There are numerous cladding options on the market, varying from cement fibre and brick, to more robust materials like wood or PVC. Whichever cladding you choose to use, an important component to consider is ventilation. Creating a cavity (ideally a 5mm continuous gap) between the internal wall and the cladding, with a suitably sized, unobstructed, gap at the top and bottom, allows for air to flow freely through. This creates a ‘chimney effect’, which helps to maintain an ambient room temperature all through the year.
Hot weather
Cladding in hotter climates needs good ventilation. Ventilation is necessary to prevent the cladding, and subsequently the building, from overheating. The ‘chimney effect’ allows for the hot air within the cavity in summer to rise to the top, leaving space below for cool air to fill, keeping the interior material and the building cool. Not just to protect from overheating, cladding in excessively hot climates with insufficient ventilation can be subject to warping over time, and fall victim to an acceleration of the signs of natural weathering, such as fading and discolouration.
Wet weather
Ventilation is also needed in damper climates, where wet weather is a regular occurrence. A free airflow allows cladding to dry quickly, preventing a build-up of condensation. In comparison to hot climates, in colder climates, the ‘chimney effect’ means that the air is not warm enough to rise, helping the insulation layer contain heat. Moisture build-up can damage the structural elements of a building, including any wooden supporting beams, which can rot and become unstable. A build-up of moisture allows for mould to grow, and long-term exposure to dampness and mould can cause and aggravate serious health problems, such as asthma and various skin conditions. Moisture build-up can also damage electronics in your home by causing rust on metals and sulfate on batteries, alongside mould growing on soft furnishings like sofas and carpets.
Things to consider
When installing cladding, it is important to take into account the way materials expand and contract with weather changes. It is critical that cladding is fitted with enough space between the internal wall or insulation material and the external cladding to allow for this expansion. Choosing the right material largely impacts the durability of cladding, and a popular option is PVC, as it doesn’t rot. Therefore, should the ventilation be insufficient, it should not cause irreparable damage to the cladding.
Freefoam options
Freefoam PVC cladding products are designed and manufactured to provide a drained and ventilated cladding system, meaning extremes of weather have little impact on the durability and effectiveness of our cladding. Freefoam starter and closer trims also feature built-in ventilation gaps, to ensure a free airflow throughout to efficiently ventilate your cladding. Get in touch with a member of the team through our online contact form, where you can request a sample, download a brochure, or see our full range of products and stockists.
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