A Comprehensive Guide to External Cladding Options

Cladding, cladding, cladding. It’s everywhere you look, and for good reason. Whether it’s on new builds or used to renovate seaside properties, cladding has become a key feature in modern construction. As more options hit the market, builders and contractors need to stay informed about the latest trends and materials. Let’s dive into the role external cladding plays in house design and explore the options available to you.

Understanding External Cladding Options

External cladding is an extra layer applied to building exteriors. While it doesn’t serve any structural purpose, it provides crucial weather protection for the exterior of a property. This added layer shields the building from harsh weather conditions, helping with thermal insulation and enhancing energy efficiency.

In addition to its functional benefits, external cladding can significantly boost a property’s curb appeal. Available in a wide range of natural materials, composites, and PVC, cladding offers homeowners a quick and stylish way to refresh their property’s look. With many neutral tones like cream, light blue, or sage green, it’s easy to find a cladding option that complements the surrounding environment while still standing out from the crowd.

Common Materials Used in External Cladding

When choosing cladding, the options are vast. Here are some of the most commonly used materials:

Timber cladding – A classic choice for a natural look, timber is often used for log cabins and rustic homes.
Metal cladding – Typically used on industrial buildings, metal cladding provides excellent thermal protection for warehouses and commercial properties.
PVC cladding – Known for being low maintenance, PVC cladding comes in a wide array of colors and is ideal for residential use.
Composite cladding – Often made from sustainable materials, composite cladding is water-resistant and available in numerous colors.

Innovative Cladding Solutions

At Edge, we stock a wide range of high-quality PVC and fibre-cement cladding boards, so you’ll always have what you need for your project.

PVC Cladding: Fortex Range

For a reliable and attractive PVC option, we recommend the Fortex cladding range. Available in four distinct styles—Weatherboard, PRO Shiplap, Shiplap, and Shadow Gap—you’ll have no trouble finding the right fit for your project. Fortex boards come in a variety of subtle colours, including Argyl Brown, Colonial Blue, Misty Grey, Sage Green, and Pale Gold.

These boards replicate the look of timber with a realistic grain texture, giving you the look of wood without the hassle of regular maintenance. Lightweight and easy to install, PVC cladding offer excellent weather protection for coastal properties exposed to salt deposits and strong winds. Maintaining the boards is simple—just wash them down with water a couple of times a year.

3 houses with external cladding

Fibre Cement Cladding: Hardie Plank

For those in need of a more robust solution cladding option, we also offer Hardie Plank cladding, a fibre-cement option developed by James Hardie in the 1980s. Made from cellulose fibre, Portland cement, sand, and water, these boards are non-combustible, making them a top choice for projects with fire safety in mind.

In addition to their durability and weather protection, Hardie Plank boards are available in a range of sophisticated colours like Midnight Black, Boothbay Blue, Cobble Stone, Pearl Grey, Soft Green, and White, ensuring you can enhance both the performance and appearance of any building exterior.

3 houses with external cladding.

Installing External Cladding

We’re committed to helping you complete your installations smoothly and efficiently. Alongside our cladding boards, we stock all the necessary accessories, including color-matching trims and pins. For Hardie Plank projects, we also offer specialised tools such as a guillotine for fibre cement and touch-up paint.

If you need guidance, our installation guides and videos are just a click away:

Our knowledgeable trade counter staff and customer service team are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. We’re here to ensure you have everything you need to deliver a high-quality finish on every job.

Get in touch with us

Cladding is a simple way to enhance the durability and aesthetics of any property. With the right materials and support, your next cladding project will be a breeze. Whether you’re working on a coastal retreat or a modern new build, we’ve got you covered at Edge!

If you have any cladding projects coming up, we would love to hear from you. We encourage trade customers to get in touch with us by calling 0345 021 3333 or emailing [email protected] to get discounted pricing across our range of cladding products. We are here to get you the products you need at the best price, delivered directly to your site.