My Basket (0)

Recently added item(s)×

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Recently added item(s)×

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Cladding: what is it and why is it used?

What is cladding?

 

Cladding is the process of applying one material onto another material to create an external skin or layer. Available in a variety of sizes, colours and surface finishes, cladding is a popular product for anyone who wants to take the look of their building to the next level.

 

Why is cladding used?

 

Typically, cladding is used to improve the appearance of a building. It can also bolster the weather resistance of a building or act as thermal insulation.

 

Other uses for cladding a building that are often overlooked are sound-proofing and fire safety. If a building is designed to stop sound from escaping it, for example a music studio – installing cladding on outside of the building gives it an extra ‘skin’, making it harder for sound to escape.

 

Fire safety has become an important issue in the cladding industry, following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire disaster. Many cladded buildings (residential buildings over 18 metres in height) are now under review as to whether the cladding is fire proof – and if not, it has to be removed and replaced with a fire resistant type; such as fibre cement cladding.

 

Cladding image

 

What are the different types of cladding?

 

There are many different types of cladding boards, with each material offering various looks as well as a range of properties. Cladding boards can be either horizontal or vertical, meaning you can achieve unique and striking designs.

 

Here at Edge, we provide a vast range of cladding systems that are easy to install and have many colour and style options.

 

Shiplap cladding

 

Our range of shiplap cladding is designed to overlay in such a way that there is a flat surface overall. This improves its weather resistance by allowing any water to run off the boards and minimising draughts.

 

Shiplap image

 

Open V cladding

 

The Open V cladding range is a common preference for those looking for a unique open v appearance. Sometimes referred to as ‘tongue and groove’, our open V cladding is 100mm wide and comes with a wide range of trims and accessories to ensure a perfect installation, every time.

 

Open V image

 

Fortex cladding

 

A great combination of an authentic painted timber grained look with the low maintenance benefits of PVC.

 

Durable – Fortex cladding products are made from an environmentally friendly lead-free formulation and is guaranteed for 10 years (T & Cs apply).

 

Light & Easy to Install – With the Fortex system, storing, handling, and fitting is very simple and easy. Its light weight offers many benefits over fibre cement cladding products, in fact at 3.15kg per 5m length it is 4 times lighter than a comparable fibre cement board!

 

PVC cladding trims

 

We have a large range of PVC cladding trims, in many colours, to match your cladding choices. These are also suited to the different cladding styles we offer.

 

Fibre cement cladding

 

The ultimate alternative to wood, Cembrit plank cladding is made from resilient, maintenance-free fibre cement. Giving your customers all of the benefits of a stylish wooden façade with none of the hassle. Made from natural materials this product provides strength, durability and protection. It is also available in a wide range of colours to give your project the perfect finish.

 

For more information, view our brochure on fibre cement cladding.

 

Which cladding is best for your building?

 

Cladding image

 

Choosing to clad a building is a big choice, so it’s good to take your time and make sure you go for the right material. It can alter the look and feel of your building and also provide economical benefits by keeping in heat.

 

If you’re still not sure, feel free to give us a call and speak with a member of our team. Based in Croydon, Chichester and Horsham, we stock a range of building products, including a wide range of external cladding and decking. We’re happy to help and provide you with further information to make sure you choose the right cladding for your building.