If your wall is showing signs of wear and tear or you don’t like the look of it anymore, you don’t just have to live with it.  You can cover over it and give your walls a whole new lease of life by installing one of the many types of cladding that are available on the market.  If cladding sounds like something that appeals to you, read on for more.

What is Wall Cladding?

Wall cladding is cladding made from one of a number of materials that allows you to cover interior or exterior walls that are in good structural condition but are looking worn or otherwise unattractive.  Cladding is most popularly used on exterior walls and thus it is made to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions.

As well as creating a more aesthetically appealing look, cladding can also help to better insulate a building due to the insulating backing on many types of cladding or their high thermal mass.  Cladding also combines well with traditional wall and ceiling insulation and can be used in combination with energy efficient glazing.

Types of Cladding

There are many different types of cladding that you can choose from.  These include:

• Timber: timber cladding is made from naturally resistant timbers or treated timbers and it comes in boards that can be installed horizontally (most common), vertically, or even diagonally.  The main advantage of using timber is the natural beauty it has but be aware that it will require ongoing maintenance to keep the cladding in top condition.
  
  
• Stone: stone cladding gives your home an unsurpassed feeling of style and luxury and can be made from natural stone such as limestone or sandstone.  The cladding is glued to the wall using quality adhesives and it can be sealed or unsealed.
  
  
• Vinyl: vinyl cladding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) mixed with other elements to create a cladding that is virtually maintenance free once it has been installed (all you have to do is clean it occasionally with soap and water).
  
  
• Fibre cement: fibre cement cladding is made from cement, sand and cellular fibres that have been compressed and formed into horizontal boards that look like wood.  Fibre cement is a cost effective option and requires little maintenance.
  
  
• Weatherboards: weatherboards are generally made from timber, reconstituted hardwoods or vinyl and can be installed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. They are the traditional cladding material that everyone is familiar with and can create some fabulous looks.
  
  
• Steel: steel cladding is made from steel that has been formed into panels and protected by galvanising or powder coating it.  Steel cladding ranges from traditional cladding looks, to corrugated panels, and sleek, flat panels.
  
  
• Aluminium: aluminium cladding is made from aluminium that is either anodised or powder coated.  It can be formed into a number of different profiles to give you looks that range from traditional right through to ultra modern.
  
  
• Concrete: concrete cladding consists of panels or tiles that are formed from concrete and you have plain or coloured concrete (or painted), in finishes that range from smooth and sleek through to intricate patterned finishes.

Find Out More About Wall Cladding

To get some more great information on cladding, check out our cladding feature or have a look through the directory to find a professional local to you.