The right external cladding can completely transform a project –  from new builds to extensions and refurbishments. Beyond enhancing style and appearance, a well-chosen system provides weather protection, improves performance, and minimises long-term maintenance.

At Edge Building Products, we supply a wide range of cladding solutions at great trade prices. From PVC cladding systems like Fortex® and NatureClad, through to composite options such as Triton Shiplap and Slatted, and durable fibre cement cladding from James Hardie®, we’ve got you covered.

In this external cladding guide, we’ll walk through the main cladding systems available – highlighting their benefits, features, and why builders across the UK choose them.

Why Use External Cladding?

There are many reasons to consider external wall cladding, whether for a home or a commercial property.

For homeowners, cladding is often chosen to refresh and transform the exterior, adding colour, texture and character to the façade. It’s an effective way to modernise the look of a property while also improving kerb appeal and increase property value.

For developers and commercial clients, home cladding offers the same visual impact but with added practical advantages. It can update and professionalise the appearance of a building, while also providing long-term protection against the UK climate, reducing maintenance demands and supporting better overall performance.

•  Extra  Protection – Protects the exterior of the building from wind, rain and moisture, helping to prevent structural problems.
• Aesthetic appeal – Available in a wide variety of finishes, colours and textures to complement any architectural style.
• Low maintenance – Designed to look good for years with minimal upkeep, saving both time and money in the long run.
• Durability – Many cladding solutions come with guarantees of 10–15 years or more, ensuring lasting performance.

Types of External Cladding

From PVC boards to fibre cement panels, there’s a wide choice of cladding materials to suit different styles, budgets and performance needs.

While timber and traditional shiplap remain popular, modern options such as composite, PVC and fibre cement have grown in demand. They offer the look of natural finishes with the added benefits of low maintenance, durability and easier installation.

Fortex® PVC Cladding

A trade favourite, Fortex® cladding  – designed with a realistic embossed wood-effect finish, Fortex® combines modern style with the benefits of low-maintenance PVC. Available in Double Shiplap, Weatherboard, and Shadow Gap styles, it comes in nine attractive colours – from soft Pale Gold and Pale Blue to bold Slate Grey and Argyl Brown.

Why Choose Fortex® Cladding?

• Durable & Weather-Resistant: Manufactured to withstand harsh weather, keeping its finish for years.
• 10-Year Guarantee: Every product is backed by Freefoam’s warranty.
• Eco-Friendly Formulation: Produced using Freefoam’s lead-free, sustainable materials.
• Lightweight & Easy to Install:
  • Just 3.15kg per 5-metre Weatherboard panel.
  • Up to four times lighter than fibre cement boards.
  • Quicker and easier to fit.
• Sustainable Performance:
  • Recognised in the BRE Green Guide to Specification.
  • Achieves an A+ rating when installed with standard insulation.

Styles to Suit Every Project

• Double Shiplap – Wide boards designed for fast coverage and a clean finish.
• Weatherboard – Classic featheredge look, ideal for traditional homes.
• Shadow Gap – Modern profile with a pine-effect texture and bold groove detail.

To complete the look, a comprehensive range of cladding trims is available to perfectly match Fortex® boards, ensuring a neat, secure, and professional finish for any application.

At Edge, we aim to give you all the tools and support you need when choosing from our cladding ranges. To make the process easier, we offer:

• Cladding Visualiser –Use our handy visualiser tool to choose your cladding colour
• Cladding Calculator – Quickly work out how many boards and packs you’ll need for your installation, reducing waste and saving money
• Expert Advice – Our team is always on hand to answer questions and guide you through selecting the right cladding solution.

You can also Check out the Fortex Brochure and installation guide here.

NatureClad PVC Cladding

For builders wanting a premium timber-effect finish, NatureClad is a smart choice. Ideal for feature elevations, outbuildings, and projects where clients want a high-end timber look without the upkeep.

Features

• Realistic woodgrain texture with a modern matte surface.
• Available in Double Shiplap or Double Feather Edge profiles – Both styles can be ordered in 5m lengths and cut to suit your project.
• Matching trims and joints in the same finish for a seamless look.
• 15-year guarantee covering structure and finish.
• Lightweight and quick to install, cutting down labour time.

Plus, we stock the range of universal trims and joints for NatureClad allowing you to create a seamless finish.

Triton Shiplap Cladding (WPC)

Triton Shiplap brings together the classic appeal of shiplap boarding with the strength of modern wood-plastic composite (WPC).

Its distinctive horizontal lines create a sleek, uniform finish that looks great on any property. Whether you’re upgrading a modern build or refreshing a traditional home, shiplap offers a flawless finish with timeless appeal.

Features

• Traditional design with overlapping boards for a timeless look.
• Durable WPC – resists warping, rotting, and splintering.
• Low maintenance – no sanding, staining, or painting.
• Colours: Charcoal, Golden Teak, Light Grey.
• Safe, easy to install, and perfect for full facades or accent features.

A versatile solution where clients want the warmth of timber with modern durability.

Triton Slatted Cladding (WPC)

For projects needing a contemporary edge, Triton Slatted Cladding delivers. Its modern linear design creates striking façades, while the WPC construction makes it durable, safe, and resistant to common timber issues like rotting or warping. As a low-maintenance cladding solution, it’s perfect for busy homeowners who want lasting style without constant upkeep. Whether used on garden rooms, home extensions, or full property façades, slatted cladding delivers the sleek, architectural finish that defines contemporary design, while offering the strength and sustainability of advanced composite technology.

Features

• Clean, linear design for modern façades.
• Lightweight, easy-to-handle WPC construction.
• Available in 2.5m or 3.6m lengths for flexibility on site.
• Colours: Charcoal, Golden Teak, Light Grey.
• Requires minimal upkeep – just occasional cleaning.

