We have seen increased demand in cladding recently, and we really enjoy seeing our customer’s cladding installations, whether they are commercial or domestic.  Cladding doesn’t just protect the outside of your home against the elements, it’s also a great way to create interesting, unique, and beautiful facades – making your property stand out.  There are a lot of cladding materials out there, so here are some of the materials and styles that we have noticed making a hit right now.

What are the latest style trends for UK cladding?

Cladding materials, designs, and trends

Mixing the cladding’s orientation

The more traditional installation for cladding is horizontal orientation, running along alongside brickwork or stone. We have noticed, however that installing cladding vertically is definitely a new trend – especially in more contemporary properties, to clad a full length of wall. This installation style gives the property a sleek façade and emphasises the height of the building, with full-length linear design. This most suits contemporary properties, whether they are commercial or domestic.

Mixing cladding colours and shades

We have also noticed a shift towards the use of multiple colours or shades of cladding. Whether it’s a complimenting neutral shade, for example, using two shades of grey or beige – or a stark contrast in colours, such as chalk white and turquoise – a typical seaside combination. Using different colours can both soften the appearance of the property, or make it stand out powerfully from other properties.

Dark and Bold

Another apparent trend is the darker colour schemes for domestic properties. Property owners seem to be favouring bolder exteriors and choosing shades such as charcoal, blacks, and inky blues to make their homes stand out.

Fibre cement cladding

Fibre cement cladding, alongside its fire safety and environmental benefits, is becoming more of trend:

Texture – Enhances Exteriors

Fibre cement cladding is installed on properties all over the world, using many different varieties of designs and orientations. The fibre cement boards are versatile and can be made to resemble many natural cladding or surfacing options, such as wood, concrete and metal – adding interest to properties.

Environmentally-friendly Materials

Fibre cement is a very sustainable option that is often made using recycled material. Its growing popularity is in line with the growing level of effort that we put in to living more sustainably and economically. The durability of fibre cement means that it can last for an extremely long time, saving money and time on replacements and other resources. We know that our customers need the right resources to work with as the necessity for more sustainable homes increases – fibre cement is therefore ideal with its environmental benefits.

Having watched the growing trend of fibre cement cladding over the past few years – we expect its popularity rise further and see even more installations in the years ahead. This is largely due to recent laws and guidelines in the UK in relation to fire safety and sustainability. But with the vast array of options that fibre cement presents us with, it is no surprise that it is more than a passing trend.

You can read more about our range of James Hardie Fibre Cement Cladding, or take a look at the James Hardie Cladding Calculator, and Visualiser

 Fortex Textured Cladding

Another range that is growing in popularity is Fortex cladding. This innovative, low maintenance range is manufactured using environmentally friendly lead-free formulation which is guaranteed to stand the test of time. With many on-trend colours available in the Fortex range, our customers can personalise their properties confidently, while not having to worry about upkeep and sustainability. The Fortex range has a unique embossed woodgrain effect which improves the overall exterior of properties.

A word on metal cladding

There are four metals most popular for cladding and roofing usage. These are zinc, copper, stainless steel, and aluminium. They can add a contemporary touch to any property – but there are a few things to consider. Metal is a tough material, but not always as hard-wearing as it seems.

Pros of metal cladding

• • Metal does not absorb moisture, which could lead to mould and mildew issues.

• • Metal is widely recycled

• • Low risk of insect and pest damage

• • Contemporary design options

• • Metal cladding offers fire protection

• • Some metals used for cladding are fairly lightweight

Cons of metal cladding

• • Rust can cause damage to metal and ruin the façade

• • Metal cladding is usually a more expensive option

• • Rainfall and hail falling against metal cladding can be noisy

• • Softer aluminium cladding can be prone to denting and scratching.

Updating a home’s exterior can bring significant returns when homeowners invest in good quality, sustainable cladding choices. Installing cladding onto your property will provide a clean, sleek exterior and increase the value of the property.

Need more information?

We’ve got some useful guides for you!

• • A Guide to Cladding

• • The Cladding Trend Continues…

• • Cladding: what is it and why is it used?

You are welcome to pop into any of our three branches and take a look at our fibre cement samples. Otherwise, give us a call on 03450123333 or send us an email – [email protected].