Home Construction: Considerations for Selecting Exterior Wall Cladding

The right exterior cladding is essential for the walls of a residential building. This feature is designed to provide external structural support for the house, and it protects the inner wall materials from weather damage. In addition, the cladding will determine the visual appearance of your structure. In general, there are numerous types of exterior wall cladding products, so selection of the best match can be difficult. Here are some crucial considerations to help you identify the ideal cladding.

Level of Protection 

The external wall cladding is a protective feature, so you must ensure that the installed layer will provide a reliable shield for your building. In general, the cladding should be able to withstand adverse weather and climatic conditions. However, you can choose a material that will provide protection against specific harsh aspects, depending on your region of residence. For example, if you are in an area with high humidity or rainfall, consider installing a waterproof cladding like vinyl instead of an alternative like wood.

Insulation Factors

You should consider installing external cladding which can advance the insulation properties of your building. This type of feature will minimise the transfer of heat across the walls of your house. In simple terms, the interior space will not gain heat from outside or lose warmth on cold days. Consequently, you will be able to minimise the power expenses for cooling and heating in your home. Most cladding materials provide insulation, but you should compare different R-values before purchase.

Financial Implications

You should evaluate the financial implication of the external cladding when shopping for the ideal product. Naturally, the cost of the product is not the most important factor to consider before making the decision. However, you should make certain that the price is proportional to the quality of the product. You should be wary of unexpectedly cheap products because this could indicate poor quality. Moreover, if the cladding sustains damage prematurely, you will have to spend more money on repairs and replacement.

Aesthetics

Most of the materials used in the construction of exterior wall cladding are visually appealing. However, you should consider your personal preference and the residential design style that you would like to achieve. For example, aluminium cladding will give your house a clean and contemporary appearance while stone cladding presents more classic appeal. If you want a specific style or material but are financially limited, you should consider using vinyl cladding. These products are available in numerous patterns and can be made to mimic the appearance of other materials.


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