While cladding panels offer a variety of benefits, they can also pose significant environmental challenges. For example, wood, vinyl, and aluminum can only provide limited protection from the weather. At the same time, fibre cement can withstand high winds and significantly reduce the fire risk. While these materials have advantages and disadvantages, they are not appropriate for climates with above-average precipitation. This article will discuss the various types of cladding for buildings.
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Wood cladding is environmentally friendly
Compared to concrete or steel, wood is environmentally friendly and has higher durability, and wood also supports larger spaces with fewer supports. Prefabricated buildings made from wood also reduce waste and increase material efficiency. And as a bonus, they can be painted any colour!
Sustainable building materials help preserve habitats and old-growth forests. By adopting PEFC and FSC certification, Derako ensures that their wood comes from sustainable forests. The certifications also help consumers and dealers choose products that support responsible forest management. This way, you’ll be helping the environment while simultaneously supporting local economies. And you’ll save money in the process! And the beauty of wood cladding panels, they’re also affordable!
Another benefit of eco-friendly building materials is that they can be recycled. While vinyl and fibre cement is difficult to recycle, wood cladding panels can easily be recycled. And they won’t cause any disposal issues. Besides, wood cladding panels for buildings are made of renewable wood, meaning they can last for decades. These are all benefits of eco-friendly building materials, and wood cladding is undoubtedly one of the greenest.
Vinyl cladding is popular
While some people associate vinyl siding with low-quality cladding, this is not true. Vinyl siding has become the most popular type of cladding for single-family homes for 20 years, and it’s equally as versatile for commercial applications. Various vinyl siding grades and styles are available, including premium and super-premium polymeric panels. Compared to other types of cladding, vinyl has better environmental impact ratings.
Stucco is not a good choice for climates with above-average precipitation
In areas of above-average precipitation, stucco is not an ideal material, and its moisture and fire-resistant properties make it an excellent choice in arid climates. A better option than stucco for climates with above-average precipitation is brick veneer. Brick veneer and stucco have perforated flashing to help water drain out. Wood siding and furring strips should be screened to prevent insects from invading the stucco. Besides, a drainage plane must be in place before stucco can be applied to a structure.
Brass cladding is lightweight
It is possible to design a building’s exterior walls using various types of cladding. These cladding materials are versatile and can be customized to your design needs. They offer many benefits, including fire resistance, increased insulation, and aesthetic appeal. The popularity of lightweight cladding has skyrocketed, with more than 70% of the market share for multi-residential complexes. It has surpassed brickwork and become one of the most popular materials for building exteriors.
Steel cladding is durable
The material used for steel cladding panels for buildings is far more durable than other materials such as wood. This material is also greener than most other materials because steel is made from post-consumer recycled products, making them an environmentally-friendly choice. The cladding can also be reused for other construction projects, such as edifices and industrial sheds.
Stainless steel cladding is another material that is durable and resistant to rust. These panels are made from a chromium-steel alloy, which is naturally corrosion-resistant. The steel used to create these panels is also self-repairable, which means they can maintain their shine and lustre for years to come. In addition, steel cladding is less likely to rust or dent because it has a passive oxidized coating.
Corten steel is another type of steel cladding panel that is highly durable. It is an alloy of iron, nickel, chromium, and silicon. It is weather-resistant and can be customized to achieve the look you want. Because it is rust-like, it is virtually maintenance-free and will not require painting, making it an excellent option for building exteriors. Corten steel cladding panels are also very aesthetic, offering a distinctive industrial look and a high degree of protection.
PVC cladding is low-maintenance
There are many benefits of PVC cladding panels for buildings. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also incredibly durable and low-maintenance. It’s excellent for splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for these areas. Installing PVC wall cladding is easy thanks to the inclusion of fixing accessories such as capping strips and joining trims.
For commercial and retail properties, interior PVC cladding panels are the perfect solution for the exteriors of buildings. They are low-maintenance and durable and have a range of colours and finishes to match any interior design.
