Exterior Wall Cladding in South Africa: 8 Things You Need To Know

Whether you're thinking of adding a new layer of wall cladding to your home or replacing the existing plywood cladding with a more attractive option, or want to be able to add drywall sheets to one side of your external walls, there are a lot of things you need to get right for this project to be successful.

To make sure your project meets these requirements and is completed on time and within budget, here are 8 crucial things we think you should consider before going down that route!

Exterior wall cladding is the process of attaching or placing an extra layer to the exterior brick or stone surface. The intention behind this is primarily to protect the surface from getting broken and give it a new look and feel.

The main reason you would choose to go for exterior cladding is that you think it might be time for your home to have some fresh look or feel. Exterior cladding systems are crucial in the creation of building exterior walls.

These systems will caulk the edges of the wall and protect the individual from exposure to the rain forest, wind, and other natural calamities when it comes to exterior cladding in South Africa. There are 8 of the major deciding factors that should be considered if you want a quality and durable cladding system.

Why Is Exterior Wall Cladding A Necessary?

 Composite wood cladding is a type of panel that combines the look of natural timber with the strength and durability of manufactured products. It is made from materials, including MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), chipboard, and melamine coated particleboard. The appearance of composite wood cladding panels is designed to resemble natural wood, and it can be stained to match or contrast your home's decor.

The composite cladding has many aesthetic benefits that are extremely popular with homeowners today. This type of exterior cladding provides the beauty and glamour of traditional timber without the expense, maintenance requirements, and warping that typically comes with natural timber panels. Composite panels are also highly resistant to insects, rot, mold, and damage from moisture.

Since the exterior wall cladding is the outermost layer of your home or building, it plays an essential role in keeping your property protected and intact. Aside from its protective function, it also enhances the overall aesthetics of your house or building as well.

Tiling and plastering are two of the most common ways to finish your exterior walls. These materials are known for their durability, but they can also add weight and may not be as energy-efficient as other cladding options.

Reasons to Choose Exterior Wall Cladding

There is more than one reason you should consider using exterior wall cladding instead of traditional tiling or plastering. One of the significant benefits is that it does not require any heavy tools or equipment to install. Therefore you do not need to engage experienced contractors to assist you with the installation procedure.

Another thing you will like about exterior wall cladding is that it's elementary to install and doesn't take up a lot of space—all you need to do is fix them on the surface where they will be installed, which means that they won't take up any room inside

Which Type Should You Choose?

Architectural cladding should protect your home from weathering and be waterproof and fireproofed. The Composite Company panels are made from a mixture of recycled wood and plastic, which means they are light, easy to work with, and affordable. They are also non-combustible and mold-resistant, so there is no risk of rot or damp spreading through the timber underneath.

Composite cladding can be used to create an impressive feature wall or hide any wall imperfections.

You can have your new wood cladding fitted in whatever design you want - even curved shapes that would be impossible with natural wood. And thanks to its tight cellular structure, The Composite Company composite wood cladding has a highly stable surface; it will not warp or shrink over time.

How Does Exterior Wall Cladding Add Comfort And Convenience?

Treat yourself to a warm welcome with cladding designed to turn heads. For a long-lasting exterior that is stylish and practical, add a cladding system to your home.

Walls that are well-insulated with exterior cladding, such as wood or aluminum, will improve your comfort and convenience.

Though the benefits of cladding may be hidden from plain sight, they are easy to appreciate once you begin using your home regularly. As you use your home more often throughout the year, you will be able to see how these benefits can improve your quality of life.

Things You Should Know Before Going For It:

1. Maintenance Factor

Before choosing any material you want to use on your home's exterior, you should consider its maintenance factor as well. Some fabrics require frequent maintenance, while others require only basic cleaning or other care.

2. Cost Factor

The cost factor also determines what kind of material you will use on your home exterior. You can install simple brick cladding on your home's exterior wall at a meager price, but if you have chosen an expensive material, then its cost might be pretty high as well.

3. Durability

When it comes to aesthetics, people often overlook durability as a factor in their decision-making process. However, durability is important because you want a product that will last for a long time and look great all year round.

4. Maintenance

There is no point in choosing an exterior cladding if it requires too much maintenance or special attention. You want something easy to keep clean, maintain and fix when damaged by the weather or other external factors.

5. Added Safety

By protecting your walls from rain and wind damage, cladding also helps prevent water from seeping into them from outside sources. This can help extend their life while preventing water damage caused by freezing or thawing walls during seasonal temperature changes. When it's time to sell your home, cladding can help avoid costly repairs that detract potential buyers when they view its interior. Suitable cladding replacement materials are readily available at most local building supply stores.

Cladding helps to protect your home from fire and water damage as it protects against heat. It also protects from storms and other natural disasters such as tornadoes, high winds, hail, and hurricanes.

Exterior wall cladding acts as a barrier between the ground and the home's walls, keeping moisture from the foundation and roof structure.

This can prevent dry rot and other problems caused by moisture seeping through your walls into your home's wood framing.

6. Aesthetic Appeal

Exterior wall cladding can help improve your home's curb appeal and enhance your outdoor living space. Brick exteriors have timeless appeal. Bricks provide an old-fashioned feel that is synonymous with classic design and style. Brick exteriors can add some elegance to your home while keeping it in harmony with the surrounding area.

Brick exteriors in a historic neighborhood or landmark would be right at home. Still, they work well on modern homes because they complement contemporary design elements like aluminum siding and other materials that blend well with brick without overpowering it.

7. Insulation

Many exterior wall cladding provides insulation from the elements, depending on which materials are used.

The initial choice is whether you choose an interior or exterior treatment. Exterior cladding creates a weatherproof barrier and can help protect the insulation behind it. It also protects against pests and moisture damage. On the other hand, interior cladding protects the building from unwanted noise and provides a finished look.

Exterior cladding is available in various materials, including cement board, brick, blackboard, and timber. The type of material you choose will depend on aesthetics and budget and its R-value (thermal resistance rating), and how much maintenance it requires.

8. Energy Efficiency

Choosing the suitable material for your exterior walls can impact your home's energy efficiency, but it can also affect other factors. The material you choose will influence the upkeep and maintenance of your home, as well as how it appears and how much it costs to maintain.

If you plan to sell your house in the future, your decision will impact resale value. Many types of exterior wall cladding last longer than other materials, making them better options for energy efficiency. They also prevent heat loss and help to keep your home cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. The first aspect to consider when choosing between different types of cladding is energy efficiency.

As you may know, exterior walls regulate indoor temperature by preventing heat loss through conduction, convection, and radiation.

Bottom Line:

When it comes to external cladding, there are numerous factors to consider, most of which rely on the circumstances at hand. For example, if you're building a house from scratch, you can get away with using any material you want. If a home is being remodeled or expanded, you will probably have to deal with existing walls cased for brick.

Wrapping up, you must consider all the points we've listed above before starting the cladding process. You don't just want to create and go through it half-heartened. If the budget, project, and everything else falls in place, then you should feel free to start this project for sure. The job doesn't need much of your time if professionals do it.

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