The cladding you choose for your home is an important step in defining the look and feel of the project—you may have strong ideas or you may want to talk to your designer about the pros and cons of each option.
There are many variables in choosing a cladding type including budget, function, maintenance, aesthetics, architectural intent and context. A cladding type can take on a different character and meaning depending on the building design or setting. Some schemes have a strong cladding concept from the start, while others evolve during the design process.
Generally speaking each cladding type has its own unique character and application which ‘speaks’ to the form it encloses—it is part of the ‘language’ of the design. Claddings are continually reinvented and used in new ways.
The right cladding will help keep your home weathertight as well as looking good and can greatly affect its value and re-sale potential. So even if you’re not renovating for profit, cladding your property effectively is a wise investment that pays both short and longer-term dividends.
Options include:
· Timber weatherboards - Versatile and attractive, but can be a higher maintenance option.
· Plaster systems—Another versatile and popular product that has come a long way since the days of “leaky buildings”.
· Brick - Forget the brick of the burbs and think modern and cool—bricks are durable and low maintenance if left unpainted.
· Long run colorsteel - Durable, low maintenance, fire resistant and waterproof. Providing it’s correctly installed avoiding scratches or other damage that can lead to premature corrosion.
· Stone - Hardwearing, fire resistant and low maintenance. Stone cladding may be natural or manufactured and is a cost effective way to achieve an authentic stone-built look.
