Good cladding design depends on details, not just the material, colour, or orientation of the panels. From the first sketch to installation, several important points must be considered for a project to work both aesthetically and functionally.
Today’s cladding systems, such as Cedral, have an important role in managing moisture and ventilation within the external wall build-up. A 30mm air cavity behind the fibre cement boards allows air to move between the cladding and the structural wall, reducing condensation and humidity.
Planning Service Penetrations
Service penetrations, including vents, extractor ducts, and surface cables, need to be planned carefully. They should be set out to pass cleanly through the insulation and cavity, emerging at a precise point in the cladding.
The cavity must be sealed around each penetration, with perforated ventilation closures integrated above and below where required. This maintains continuous airflow, weather-tightness, and insulation performance, while preventing pests from entering.
Integrating Cladding with the Building
A good cladding installation needs to integrate well with the rest of the building. Planning how it will work around doors and windows in advance is essential, as leaving this decision until on-site can lead to compromises.
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Particular attention should be paid to junctions with pitched gables, flat roof soffits, and other interfaces. Fibre cement cladding has grown in popularity globally, partnering effectively with brick, natural stone, tiles, stucco, and even metal.
Choosing the Right Materials
There is a wide choice of materials to use in combination, but some go better together than others. Cedral boards offer a timber-like appearance, while providing great longevity and low maintenance.
Contemporary houses are particularly suitable for combining materials on the exterior. A typical case is the addition of an extension or annexe with cladding that will deliberately create a contrast with the main building.
When dealing with more traditional elevations, horizontal weatherboarding can create the familiar clapboard effect, with overlapping boards adding shadow and texture. Vertical cladding is also popular on domestic projects, providing a sleek, contemporary look when paired with a tongue-and-groove profile.
Costs and quality come down to more than simply the visible cladding. The key lies in preparing and installing the complete system, including details such as budget, planning requirements, material quantities, fixings, and installation.