Finish Facades Knowledge Base
Different Types of Cladding
Choosing the right wall cladding is crucial as it defines the look and feel of a building. However, it is not just about aesthetics; cost, quality, and materials are equally important. Cladding refers to any material applied to the outer surface of a building's walls. It can be attached directly or fixed to battens. The added layer not only protects the building but also transforms its appearance. From timber to fibre cement, tile, and metal cladding, each option has its own benefits.
Benefits of Cladding
There are various types of building cladding materials, as a whole each system gives you lots of benefits, like added protection and better looks. It protects the building from the outside elements like rain, wind and temperature fluctuations which extends the life of the building and reduces maintenance costs.
Cladding also gives additional thermal insulation, keeps internal temperatures consistent and reduces heating and cooling costs. It can also make the building look better, with many types of facade systems that can be complimented by various finishes and materials to match your desired architectural style. Cladding can also improve sound insulation and fire resistance depending on the material used. What materials are available and what is cladding made of depending on its application?
Glass Cladding
Glass cladding is used in modern architecture to cover the exterior of a building with glass panels to improve both function and form. This type of cladding turns the building’s facade into a smooth and modern surface that not only looks good but has many benefits. As a protective layer, glass cladding shields the building from the outside elements such as wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations, helping to extend the life of the building behind.
Exterior glass cladding also helps in providing privacy and security to the building occupants. Tinted or frosted glass panels can block the view from outside while still allowing natural light to enter, creating a bright and secure environment. Additionally, glass cladding offers sound reduction, which is very useful in noisy city areas.
Glass cladding has thermal insulation properties that help maintain internal temperatures, reducing the need for heating or cooling and thus lowering energy consumption. Glass is a non-combustible material, which means it can help to stop the spread of fire, adding an extra layer of safety to the building. External glass cladding can also be designed to have openings for natural ventilation and access.
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding is a modern and durable exterior cladding solution where you cover the exterior of a building with thin metal panels or sheets. Common metals used are aluminium, steel, zinc, and copper, each with their aesthetic and performance characteristics. Metal cladding is loved for its sleek look, high durability, weather resistance, corrosion resistance, and fire resistance.
It requires minimal maintenance and can be treated or coated to enhance its protective qualities and extend its life. The panels come in various finishes: smooth, textured, perforated, and patterned, providing many design options.
Metal cladding is often lightweight, making it easier to handle and install, reducing labour and structural costs. Its strength, versatility, and modern look make metal cladding a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings, providing a visually striking and long-lasting façade. Finish Facades range of specialist aluminium cladding for commercial buildings are used in a variety of applications, including schools, leisure centres, office buildings, and healthcare facilities for example.
ACM Cladding
ACM cladding or Aluminium Composite Material cladding is a type of exterior cladding made up of two thin layers of aluminium sandwiching a non-aluminium core, usually polyethylene or a fire-resistant mineral-filled core. This composite material results in a lightweight yet strong and durable panel that is used for its versatility and looks.
ACM cladding is known for its sleek modern appearance, available in many colours, finishes, and textures, offering lots of design flexibility. It is also weather-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and low maintenance.
However, ACM cladding has come under scrutiny and regulatory changes, especially with regards to fire safety, following high-profile fires where non-fire-resistant cores were implicated.
Importantly, ACM cladding with a polyethylene core is banned in the UK for use in high-rise residential buildings and other specific structures due to fire safety concerns. One of our company directors, Joshua Bryne, worked closely with the Home Office on changes to the Approved Document B following the Grenfell fire tragedy. Joshua has been a leading voice when it comes to fire regulations within the building industry and it shows within our cladding systems due to the rigorous BS8414 fire testing.
Fibre Cement Cladding
Fibre cement cladding is a tough and versatile material that’s becoming popular for both residential and commercial buildings. It is a composite of cement and cellulose fibres that makes for a solid finish. Made from boards or sheets, these fit together to form a weatherproof layer over the outside of the building.
Fibre cement cladding suits all sorts of architectural styles and has many benefits. It is durable and needs minimal maintenance, as it doesn’t rot, warp, or get termite damage. It is non-combustible, making it safer than wood, especially in wildfire-prone areas or where building fire codes are strict. It can be made to look like wood or stone, offering customization without compromise. Installing fibre cement cladding is practical and beautiful—the perfect choice for modern exterior buildings.
