Cladding is a phrase used to describe components that are affixed to a building’s basic structure. This is in contrast to structures where the exterior surfaces are formed by structural components such as applied surfaces or masonry. While cladding is usually tied to a building’s structure, it usually does not contribute to its stability. Read about the best types of cladding below.
Timber softwoods like western red cedar are one of the most widely used cladding materials. This type of wood has a natural resistance to decay and moisture and is relatively knot-free. It’s simple to stain or paint, and change to create a variety of profiles.
Oak and sweet chestnut are examples of hardwoods that can be used. Both have a high tannin content, which can cause leaching and staining when exposed to the weather. Keywood, Kebony, ThermoWood, and Platowood are examples of thermally treated timbers. The moisture and resins in these softwoods are removed by heating them to high temperatures, resulting in a stable and durable substance.
This form of cladding uses layers of thin natural stones. Stone cladding for your exterior walls gives your structure a stunning natural aesthetic that makes it stand out from other cladding styles.
Limestone is a popular choice because of its variegated color pattern. It also varies in color between light gray, yellow, brown, and black. Clarets combine varying colors for a unique sloping effect. Granites vary significantly in color and pattern, providing a wide range of options. They too can come in different colors including brown, blue, green, and black.
Brick may be a historic building material, but it’s also a top choice when it comes to exterior cladding options for commercial buildings. Modern technology has led to diverse colors, shapes, and sizes in bricks. The traditional look and durability of bricks make them a top choice for commercial buildings, especially in areas with high rainfalls and windy conditions. The composition of bricks makes them highly resistant to weathering. They also help improve thermal insulation, which reduces energy costs.
When it comes to cladding for commercial buildings, aluminum composite material (ACM) is gaining in popularity because of its durability and distinctive look. Manufactured in rolls, sheets, or panels, ACMs can be fitted and clad directly over a structure or onto pre-formed claddings, such as brick. They are low-maintenance and only need to be cleaned once a year in urban areas and twice a year in heavily industrialized areas.
You can find ACMs in a variety of colors and textures to suit any commercial building design. They’re readily available in a color solid tone, striped, perforated, brushed or scored textures. Additionally, as ACMs are pretreated, they have a protective coating, which makes them corrosion-resistant.
With so many different types of cladding, you may wonder which is the best choice for your commercial building. The type you choose will be determined by many different factors, such as the aesthetic look you wish to achieve, whether sustainability is a priority for you, and how much heat your building absorbs in the summer.
Clearview Cladding Concepts is well known in the construction industry for its extensive portfolio of projects. Visit our website for a closer look into our cladding systems.
Copyright © 2024 ClearView Cladding Concepts. All Right Reserved.