If you’re building a new home or improving the exterior of an existing one, choosing the right exterior wall cladding is an important decision. It’s not only a significant part of the home’s curb appeal, but it also contributes to the home’s overall energy efficiency and performance.
There are many factors to consider when choosing exterior wall cladding for your home. The type of cladding you choose will play a big role in the overall look and feel of your home, as well as how well it withstands the elements. Here are 8 factors you should consider when making your selection:
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Table of Contents
Colour:
The colour of your cladding will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Most exterior wall claddings are available in a number of different colours, so you can choose one that matches the style of your home and also complements its surrounding environment.
For example, if you live in an area with a lot of greenery around, you may want to consider choosing a green or brown cladding to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
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Style:
The style of your home’s exterior wall cladding will also have an impact on its overall appearance and curb appeal. Consider what type of style would work best with your home’s architectural design as well as its location and surroundings.
For example, if you live in an older neighbourhood with traditional architecture, there are many styles available that will blend in nicely with the existing architecture around it.
If you live in a modern community with contemporary homes, consider something more modern such as metal panels or siding with large expanses of glass windows instead of solid walls for natural light and ventilation purposes.
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Maintenance:
Some types of cladding require very little maintenance, while others require more frequent care and attention. For instance, brick or stone may need to be cleaned regularly because they can stain easily if exposed to moisture or dirt over time.
Other types of exterior wall cladding don’t require much maintenance at all! For example, vinyl siding requires very little maintenance beyond cleaning it occasionally with mild soap and water, followed by rinsing off any excess soap residue with water from a hose.
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Cost:
The cost of cladding can vary depending on its composition and installation requirements. For example, vinyl siding costs less than metal but may require maintenance more frequently than wood. Other factors that affect cost include how much material is needed for each project and where it will be installed.
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Weather resistance:
Different types of cladding offer varying degrees of protection from rain, wind and sun exposure. For example, aluminium siding is highly durable and lightweight but does not provide much insulation value for walls exposed to extreme cold weather conditions, whereas wood siding offers greater insulation value but may be damaged by wetness or decay if not properly maintained.
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Energy efficiency:
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing exterior wall cladding is energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency is critical to your home’s overall performance and longevity, so it’s important to choose a material that performs well in this area. Some materials have better thermal insulating properties than others, which will help reduce heating and cooling costs.
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Sustainability:
Another important factor to consider when choosing exterior wall cladding is sustainability. If you want to build a long-lasting home that will stand the test of time, then you should look for products that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Sustainable products use less energy than their traditional counterparts, which reduces your carbon footprint and helps the environment. They also use less water and other resources during production, which helps preserve our natural resources for future generations.
The Bottom Line:
Exterior wall cladding is a big decision, so it’s important to consider all your options before choosing any type of wall cladding for the exterior of your home.
