local climate.
Building Standards: Make sure the cladding system meets local building standards and fire-resistant material standards.
Finances: Quality material may be expensive to purchase initially but will, in most situations, provide a larger return once time has elapsed.
Aesthetic Considerations: Ensure the appearance of the cladding is proportional to the appearance of the rest of your building.
Installation Team: Always employ skilled installation team for quality fit and finish.
Future of Cladding
With even greater expectations of smart, green, and secure buildings in the future, upcoming cladding will also be certain to raise even newer standards. There can be advancements with elements of smart materials like self-cleaning surfaces, solar-active coats, or even integrated panels for generating solar power which will also function as power supply agencies.
As there is more R&D and more awareness among consumers, the future of cladding is not about wrapping a building but building it an efficient, sustainable building.
