Popular External Cladding Options
The visual appearance of a new home is determined by what is used on the exterior cladding. It is not only what the material looks like, but the material must contribute towards the energy rating and performance of the building. Creating modern and timeless buildings is a key element in the early design aspects of any new project.
The outside appearance of a building is also determined by the client’s budget. There are multiple options for creating a building’s external appearance, and below are a few options:
- Hebel and foam panelling: These two products are probably the number one choice for new homes. The main reasons for their popularity are speed of installation, cost and thermal properties. Once installed, these two products can be textured coated and painted to whatever colour you like, and if in 10 year’s time you change your mind about the colour, it can all be repainted again.
- Colour bond panels: Another popular choice for external cladding. With similar benefits to hebel and foam it can be quickly installed and still within most people’s budget, Unfortunately, it does not offer the same thermal benefits without adding other products with its installation.
- Dressed brick: This is at the higher end of the price range due to its high labour requirements to install. Bricks do not offer a very good thermal resistance to heat and require additional insulation, such as sarking, to manage the thermal ratings.
- Wooden panelling: Like bricks, this is at the high end of the cost scale for the same reasons as bricks and will also require ongoing maintenance. When used, it may only be on the prominent side of the house as a feature wall etc.
When making decisions on what the outside of a new home will look like, we need to consider local authorities’ rules, lead times from manufacturers and installation procedures on the site.
Bricks and wooden panelling require longer to install and therefore scaffolding needs to be onsite longer, which has a flow-on effect to other trades that need to perform their tasks after this process.