Which is the best cladding to use on your new home?
Selecting the right exterior cladding for your new home involves more than just picking a material. It’s about balancing style, quality, cost, and maintenance. Here’s an expanded guide to help you make an informed choice:
1. BRICK
Pros: Timeless, durable, fire-resistant, low maintenance, and cost-effective.
Cons: Limited to traditional looks, though now available in various colors and finishes.
Design and Style: Suitable for classic and rustic styles. Adds a warm, enduring aesthetic.
Quality Considerations: Look for high-quality bricks with good colour options and ranges of sizes.
2. PLASTER AND CONCRETE
Pros: Versatile with many finishes (smooth to textured), excellent insulation, modern appeal.
Cons: Can be mundane without creative treatment.
Design and Style: Ideal for sleek, modern, and minimalist designs. Can mix with other cladding types.
Quality Considerations: Ensure proper sealing and finishing to prevent cracking. You need a very specifically experienced builder to achieve the look and quality of concrete. There is no doing it twice!
3. METAL
Pros: Modern, industrial look, exceptionally durable, low maintenance, lasts 60-80 years.
Cons: Higher cost for steel, not the best for insulation, aluminium can be easily damaged.
Design and Style: Great for contemporary and industrial designs. Provides a sleek, clean look.
Quality Considerations: Choose corrosion-resistant metals and ensure proper installation to avoid dents and scratches.
4. TIMBER
Pros: Lightweight, beautiful, natural look.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, prone to warping and movement, limited color options. You need to be happy with natural imperfections.
Design and Style: Perfect for traditional, rustic, and eco-friendly designs as well as modern designs with vertical board options. Adds warmth and character.
Quality Considerations: Opt for high-quality, treated timber to reduce maintenance and warping.
5. COMPOSITE/MANUFACTURED
Linea, Axon Panel and Innowood are all examples of composite or manufactured cladding products.
Pros: Low maintenance, cost-effective, versatile in color and finish, some pre-finished options.
Cons: Similar in cost to timber but more durable.
Design and Style: Suitable for modern and versatile designs. Can mimic the look of natural materials.
Quality Considerations: Look for high-quality composites that offer UV resistance and durability.
6. STONE
Most commonly seen in Queenstown, Schist, granite and slate are just a few of the popular stone types used as cladding options.
Pros: Natural, timeless look, blends with landscapes, can be used inside and out.
Cons: Expensive, heavy, can be labour-intensive to install.
Design and Style: Ideal for rustic, natural, and luxurious designs. Adds a solid, prestigious feel.
Quality Considerations: Ensure proper installation to prevent shifting and maintain integrity. Need to consider it early in the design to ensure it is incorporated correctly, especially if it will be inside and out.
Final Thoughts Always consider the initial cost, long-term maintenance, durability, and how the cladding fits with your overall design vision. Consulting with your builder and architect early can help you make the best choice for your new home..
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