Shiplap cladding

Our Shiplap cladding combines rustic charm with practical performance, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern projects. The overlapping design creates a stylish finish while also offering added protection.

Features

• Rustic, traditional look that adds character and warmth.
• Overlapping boards create a tight seal against air and moisture.
• Helps reduce outside noise for a quieter interior.
• Lightweight and easy to cut, ideal for DIY or professional installation.
• Can be painted or stained to match any colour scheme.
• Durable and versatile for exterior walls, renovations, or interior features.

Hardie® Plank Fibre Cement Cladding

For projects where strength and durability matter most, Hardie® Plank fibre cement cladding by James Hardie is a proven market leader. Designed to be thinner and lighter than many alternative building materials, it is also stronger, easier to handle, and quick to install  – helping your build progress faster with fewer delays.

Features

• Fire resistant – non combustible A2 fire rated
• Weather resistant – doesn’t shrink, crack or warp
• Installed horizontally or vertically for design flexibility.
• Available in 21 ColourPlus™ shades, with UV stability to resist fading.
• Lightweight for easy installation
• Choice of wood-grain or smooth finishes.
• Engineered for 20% faster installation, saving time on site.
• Dimensions: 3600 x 180 x 8 mm
• Overlap: 30 mm
• Weight: 7.4 kg per plank, 11.419 kg/m²
• Density: 1300 kg/m³
• Fire rating: A2, s1-d0
• Backed by a 15-year warranty.

Ideal for projects that demand long-term performance and modern design versatility.

To download a brochure please click on the link

Use the Hardie online calculator and visualiser.

*Please note that these are only available for delivery in the Green area, or collection from our trade counters.

View the HardiePlank installation video.

Conclusion

The choice of external cladding depends on your project’s priorities –  whether that’s speed of installation, a premium finish, low maintenance, or maximum durability.

Get in touch to find out more about our range of cladding or to place your next order. Want to see a colour sample? Our local Sales Reps can visit your site with cladding samples to help keep your project moving. To book, call 0345 021 3333.Our helpful team is on hand to help keep your projects moving. Call us on 0345 021 3333 or email us at [email protected].

Wet and windy weather calls for reliable and hard-wearing guttering. When gutters fail, from cracks or sagging, overflowing water can lead to mould and damp in the roofline, or even damage the building’s foundations. That’s why its so important to talk to your clients about their guttering options, whether you’re completing a full renovation or carrying out seasonal property maintenance.

At Edge Building Products, we specialise in supplying high quality, low maintenance PVC guttering across the South East. But did you know that we also offer an extensive range of metal guttering systems? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at our metal guttering options and their key benefits.

Metal Drainage and Rainwater Solutions from Edge:

• Galvanised Steel Guttering
• Aluminium Guttering
• Cast Iron Guttering

Steel Guttering

Steel guttering is an attractive and highly reliable solution to drainage. Crafted from an extremely durable alloy, steel guttering can hold more water than PVC guttering without sagging or cracking. What’s more, the galvanised steel resists thermal expansion and contraction, improving it’s longevity as the seasons change. Featuring a shiny texture, this guttering looks great on any building while still blending into the roofline.

Here at Edge, we can supply steel guttering in 125mm and 150mm widths, and in three popular colours: galvanised steel finish, black, and anthracite grey (only available in 125mm).

Aluminium Guttering

Extruded aluminium guttering is manufactured by heating the aluminium until it’s soft and then forcing it through a cross-sectioned die to form the required shape. The result is exceptionally rust-proof guttering that is durable and long lasting. Aluminium guttering is highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, making it a great choice when considering winter storms and spring showers. This drainage system is also highly resistant to thermal expansion, protecting it from cracks during summer heatwaves.

Aluminium guttering elevates the appearance of the roofline while still blending in seamlessly. At Edge, we can supply 3m lengths of extruded aluminium guttering according to your specifications. This drainage system is available as standard in a textured ‘Heritage Black’, and a smooth RAL 9005 Matt Black and RAL 7016 Matt Anthracite Grey finish. What’s more, as this guttering is supplied to order, you can request the aluminium guttering in any other RAL colour. Just specify your requirements when speaking to a member of the Edge team or fill out the quote form here.

Cast Iron Guttering

A cornerstone of heritage design, cast iron guttering is often a popular choice for older properties, or those with heritage features. Offering a traditional aesthetic, cast iron guttering is often one of the heavier options for metal guttering. For this reason, it is typically supplied in shorter lengths with additional wall brackets. One benefit of this is that individual sections of guttering can be removed and replaced if required, without needing to dismantle the entire roofline. Cast iron guttering can be recycled at waste recycling centers, making it an environmentally conscious choice as well. However, with proper maintenance, cast iron guttering can last decades without issue.

At Edge we supply cast iron guttering in 1.33m lengths according to your specifications. As standard, the cast iron guttering is available in black or a primed finish. However, as the drainage system is supplied to order, you can request other RAL colours to fulfill your clients’ wishes for their home. Click here to view the quote form.

Final Thoughts…

When it comes to guttering, metal systems offer a combination of durability, weather resistance, and style. This makes them a great alternative to traditional PVC guttering. Whether your clients are looking for a modern and sophisticated finish or a heritage-inspired design, our team here at Edge can help you find the right solution.

To find out more about our metal drainage options, or to explore our great range of PVC guttering, check out our website here. You can also chat to our team by calling 0345 021 3333 or emailing [email protected] to ask any questions, get a quotation, or place your next order. Don’t forget to ask about trade pricing! With an Edge trade account you can enjoy discounted trade pricing across our range of low maintenance building supplies.