What is cladding?
The term ‘cladding’ refers to the external layer of a structure, often coming in prefabricated panels that are then attached to the structure of the building. There are three main purposes of cladding; the first being as a long-lasting external wall covering, the second to provide a layer of protection against the elements and additional thermal insulation (when fitted with generic insulation products), and lastly to bring an attractive, decorative feature to the exterior of a building.
Types of cladding
There are a variety of different styles and cladding board shapes, one of the most popular being Shiplap or Double Shiplap. The profile of each board partially overlaps the adjacent board, creating attractive shadow lines and helping with water run-off.
Another common type of cladding is Weatherboard, which is also known as Featheredge cladding. It was traditionally made from timber, however, modern manufacturing techniques mean that is now often made from other materials like PVC or Fibre Cement. The weatherboard cladding is frequently designed with the look and feel of wood, often with an embossed finish, resulting in low maintenance and long-lasting alternative to timber.
The PVC cladding we supply at Freefoam is available in a range of different styles and colours including a wood grain effect, and embossed finish or standard smooth colour.
Cladding materials
Cladding can be made from a variety of materials. Traditionally cladding was timber, but required regular maintenance, repainting and repairing. Now cladding is manufactured in a variety of high performance, long-lasting materials.
PVC Cladding
PVC cladding is hard-wearing, long-lasting and requires minimal maintenance. It comes in a variety of colours, from plain white to subtle coastal shades of pale blue and green to more contemporary black and grey. PVC cladding is also available in a variety of finishes, from a smooth woodgrain outer film to embossed textured wood effect. Freefoam embossed cladding contains UV-resistant titanium-dioxide (the chemical used in sunscreen we all put on our skin) meaning that cladding is protected from the sun.
Other cladding materials
Heat Treated Timber Cladding – Heat treatment on timber cladding reduces the moisture content and makes the cladding more stable than untreated timber, meaning it is the more modern and long-lasting way to install timber cladding.
Fibre Cement Cladding – Fibre cement cladding is made from a mixture of cement, cellulose fibres, sand and water and chemical additives. It is then formed into cladding boards.
Brick Slip Cladding - Brick slips of skins are thin sections of real brick that replicate the appearance of bricks but are lighter. They can be fixed to any substrate with adhesive and mortar.
What is the difference between cladding and façade?
A common question surrounding cladding is the difference between cladding and façade. Simply put, a façade is the front or side of a building, including walls, windows, and doors. Cladding, however, consists of a series of panels fitted to the exterior or facade of a building to create this decorative finish.
In other words, cladding can be a part of a building’s façade.
What is cladding used for?
External cladding – External wall cladding has multiple different purposes, from improving weather resistance and thermal insulation (when fitted with standard insulation products) to improve the appearance of a building. Cladding on the exterior of a structure can protect the building from the effects of sun, rain, and snow, while also providing extra insulation throughout the colder months. As well as this, external cladding can completely transform the decorative appearance of a structure, whether it be a house, office, or any other building.
Internal cladding – Interior cladding or panelling offers a stylish and cost-effective alternative to tiling while still maintaining the main benefits. Internal cladding is ideal for bathrooms, wet rooms, and kitchens thanks to its waterproof and easy cleaning properties.
How to calculate how much cladding you will need
Knowing how much exterior PVC cladding you will need for you external wall cladding project can be difficult. Freefoam has made it easy by providing a free Cladding Calculator to help you estimate how much cladding you need to cover the area in question. Our calculator will help to eliminate high amounts of wastage, saving you money and the environment.
The Freefoam Cladding Calculator will estimate the number of boards and packs needed for your project.
Go to the Freefoam Cladding calculator
Disposing of old cladding
Before you can install new cladding, you may first need to remove and dispose of any old cladding, and it is vital the necessary precautions are taken when doing so. While most external cladding is now made from stable materials like PVC and fibre cement, the older cladding may contain harmful materials such as asbestos, which may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. If you are removing newer cladding, however, it may be possible for it to be recycled. Whatever existing cladding you may have, it is important to get professional advice to find the most appropriate method of disposal.
Safety
When you are installing your cladding, all health and safety concerns should be addressed before any work is carried out to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Transporting the cladding panels both to and within the work site should be done with caution and the correct protective gear should be worn if needed. If your cladding is being installed above the ground floor of a building, the company fitting it must comply with The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and understand the associated risks and necessary precautions they need to take.
Easy to Fit
Freefoam cladding is easy to fit, light to handle and comes with interlocking boards. The ranges also feature colour matching fitting trims to create a neat and professional finish.
Fire Ratings of External Cladding Materials
All external cladding materials are required to be tested to confirm suitability for use.
Freefoam PVC Cladding has been tested in accordance with BS EN-13501-1:2018 – Fire classification of construction products and building elements and has achieved a rating of: D-s3.d2/AVM.
External Cladding and the Building Regulations
All external cladding products are required to comply with the Building Regulations.
The D-s3.d2/AVM rating means Freefoam PVC cladding is suitable for use in cladding applications provided it is installed in accordance with the Building Regulations Part B:
- Building Regulations Approved Document B, Volume 1 – Dwelling houses, Part B4 – External Fire Spread.
- Building Regulations Approved Document B, Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings, Part B4 – External Fire Spread.
Flammability of PVC
PVC will not burn unless it is in contact with another fire source. Its high Chlorine content inhibits its ability to sustain fire on its own and it releases lower combustion heats when compared to other plastic materials. This means it is less likely to maintain and spread fire and will self-extinguish in the absence of an external fire source.
Aftercare
Unlike wooden and timber cladding panels that may need regular oiling or waxing to keep them looking as good as new and weather-resistant, the PVC cladding we supply at Freefoam needs very little aftercare once it has been installed. Our cladding’s weather-resistant properties ensure it does not experience large amounts of wear and tear, and simply needs cleaning with soap and water every now and then to keep it looking as clean as possible.
We would not advise painting our cladding. If this was done it would void the guarantee.
If you are looking to install the cladding yourself, we recommend you take a look at our Cladding Installation Guide here.
About Freefoam
Freefoam is one of the leading suppliers of internal and external cladding in the UK and Ireland. With 30 years of experience producing cladding and other panelling systems and a number of accreditations including ISO9001 and 14001, we have the commitment and expertise needed to ensure you get the best quality product possible.
Thanks to our innovative and customer-focused approach, we provide all of our existing and potential customers with a range of comprehensive design tools such as a cladding calculator and Cladding visualiser, making the process of choosing the perfect cladding simpler than ever. Whether you have a new-build, self-build, or existing property, you can trust Freefoam.
To learn more about cladding and whether it is the right solution for you, get in touch today via our contact form.
Our full range of products are available through a wide network of stockists throughout the UK, find your local stockist by using our Stockist Finder.
If you are interested in having Freefoam cladding installed, we can provide you with a competitive quotation from one of our local Freefoam Registered Installer. Fill in our quick and easy online form
Do you need a sample of Freefoam cladding?
Order a FREEE sample here
Want to find out how many cladding boards you need for your project?
Use our handy cladding calculator
Want to experiment with colour cladding option for your project?
Go to our Cladding Visualiser and have a play!
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Want to find out the cost of cladding from a local Freefoam stockist?
User our handy Stockist Finder to contact a supplier in your area – who will be happy to advise on price and availability.