When building a home many people focus on the internal walls of the house, but it’s important to remember that external walls need love too! When it comes to your exteriors, cladding can be a great option.
Cladding has a whole host of benefits over painted walls – not only does it increase the mechanical strength of the house, it creates a shield for your home that is resistant to sunlight, rain, strong wind and pollutants. In addition to being sturdy and less prone to cracks, cladding can also greatly improve the insulation of your home, which is likely to save you a fortune over the years.
Cladding is also a great way to brighten up your exteriors and make a huge difference to the style and appearance of your home. There are a range of cladding options to choose from with a wide variety of colours, textures and materials available that can be combined to make your home aesthetically and structurally superior.
Here are some cladding options to consider for your new build:
Scyon
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Scyon cladding is relatively new on the market but has become incredibly popular as it mimics the charm of timber cladding, without the risk of termite infections. Its popularity also stems from the fact that it is the most cost-effective cladding material on the market.
Made from a mix of sand, cement and wood pulp, Scyon cladding is also resistant to rot, fire and moisture damage. It was designed to have minimal shrinking or swelling and will hold paint for longer while being very low maintenance. One other great aspect of Scyon is that it was invented and developed in Australia.
Brick
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Brick may be one of the oldest building materials, but it’s come a long way over time. These days there are so many options when it comes to brick – you can select different colours, shapes, patterns and textures, which makes it extremely versatile in terms of design.
Brick cladding is a popular choice in Australia as it’s fire resistant and has a high thermal efficiency, so you can expect to save up to 25 per cent on your power bills when it’s paired with properly installed insulation. Brick cladding is also highly durable – it’s age proof, weatherproof and sound proof, making it a great choice for inner city living.
Timber
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There’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of timber cladding, however due to its high price tag in Australia, it is far more popular as a feature material and not for an entire wall or home. There are many choices when it comes to the styles of timber cladding available – everything from cedar to pine is on offer. Most people like it for its natural appeal and the freedom it offers to choose any solvent based paint to change the appearance of the exterior of your home. The possibilities are endless!
One thing to note is that timber requires more care and attention than other kinds of cladding as it has a tendency to split over time. A good lick of paint every few years however, will help with increase its lifespan and keep your house looking great.
Tile
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Tile cladding is a great option as it’s incredibly durable and requires minimal maintenance. Tiles, however, are also incredible expensive so are mostly used as a feature, much like timber cladding. There are a wide range of tiling options to choose from, meaning you can create incredibly diverse feature walls for your new home. Whether you’re after a natural or contemporary feel, tiles give you the flexibility to design the exact look you want for your dream house.
Best of all, tile cladding is an incredible insulator and will keep your home temperate and energy efficient, so you’ll save on power bills.
To get help deciding the best type of cladding for your dream home, get in touch with Cunningham Constructions today.
