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Introduction to Cladding
Cladding is an exterior finishing system used in construction to decorate or protect walls and it has become increasingly popular in recent years, instantly transforming a building or outdoor space. It typically comes in different colours and styles and can be made using a wide range of materials, including wood, PVC, metal, and fibre cement.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of cladding is that it enhances a building’s external appearance, making it more appealing aesthetically and driving up its value, while concealing soiled or marked materials underneath. This is becoming a hot choice for homeowners who are looking to revamp or improve an existing building, during a time where housing prices are at an all-time high.
Cladding also provides an additional layer of insulation, which can help regulate a building’s temperature, saving energy and associated heating and cooling costs. Furthermore, a cladded exterior wall can improve a building’s protection from the elements.
What is Fortex Cladding and what are the advantages of using this brand?
Fortex Cladding is one of our leading cladding products, readily available in anthracite, it is one of the most in-demand colourways for cladding and external fittings such as doors and windows, creating a contemporary look and feel to a property.
Fortex Cladding is a high-quality PVC cladding that boasts excellent performance, long-lasting durability, and a beautiful finish. PVC itself is a widely used material in the construction industry for many reasons including its sustainability, high durability and quality. PVC is manufactured to meet strict quality standards and yet is low maintenance to manage and easy to install.
The Fortex Cladding System comes with a 10-year guarantee, and it can withstand the toughest environmental conditions. It is also produced with sustainability in mind and is made using lead-free materials. Moreover, Fortex Cladding is cost-effective and easy to install, cutting down on labour and installation costs.
Why is Fortex Cladding so popular?
Fortex has been designed to mimic natural wood, with an attractive embossed wood effect finish, offering a stylish and affordable alternative for those looking for timber effect cladding without the maintenance hassles associated with wood.
The cladding is UV resistant, will not rot, warp or discolour, making it the perfect choice for builders and renovation experts alike, as well as cost-conscious homeowners. As a leading supplier of building materials, we can provide Fortex Cladding in different sizes, styles, and colours, including the popular anthracite finish that’s taken the market by storm.
When looking at the various cladding brands we offer here at Edge Building Products, including Shiplap, Fibre Cement and Open V cladding, Fortex sits around the mid-range price point, so is an accessible option for many.
The rise of Anthracite and other colours available for cladding:
One of the reasons cladding has soared in its popularity is due to the variety of colour options available, allowing your clients to inject a hint of their personality and style into their home design, easily. The Fortex Cladding system is available in 10 colours including anthracite grey. We have a short video overview on our YouTube channel, which you can watch here.
Anthracite is a relatively new and trending colour that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The colour’s characteristics feature a dark grey tint, with hints of blue or green depending on the light’s direction. Anthracite’s popularity has compelled manufacturers to produce cladding panels in this hue, fulfilling the demand from architects, builders, and homeowners seeking to make a structural statement.
This unique, dark shade of grey is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also provides numerous benefits to homeowners, including its ability to blend in seamlessly with almost any type of architectural style. From traditional to modern, anthracite grey complements any design and creates a stunning contrast against light-coloured walls.
In addition to its versatility, anthracite grey also provides practical benefits. As a dark shade, it is less prone to showing dirt and stains, making it a low-maintenance option. This also means that it maintains its fresh and clean look for much longer than other lighter shades.
Another advantage of anthracite grey is its energy efficiency. In areas with hot climates, this colour absorbs less heat than lighter shades, reducing the amount of energy required to cool down a home. This can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and a more environmentally-friendly home.
Aside from its practical benefits, anthracite grey may also add value to a home. With its sleek and modern look, an anthracite grey-clad house can stand out in the market and attract potential buyers. An added bonus is the fact that anthracite grey can increase the curb appeal of a home, making it more attractive to passers-by and visitors.
Black vs anthracite:
Black has been used in the construction industry for decades, and is popular for similar reasons to anthracite grey, its ability to create a striking contrast against lighter colours, yet until recent years was most commonly used in roofing.
Much like anthracite grey it can help to create different styles within a building, for example, when paired with brick or stone it can complete a traditional look, yet when matched with metal or glass, a more modern look and feel is created. It does appear however that in the UK, anthracite grey has the edge over black in the current market, with the former being more of a styling choice for cladding, windows and doors. Anthracite does retain many of its desired characteristics and can project more of a luxury feel as a result.
Consistency is key, and at Edge, you’ll be pleased to discover that you can purchase most of our products in Anthracite Grey as well as Black. From guttering and window trims to roof lanterns and silicone, we’ve got it covered, we’re committed to serving you and making your life easier so you can continue to create striking, quality projects for your clients.
