First impressions count right?
So, when it comes to your home, making the most of the exterior and creating a beautiful façade is a great way to make a first impression.
Whether you’re looking for new ways to update your home, you want to impress the neighbours or you’re considering listing your house for sale, if you want to make a great first impression and increase the curb appeal of your home, one way to do this is with wall cladding.
Cladding can be used to add personality to you home and improve the overall aesthetics. It is also super versatile in the ways in which it can be used.
But if you’re going to the effort of improving your home’s exterior, you shouldn’t use just any old cladding – the right materials can make or break the outcome after all. Timber look cladding has been around for a while now, however, when it comes to innovation, composite wall cladding has come a long way. And we’re going to tell you all about it.
In this article, we’re going to provide you with information about composite wall cladding, including what it is exactly, why you should opt for composite wall cladding over other types of wall cladding, the different ways you can use it, and if you’re in Australia, where you can get your hands on the best composite wall cladding materials.
Keep reading to learn about wall cladding.
What is composite wall cladding?
Wall cladding is a building material that is used to cover, protect or enhance, the structure and presentation of exterior walls.
Wall cladding can be made from a variety of materials, but today we’re going to focus on composite wall cladding.
“Composite” wall cladding is named this because it is made of multiple layers of materials bonded together to create the composite boards. These materials are usually recycled wood and plastic fibres ad when combined together; they create very strong yet lightweight boards that look like natural wood.
Why choose composite wall cladding over other materials?
So, if composite wall cladding looks like natural wood, why wouldn’t you just use wood? While wooden cladding was once a widely popular material to use, it’s use has slowed down due to the pressure the use of timber puts on the environment as well as the lack of durability and maintenance required.
Here are some benefits of choosing composite wall cladding over other cladding materials.
1. Versatile
Composite cladding is a versatile option both in the way it can look and in the way it can be used.
You see the materials used are able to be created to look like various other materials including natural timbers, and because it’s lightweight and strong, you can use it in lots of different ways.
It can used on walls and ceilings, as well as horizontally or vertically to create the look that you’re after. It’s also usually available with corner trims and edge trims, so you can ensure that your project looks complete.
It can also be used in conjunction with other materials, both existing and new, so whether you’re working on renovating your home or you’re building a new one, you can incorporate composite wall cladding.
2. Wide range of styles available
As we touched on above, composite wall cladding can be made to look like all kinds of other materials and thus there are many different styles of composite wall cladding available.
Often, the most popular composite wall cladding materials are created to mimic the appearance of natural timbers like coastal blackout, northern spotted gum and charred wood.
This means that you don’t have to spend a long time trying to source the exact material you’re after because composite wall cladding is consistently made.
3. Low maintenance
Unlike wood and other cladding materials, composite wall cladding is super low maintenance, usually only requiring simple items like soapy water and a soft brush to maintain it.
Timber and wood require significant maintenance, like staining, oiling, painting and sometimes even sanding just to ensure they last for a decent period of time.
You don’t have to worry about doing any of these things for composite wall cladding.
4. Eco friendly
A key benefit of composite wall cladding is that it is an environmentally friendly option. We mentioned earlier but the term composite means that it is made of multiple materials and the materials used are actually recycled wood and plastic, so instead of making their way to a landfill, these materials are being used to create strong composite wall cladding.
By using recycled materials, not only are they being saved from going in the bin but it also means that new resources are not being used at a greater rate and it helps to reduce our environmental footprint.
5. Provides protection to your home
If composite wall cladding is installed correctly, it could potentially help to protect your home’s exterior and building materials.
Wall cladding systems are usually waterproof and can provide essentially an extra layer between the home’s exterior and the outside world. Which can be particularly helpful when there is extreme weather.
Even in areas where bush fires may occur, composite wall cladding is suitable as it has a high BAL rating (WoodEvo composite wall cladding BAL rating is 29), which means that embers or radiant heat from nearby fires are not likely to affect the materials.
6. Durable
Though composite materials like composite wall cladding are very lightweight, they are also incredibly strong and can withstand a lot.
Composite wall cladding is resistant to water, rotting, UV discolouration or deterioration, and scratches. Keep in mind that these are only some of the things that composite wall cladding can withstand.
It also usually has a long warranty period because of its durability – for example, our composite wall cladding here at WoodEvo – called EvoClad – has a warranty period of 12 years.
The durability of composite wall cladding also means that it doesn’t really matter where you’re located in the country because the materials can withstand being near water or really dry areas too.
7. It’s easy to install
Composite wall cladding does need to be installed properly but the process itself is pretty straightforward and if you’re into DIY, you will probably be able to handle it yourself.
We do tend to recommend getting professional help with installation to save yourself the time and hassle, but you can get everything you need from the one place.
You can get a copy of our composite wall cladding installation guide here.
8. It looks great
With so many styles available you can create the look you want. Composite wall cladding that has been created to look like real timber can improve the look of your home and create the desired effect.
The installation system has also been well-thought out so that fastening system is not obvious, creating clean lines and a stunning effect on your home aesthetically.
9. It saves you money in the long run
The durable nature of composite wall cladding as well as the easy maintenance mean that once you’ve bought and installed your wall cladding, you don’t really need to spend money on it again, other than for cleaning materials every now and then.
You don’t need stains or oils, which can be very expensive. And because it’s fade-resistant, you don’t need to worry about painting it or adding touch ups to it. It will look as good as the day you got it, even 10 years later.
Where to get wall composite wall cladding in Australia
If you’re looking for high quality wall cladding or you’re considering this option for your home, get in touch with us here at WoodEvo.
We’re a leading supplier of composite materials including composite wall cladding and we can provide our products wherever you need them in Australia.
If you would like samples of our cladding options, we can send them to you and we’re happy to answer any questions you have about our composite wall cladding range.
We also offer composite decking materials and have become one of the leading suppliers of composite decking in Australia too. So, if you’re thinking of giving the whole home a refresh, we’ve got just what you need.
Call us on 03 9000 0117 to get in touch or get in contact with us here.