Cladding Alternatives: New Options for Your Home

Cladding doesn’t have to mean a choice between brick, stone, timber or render. Whilst these materials remain popular options, there are now some cladding alternatives on the market which are well worth considering.

Using Corian for Exterior Cladding

Corian is a composite material (a blend of natural minerals and acrylic polymer) that is often used for worktops, but can also be used as an exterior cladding method.

It comes supplied as large panels that can be built up to achieve any shape or form required. The panels are fixed to provide a ventilated facade that allows for thicker levels of insulation and can also be used on renovations to improve upon existing insulation levels.

The material is:

• durable
• long lasting
• resistant to humidity
• resistant to fungi and bacteria
• UV stable

Corian panels use a mechanical fixing system based on an aluminium grid system, mounted on aluminium squares connected to the substrate. They can be installed by cladding contractors or professional cladding installers.

High Pressure Laminate

High Pressure Laminate (HPL) is a material which consists of 70% wood fibre and 30% resins.

According to Trespa, HPL has two key benefits over timber cladding:

• it requires no routine maintenance
• it won’t fade. (The Meteor panels have a global guarantee for 10 years, but in the UK climate, can last more than 20 years with no change in colour)

Although wood effect panels are popular, HPL isn’t restricted to wood lookalikes — there is a large choice of other colours and finishes, including a metallics range.

For those after cladding boards as opposed to panels, Trespa’s Pura planking system is well worth a look. This comes as preformed planks, available in flush and overlapping finishes and can be installed either vertically or horizontally.

A typical installed price for the complete Pura system would be approximately £130/m², including materials and labour.

Porcelain Tiles as Cladding

Tiles have long been used as an exterior cladding material in many parts of the world, although this is a relatively new system in the UK.

In addition to internal tiles, Porcelanosa now produce facade cladding systems, in conjunction with their high-tech division, Butech.

The substrate is prepared before being clad with porcelain tiles, using mechanical fastenings as an extra form of reinforcement along with suitable adhesives, before being grouted, with a minimum 5mm joint.

Customers can choose between a bonded facade or a ventilated facade, with the ventilated facade being the more expensive of the two.

Timber Cladding Finishes

With the continued popularity of timber as a cladding material, products which enhance its natural beauty and protect it from the elements are constantly being developed.

Sioo has come up with siOO:X, an environmentally-friendly, water-based wood protection system.

The treatment promises to give protection against:

• uneven, patchy weathering and discolouration
• algae, fungus, spore and surface rot
• splintering and curling of the timber’s surface

A wood protector is first applied to penetrate the fibres of the cell walls of the wood, where it forms a network of silica crystals to create a barrier which is bonded to the surface. The surface protector is then applied, binding with the wood protector to prevent water penetration.

As the mineral silicate cures over time it starts to turn the timber an even silver/grey tone within around 10-16 weeks. SiOO:X Mid Grey and Light Grey versions have been developed to give an immediate and long-lasting colour specifically for use with sawn surfaces and are only available as factory-applied coatings.

Both parts of the treatment are available from Russwood. 250ml sample pots cost from £6.00.

What is Shou Sugi Ban Timber?

Shou Sugi Ban is a charred timber cladding. It is produced through the ancient Japanese technique of charring timber and no two boards will be the same, producing a highly individual appearance.

It is currently enjoying huge popularity amongst self-builders and renovators alike, offering a rich and dramatic appearance, full of character. 

Benefits of Shou Sugi Ban include:

• natural protection from UV rays
• extremely tough and durable end result
• resistant to fire and pests

Yukari is a new type of Shou Sugi Ban — being 100% FSC and with new textures to those previously seen. With a smooth, sanded surface, Yukari has a unique contemporary appearance that can really enhance both period properties as well as being suitable for contemporary new builds.

Available through James Latham and manufactured exclusively by Shou Sugi Ban.

The Yukari range costs from approx. £125/².

Is Glass a Suitable Cladding Alternative?

Glass reinforced concrete (GRC) is a high-strength material which can be made into thin cladding panels. As the name suggests, it is made from concrete, reinforced with glass fibre — creating a rust-resistant, lightweight material.

Low-Maintenance Fibre Cement

Fibre cement cladding is not only low maintenance, but it can also look great. It withstands corrosion and so is great in coastal areas. A product such as Cedral’s fibre cement profile sheet has a life expectancy of around 50 years too.

Developments in Timber Cladding

Timber cladding is now available in many more profiles that the traditional ship-lap and featheredge. A popular way to use it now is in narrow profiles, with some being pre-mounted on larger panels for ease of installation.

Additionally, owners of contemporary homes are now often opting for vertical as opposed to horizontal cladding, or a combination of the two.

Brick Cladding Options

Brick has always been a popular cladding choice for its ready availability and low maintenance. But contemporary brick-clad builds are moving away from reds, browns and yellows, towards a more monochrome palette.

Bricks which are considerably longer and narrower than the standard format have seen a resurgence in contemporary design, with brick manufacturers introducing products to suit.