External cladding can improve the design aesthetic of residential and commercial exteriors by providing a new texture to a full side or just a portion of a structure. In contrast to siding, which is immediately affixed to a building’s exterior, cladding offers a wider variety of design options because it can be placed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This feature controls the depth of the façade while offering a vented drainage plane to shield a structure from wind and rain. Homeowners and business building owners have long incorporated this architectural feature into their list of design requirements for both practical and aesthetic reasons.
Examining the source of cladding material is one factor to consider when deciding whether it is sustainable or not. Many people may mistakenly believe that wood is a perfectly sustainable resource since forests may reduce carbon emissions. The truth is more nuanced—a greater need for timber may cause trees to be cut down more quickly than they can develop, destroying entire ecosystems and obviating a forest’s capacity to store carbon.
On the other hand, recycled plastics and bamboo fibres, which would typically wind up in landfills, can be used to create composite cladding. Bamboo can promote sustainable building when cultivated ethically since it grows quickly without pesticides or fertilisers and is exceptionally robust.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly materials are used in the engineering of composite cladding to assist lower CO2 emissions. The heating system of the building is insulated, air leakage is reduced, and energy efficiency is increased by properly fitting cladding. Additionally, the advantages of composite cladding prevent any moisture from the snowfall and rain from being absorbed, giving inside climate control.
Utilising durable and resilient building materials is another facet of eco-conscious construction. Due to the energy expended in its production, shipping, and installation, a renewable material may not be the most environmentally friendly choice if it just lasts a few years. Years can pass between replacements for composite and wood cladding, however, composite boards have the longer lifespan of the two materials.
Wood will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years even with proper maintenance due to rot, bending, and insect damage. The fact that treated timber is not always recyclable, not only increases the carbon footprint required to make wood cladding but also increases the volume of materials destined for landfills.
Materials that are simple to maintain can protect homeowners from labour-intensive maintenance while also disrupting nearby ecosystems little. The majority of weather-related damages are caused by cladding since it serves as a first line of defence against the elements. Wood cladding needs to be routinely re-stained, re-sealed, and treated with insecticides and fungicides in order to stay immaculate and protective. The accumulation of these harsh chemicals in the neighbouring waterways can harm both flora and animals.
Wood cannot provide sustainability advantages like eco-safe maintenance and a very long lifespan that composite cladding boards can. However, the certain composite cladding may be more environmentally friendly than others depending on the manufacturer.
Southside Roofs offers composite cladding in Plymouth to raise your home’s environmental rating while also giving it a more modern façade!
