It may not always be visible from a distance but a vast amount of buildings in the UK both commercial and domestic contain cladding in one form or another.
Cladding is done by the installation of a material to the exterior of the building to provide an aesthetic choice that will make all the difference to the finished structure.
Not only will it look pleasing to the eye but the cladding will also add monetary value to the property.
There is a multitude of options available which could be anything from brick, metal, composite, stone, cement or wood to cover the structure not only in terms of colour but also for the textures of the material.
This is a process that has been used in construction for decades and provides a wide selection of benefits for the building it can also fit in with the surrounding architecture in the area while also distinguishing the design in its own right.
So what are the benefits of Composite Cladding?
– Composite Cladding Is Durable
Durability is one of the main advantages of composite cladding and a reason that architects, main contractors and homeowners prefer it to use rather than use traditional wood cladding.
Composite cladding or wood-plastic cladding is durable because of the use of FSC certified wood fibre and recycled plastics.
– Composite Cladding offers better protection from water penetration and improves the air tightness
When you install composite cladding onto the exterior of your building you are also adding an extra layer of protection that will act as a shell to shield the material underneath.
When it comes to the build-up of condensation, composite cladding enables this to be expelled from the interior through a ventilation system and out into the external atmosphere.
This is a significant benefit to the environment inside the building, helping to ward off mould or rot that can develop over time.
Depending on the thickness of the cladding being used, it will also offer higher levels of insulation within the building.
This is not only in terms of heat but also external noise, which is particularly useful if the building is situated in a built-up, urban area.
During the winter months, the extra skin on the building makes it easier to regulate temperatures and will ultimately lead to lower energy bills for the occupants.
– Cladding will reduce energy costs and Co2 emissionsr
The initial cost of purchasing and installing composite cladding may be high but the long-term value will demonstrate its worth tenfold in the long run.
The extra insulation can lead to better temperature regulation inside and lower energy expenditure on an annual basis. Every part of a building’s construction has to take the wider environment into consideration in today’s world.
The materials used should be sustainable (FSC certified) and the environmental impact of the structure has to meet certain regulations in order to be deemed fit for purpose.
Composite Cladding helps in this regard, helping to minimise the level of carbon dioxide emissions leaving the building. These will be emitted via the heating system and also plays into the overall improvement of the insulation of the building.
– Composite Cladding reduces the overall maintenance costs
Another advantage of composite cladding is its low maintenance. Composite cladding only requires simple cleaning to make it beautiful again if it is dirty.
There is no need to sand, seal, stain or paint your cladding to make it attractive. It is unlike wood cladding that requires constant sealing, oiling, and painting to last longer.
– Wood Plastic Composite Cladding can improve the mechanical strength of the building
When choosing composite cladding you add a layer of protection to the building, this increases the mechanical strength of any building, while offering protection from a range of elements.
Buildings that incorporate composite cladding are more resistant to cracks caused by temperature or climate change, water absorption, sunlight and all kinds of pollution compared to non clad structures.
– Plastic Wood Cladding is resistant to insect attack
Another good thing about plastic wood cladding is that it is resistant to insect attack. What this implies is that termite or other bugs cannot attack your cladding. Traditional timber cladding is not immune to termite or bug attack.
– Plastic wood cladding improves the acoustic performance of a building
If you live near a busy road, or even in a lively neighbourhood, you will love the way plastic wood cladding keeps the noise out. Your home is supposed to be a quiet little hamlet, where you can escape the world and only hear the sounds you create.
So, if you have noise related issues you will be happy to know that plastic wood cladding presents an alternative to packing up and moving.
A balance may need to be struck between the thickness of the composite cladding to block out external noise, and to assist the temperature within the structure.
As with the aesthetics, the insulation will also add financial value to the building if the R-Value is high, so this is always worth taking into consideration.
– Cladding offers increased aesthetic appeal to the building structure
The reduced maintenance required and the aesthetic appeal that Composite Cladding provides (you can choose from a wide variety of finishes) will automatically add curb appeal and value to your property.
This is especially useful if you decide to sell your home in the future. Appropriately chosen composite cladding can dramatically change the overall look of your building, transforming its appeal and significantly raising its market value.
That’s why composite cladding manufacturers such as Teckwood offer a wide variety of styles, colours and finishes.
Summary
For architects, builders and home owners there are numerous drawbacks to using wood – it can rot, warp, twist and it needs constant maintenance. Wood plastic composites can offer significant advantages.
These extend from financial and environmental benefits to superior qualities in terms of design, installation and durability. Hardwood (for example) can be very expensive and is not normally FSC certified. Prices can fluctuate rapidly too.
For some structural building components the wood has to be knot-free as knots are points of weakness, meaning that not all of the raw material can be used.
Holding stocks of timber is costly and supplies are not easily transferable on to other projects.
In comparison, wood composite cladding is less expensive as it is manufactured from highly abundant recyclable plastics and more importantly FSC certified timber is used in its manufacture. The price is relatively stable in the time frame of most projects.
Keeping costs within budget is important to suppliers in order to improve margins and protect markets. Wood plastic composite cladding delivers on all fronts.
Manufacturing and maintenance costs are reduced and consistent, installation is rapid and environmental credentials are highlighted.
Any project for which wood was the original design vision can be brought to fruition by combining the performance of Teckwood’s composite cladding with the look of wood.
Please feel free to contact us to talk about composite claddings and we will be happy to share our knowledge and experience with you. Contact sales on 0800 799 8082 or email us on info@teckwood.co.uk