The 12 Steps of Self Build: External Appearance

ABOVE: In many instances the choice of cladding is dictated by the planners, but it bears no link to the construction system: masonry houses can be clad in timber or render; timber houses in brick or stone

For most self-builders, cladding is an unfamiliar term. Walls – external walls – seems much easier to comprehend. But there are good reasons for making a distinction between walls and cladding. Ever since the widespread adoption of the cavity wall, some 80 years ago, the superstructure of the house and the surrounding walls have become separate entities. The load-bearing function of the wall is conventionally carried by the inner wall, which is never seen, whilst the external wall serves two purposes — to keep the weather out and to look good. Masonry houses can be clad in timber or render; timber houses in brick or stone. Hence, when analysing the housebuilding process these days, we tend to look at the external walls separately from the rest of the superstructure.

As with joinery and roof covering, there is a wide choice of materials, but this doesn’t mean that anything goes. On most sites, the options are actually quite narrow – often dictated by the local planners – and a good deal of care should be taken to complement the materials chosen with the joinery and the roof covering.

Find out more about external appearances:

• Brickwork
• Building with Stone
• Timber Cladding
• Exterior Render
• Rainwater Goods

The 12 Steps of Self Build:

• Step One: Starting Out
• Step Two: Your Route
• Step Three: Construction Systems
• Step Four: Groundworks & Foundations
• Step Five: Roofs
• Step Six: Windows & Doors
• Step Seven: External Appearance
• Step Eight: Heating & Plumbing
• Step Nine: Electrics
• Step Ten: Kitchens & Bathrooms
• Step Eleven: Internal Finishes
• Step Twelve: Outside Spaces