Tile Cladding
Tile cladding is a smart and beautiful way to protect and decorate the outside of a building. It involves attaching tiles to the surface of the building to cover and protect what’s underneath from the elements. Tile cladding is durable and perfect for weathering all sorts of conditions.
Tiles are practical but also a chance to make a property look good. With various colours, textures, and patterns to choose from, you can turn an old or boring building into an attractive one. Tile cladding hides the base material, giving architects and designers total control over the building’s exterior. This functionality and fashion make tile cladding a popular choice in building design.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is a modern and versatile option for exterior building facades. This type of cladding is a mix of materials—recycled wood, plastics, and bonding agents—that gives you both looks and durability. Composite cladding is engineered to resist fading, staining, and scratching, making it perfect for areas exposed to harsh weather.
One of the best things about composite cladding is its low maintenance requirements compared to traditional materials. It doesn’t need painting or sealing and is easy to clean with just soap and water. This makes it cost-effective in the long run, as it minimises maintenance costs and extends the life of the installation.
Composite cladding also has excellent thermal performance, helping to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. Its composition provides better insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. The design and colour versatility allow architects and builders to achieve various styles, from modern to rustic, making it suitable for diverse projects.
Wood Cladding
Wood cladding is loved for its looks and durability and is a practical way to add to a building’s exterior while protecting it from the elements. It is wood panels installed over a building, making it weatherproof whilst giving a natural finish. Wood has been used in construction and decoration for centuries, and modern technology showcases its sustainability and environmental credentials.
The reason wood cladding is popular now is its renewable nature, aligning with the rise of eco-building. Wood is a natural insulator, reducing energy bills by maintaining consistent internal temperatures, and is suitable for both residential and commercial use. There are many types of wood—pine, cedar, and exotic hardwoods—allowing design flexibility.
Wood cladding stands the test of time in terms of style and durability. Properly treated and maintained wood lasts for decades and is cost-effective in the long run. Timeless and functional, timber cladding is a favourite among architects and builders today.
Brick Cladding
Brick cladding, also known as brick slips, is a great material to use for both residential and commercial buildings to add style and strength. It is full-sized bricks cut down to slim profiles (14-20mm) and applied as a veneer to the inside or outside of a building.
It is popular in high-rise offices and restaurants where making a statement is key. Besides looking good, brick cladding is space-efficient, a significant advantage over traditional brick construction. Less interior space is compromised while still looking like full-thickness bricks.
With various shapes, sizes, colours, and textures to choose from, the options are endless. Architects and designers can pick a style to match any project. Brick cladding supports the structure and is part of the building’s design narrative.
Stone Cladding
Stone cladding using natural or engineered stone is a great way to give a building a real stone look. It is a thin or refined layer of stone applied to walls—internal and external. It looks like the whole building is made of solid stone, it is very striking and solid.
Natural stone is preferred for its authenticity, warmth, and durability. It is timeless and suits all architectural styles, from classical to modern. Stone cladding is good for both refurbishments and new builds.
Historically, stone cladding dates back to the late 19th century. Ancient Rome is a famous example; stone veneer panels were external to the Coliseum and other big buildings. Since then, stone cladding technology has advanced and is now more affordable and versatile. It continues to evolve, combining traditional methods and new ideas to meet today’s architectural needs.
uPVC Cladding
uPVC cladding, a synthetic alternative to traditional materials, is an efficient and cost-effective way to update your exterior buildings. This type of cladding, also known as uPVC Wall Cladding or Plastic Wall Cladding, is becoming popular for its economical way to refresh your property. Unlike wood and steel, which can be expensive and require more maintenance, uPVC is a durable low-maintenance option that withstands the elements without the need for constant upkeep.
uPVC cladding, available in styles like Shiplap and Open-V, can transform the look of your buildings. It hides any unsightly or problematic areas and improves the overall look, potentially increasing the value of your property. Moving from less practical materials to uPVC is a trend towards more modern and maintenance-free building solutions.
Choosing uPVC cladding not only reduces initial costs but also lowers ongoing maintenance costs, making it a great option for residential and commercial property owners who want to invest in their property’s future while keeping costs under control.
Enquire to Learn More about our Cladding Types
At Finish Facades, we offer a wide variety of exterior and interior wall cladding for a range of projects, from commercial to residential.
Our professional team are experienced in meeting your requirements. Whether that is requiring a bespoke facade or fire-rated cladding panels. Reach out to us here to find out more.
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