Cladding

Last updated on February 21st, 2019 at 10:06 am

Cladding of your home is imperative to protect the basic structure of the building from the harshness of the elements. Weatherboards can prove to be great cladding materials. These shaped planks are fixed in overlapping horizontal manner. You need not worry about water seepage from ceiling as the rainwater gets drained off spontaneously. Only if the direction of the rainwater is changed against that of gravity, there would be any scope of water ingress.

A number of contemporary techniques have evolved which help in expeditious installation of cladding. You can order weatherboard in various material types like timbre, metal, fibre cement, polyvinyl chloride etc. With the plastering of fibre cement sheets, you can easily pull off monolithic effect. You have the option of using traditional plywood panels as cladding wherein flashing or batten can be used for joining boards.
There is another option available in the form of masonry veneer. Herein, cladding of brick and thin blocks of concrete are linked to the wooden framing through agile wall ties. You can also use concrete blocks for cladding. With monolithic cladding, you can achieve a seamless look. However, you need to ensure that proper sealing is done else there may be potential for leakage. You have to ensure with your mason that the final coating for waterproofing is properly done and maintained.

Traditionally, cladding is carried out in monolithic fashion with stucco. Plaster with significant cement content is applied on the sheeting and is then subjected to painting. There is another modern technique called EIFS or exterior insulation and finish system. EIFS consists of multiple layers of reinforced plaster with insulation of polystyrene. Claddings made up of aluminium panels with extrusions score highly on the durability scale and require minimum maintenance. These pre-treated panels are factory painted and does not require any intervention on your part.

Always remember to follow up with your builder so that handling and installation of cladding takes place as per the guidelines of the manufacturer. Segregate damaged panels beforehand so that you won’t have to spend significantly on re-work. Flashings should be fixed properly with needful waterproofing. If you are opting for flat panels, ensure that the panel joints are evenly placed in regular manner. Cladding should have proper finish. Battens should facilitate water drainage. If you are considering usage of additional cladding, ascertain from experts that materials won’t react when positioned side by side. Never use profuse amount of silicone for waterproofing.