Do you want to improve your home or business place inside and outside? If that’s true, using wall covering may be a good choice for you. Covering walls means adding things to make them look good and give extra protection and heat. This guide will teach you about all the various inside and outside cladding choices.
What are Wall Cladding Solutions?
Wall cladding solutions are materials and ways used to put on outside walls for looks and doing useful things. It is a method of decorating or safeguarding the outside parts of walls.
Different skin covering materials give good looks while hiding the inside building structure from weather like rain, sun and wind. Common objectives are as follows:
- Imparting a customized aesthetic
- Masking flaws or uneven surfaces
- Adding texture, pattern, and dimension
- Keep the wall safe from bad weather and damage.
- Increasing durability and lifespan
Popular Interior Wall Cladding Solutions
Interior cladding refers to materials used inside a building to cover walls and ceilings. There are several excellent options for achieving any desired aesthetic.
Popular choices include:
Wood Cladding
Wood makes for a warm, natural-looking interior wall cladding. Wood materials used include planks, panels, shingles, and veneers. Wood can be stained, painted, or left natural. It brings visual interest and depth to any room.
Tile Cladding
Tile is one of the most durable and low-maintenance interior cladding options. It’s water-resistant, easy to clean, and has endless shapes, sizes, colours, and pattern varieties – from natural stone to glass to ceramic and porcelain.
Brick Cladding
Using thin brick tiles or veneers makes for an eye-catching accent wall inside. Faux brick provides the rustic, vintage appeal of real brick without the weight, making installation easy. Use brick indoors to add an exposed, urban look.
Popular Exterior Wall Cladding Materials
Exterior wall cladding serves the dual purpose of protecting a building from outdoor elements while providing curb appeal. When selecting external cladding solutions, consider your climate, budget, and desired look. Popular options include:
Brick Cladding
A bricklayer over existing walls continues to be a classic, attractive choice for exterior cladding. Brick ages beautifully over time while requiring little maintenance. Modern techniques make installing brick veneers or tiles relatively quick and easy without compromising durability.
Stone Cladding
Like brick, natural stone cladding withstands harsh weather while offering aesthetic appeal. Limestone, sandstone, slate, and stacked stone remain go-to choices for exterior walls. Mix stones for textural intrigue. Stone cladding increases resale value, too.
Stucco Cladding
Stucco is a cement-type material that can be troweled onto walls, offering texture and decorative appeal. It comes coloured or can be painted any hue. Durable stucco protects from moisture while concealing imperfections. Combine stucco with other stones or bricks for a multi-textured look.
Key Benefits of Using Wall Cladding Solutions
Now that you know the primary types of interior and exterior wall cladding options, let’s review why cladding is an upgrade worth considering:
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Visual Impact - Cladding enhances curb appeal and interior décor with broader design possibilities. Achieve any desired material, colour, texture, or finish look.
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Protection – Exterior cladding shields walls from weather damage and normal wear and tear. Interior options like tile also provide protection and easy wipe-cleaning.
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Insulation – Some materials like fibre cement and composite timber add an insulating layer, increasing building energy efficiency. This reduces heating and cooling costs.
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Strength & Stability – The structural reinforcement cladding improves stability while concealing existing cracks and defects in walls.
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Value - Curb appeal and improved building performance mean cladding solutions can increase a home or building’s resale value.
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Customization – Cladding enables immense design flexibility compared to plain drywall, from cut stone shapes to patterned tiles and metal sheets.
For visual drama, protective covering, increased insulation, and resale value, it’s easy to see why wall cladding solutions are so popular. And with more options now available than ever, endless design possibilities exist.
Laminate wall cladding: A New Way of Cladding Solutions
Laminate wall cladding is a man-made alternative to traditional wood, brick or stone materials. It consists of resin-impregnated papers that are compressed and formed into durable sheet materials under high pressure. The surface is finished with embossing and overlays to mimic the look of natural materials.
Why is Laminate Cladding Better Than Other Types of Wall Cladding?
Laminate cladding is better than other wall covering materials because it has a few good points. Because it’s made in a factory, laminate is stronger and needs less care than natural stone, brick or wood panels. Plus, you can change the look to suit your style better. It can handle time and changing weather better without needing the care real wood needs. Moreover, the lightweight laminate sheets are easier and cheaper to set up for both do-it-yourself homeowners and expert builders.
Installation Tips
Proper installation is crucial for laminate cladding to withstand the test of time. Following these best practices will result in a seamless look and protective barrier.:
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Use simple cladding tools like starting strips, corner shapes and connectors to make a nice appearance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
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Leave some room between the panels because laminate will grow and shrink with temperature changes. Usually, a space of 1/8 to 1/4 inch is suggested.
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Use rust-proof clips made for laminate surfaces. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart. Hide screw heads for a neat look.
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Use a circular saw or jigsaw with fine teeth to cut laminate sheets. Cut the face first and then break it evenly along that line.
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Use an outside silicone caulk to block water from entering when you seal edges. Cover joints, holes and changes very well with caulk.
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Put down a water-resistant layer like a rain screen before adding laminate planks in areas close to the ground.
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Put sealants on the bare parts before putting them to help them stick better.
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Clean the plastic covering sometimes with mild soap and a gentle brush. Check every year for parts that are loose or broken.
Factors to Consider Before Installing
The four major factors to consider before settling on wall cladding solutions include:
- Design Aesthetics - Check if the cladding style, textures, and colours suit your architectural theme. Avoid overdoing certain elements.
- Budget - Material, installation, and lifetime maintenance costs vary widely. Consider functionality as well while allocating funds.
- Climatic Conditions - Opt for weather-durable materials suitable for your location’s temperature and moisture levels for exteriors.
- Building By-laws - Confirm permitted cladding types. Some may require additional fire/pest resistance in certain areas.
It’s also wise to factor in your DIY skills or need for professional help. Following installation guidelines is paramount.
How to Choose Laminate Cladding?
When selecting laminate cladding, consider the look you want to achieve, your budget, and the level of weather exposure for your project location. Inspect samples at home and hardware stores to evaluate texture, colour and thickness options. Consult with laminate cladding suppliers for product recommendations suited to your needs. With the right material and installation, laminate cladding can provide an attractive and long-lasting exterior for any home.
Conclusion
This guide provided a helpful, comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about interior and exterior wall cladding solutions. To recap, wall cladding offers aesthetics, weatherproofing, insulation, durability, and customization.
Research all the styles and material options for cladding to determine what works best for your project and taste. Whether you crave the warmth of wood walls or the sleek drama of metal, cladding solutions now cater to any preference. Contact us for more information if you need help with wall cladding solutions.
