Wall Cladding is a Great Alternative for Home Improvement and Energy Efficiency

By Martin Troughton

Wall cladding is any nonstructural material used as an exterior covering for walls either on an interior or exterior wall of a home or building. The purpose of wall cladding can be aesthetic or practical. It has a protective, stabilizing and insulating nature, but is also often used for beauty, pattern and color variety.

Cladding can usually be installed over any wall with ease because the old wall does not have to be removed. Many different forms of wall cladding are available today. Bricks or masonry veneers are popular but can be expensive. Weatherboard comes in many different textures and colors and does not need to be painted. Aluminum, sandstone, concrete blocks, aluminum, marble and plastic are other example of materials that are popular. Many of these add some material on the back for added insulation.

Wall cladding uses different materials ranging from products requiring professional installation to many products that are friendly for the do-it-yourself workmen. Companies have developed a comprehensive range of products to suit a variety of construction and consumer market sectors. Whichever choice better suits your needs for installation, a professional can help you pick the correct cladding for your particular job. Certain materials are better suited for specific walls or uses.

The appearance of a home or office can be affected dramatically by wall cladding. Often cladding has unmatched designs and the patterns add natural beauty to walls and grab the attention of everyone. It is a simple way to completely redesign a particular wall area or change the look of a house or office. For instance, many companies are now creating hygienic wall cladding which can function appropriately for commercial kitchens. Other companies focus on high-end stone and mosaic veneers that add elegance and structure to interiors or exteriors. A stone veneer on the outside of a home coupled with new plants and rocks can transform the look of a building that was once wood siding.

Wall cladding has many protective uses including energy efficiency, temperature control and moisture control (in humid areas). By providing exterior insulation wall cladding provides significant energy savings and better interior climate control. While many forms of wall cladding are waterproof, they also allow incidental moisture to easily escape. Interior wall cladding has the same benefit in that it insulates heat or cool inside the house.

All factors considered, wall cladding is a green option as far as building or reconstruction goes. Less maintenance means less paint, stains, and water and cleaning products, which is good for the environment. Many wall cladding materials are now environmentally safe. Aluminum facades and vinyl are quite strong competitors in this sector. Many new materials are not only resistant to environmental elements; they repel insects and are flame retardant.

In general, wall cladding adds value to any property. Exterior wall cladding is cheaper when compared to wood, fiber cement, brick and stone, plus it is much easier to maintain and clean. Interior cladding can provide a practical and cost effective alternative to tiling, painting or other decorations. - 29954

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