Cladding is defined as “a covering or coating on a structure or material”. In common building terms, cladding usually refers to aluminium or vinyl cladding.

This article explores the basics of cladding, and how it can offer an insulation shield as well as an attractive design solution for your home. While cladding doesn’t have to be waterproof, this attribute can be an advantage when it comes to protecting your home.

Some types of cladding are purely decorative, only serving to conceal a structural surface for aesthetic reasons. Since cladding is not usually part of the structural frame of the building, it’s not required to support its weight. However, cladding does protect the building’s structure from the elements, allowing the structure to last longer.

Cladding has been used in construction for centuries – some of the earliest examples include the great pyramids of Egypt through to the Anglo Saxon houses and timber cladding of Germanic tribes. Until the 19th Century, cladding was usually a hard material such as wood or stone, or copper, brass and bronze.

Cladding was applied to the building in various ways, one of the most common methods being to place an exterior layer of individual bricks, clay tiles or shingles, which were then held in place with mortar, wood or pegs.

Modern day constructions typically choose from two safe and durable types of cladding: aluminium cladding and vinyl cladding.

How does cladding benefit the home?

When exposed to the elements, buildings begin to deteriorate, resulting in damage to the structure. With cladding, this damage can be avoided to a large extent; however, there are greater benefits to be enjoyed with cladding including noise control, heat control/ insulation control, greater environmental focus, greater breathability of walls, and enhanced aesthetic appeal for the home.

Why Abbey ThermalBoard

Cladding combines visual appeal with several functional benefits; in addition to the protection it provides from the elements, cladding also ensures there’s no need to paint the house, saving money in maintenance over the long term.

Abbey ThermalBoard aluminium cladding and vinyl cladding come with a 50-year warranty, and are backed by the assurance of high quality.