Cladding

What is cladding?

Cladding, also called exterior cladding,  is an exterior covering that dresses and protects the facades, walls and low walls of houses or any other building. It is a modern and decorative exterior facing that adds character, personality and comfort to your home, notably thanks to insulation and the reduction of thermal bridges.

Exterior cladding is sometimes called “exterior paneling” as a misuse of language. 

There are different types of wall cladding, depending on the material, shape, color and style of finish you want. You can opt for modern exterior cladding in wood, composite, metal, PVC or fiber-cement. You can also choose between interlocking cladding, open-joint (claire-voie), lap (clin) or panel cladding.

Exterior cladding can be used to fit out different spaces, and different types of facade: on a wall in masonry, a structure or frame in wood or metal, or even on a metal facade or on insulating panels.

 

Why use modern exterior cladding for a house facade?

Exterior cladding allows you to renovate your house facade, make it aesthetic and modern, improve  its thermal and acoustic insulation, and protect it from bad weather, insects and fungi. In short, to create a modern AND high-performance facade.

On WoodPartners, you will find a wide range of modern, decorative cladding products, suitable for all budgets and tastes. Browse our variety of colors and materials, make your choice, and bring your ideas to life.

 

Which materials for modern exterior cladding? 

There are several materials for modern exterior cladding, each with its advantages and disadvantages, and materials ranging from budget to high-end. Here are the main ones:

• Natural or treated wood: this is a natural, warm and aesthetic material, which adapts to all styles, offering different species and colors. Wood is easy to work with and to install, and is very often used for exterior facade finishing, and prized for its natural, high-end effect and longevity. It does, however, require regular maintenance with stain or paint to protect it from bad weather, insects and fungi.
  
  
• Composite: composite material imitates the look of wood, but is made of wood fibers and plastic resins. It offers better durability for exterior facade cladding, and requires reduced maintenance compared with natural wood. Due to its composition, it resists UV, insects and fungi, without being 100% rot-proof. There are different types of this kind of cladding, such as open-joint (claire-voie), sun screen or smooth. It is a popular choice for a modern facade that stands the test of time, and also for its value for money.
  
  
• PVC: this is a synthetic, lightweight and economical material, which offers a wide range of colors and finishes, making it a good choice for exterior facade covering. Its installation is easy, its cleaning too, and its lifespan long. PVC cladding resists bad weather, UV and impacts, and is therefore a common choice by the sea for example. However, the technology of this cladding is less ecological than the previous two because it is derived from petrochemicals and difficult to recycle.
  
  
• Resin: this is a material that comes in the form of panels or facing tiles. It offers a modern and design look to the facade. It is resistant to bad weather, UV and impacts. It is easy to install and to clean. However, it is a more expensive wall cladding option than PVC or composite.
  
  
• Metal: this is a material that comes in the form of slats or panels in steel, aluminum or zinc. This exterior facing gives a contemporary and industrial look to the clad facade. It is very resistant to bad weather (wind, rain, snow), UV and impacts. It is easy to install and to clean. However, it is more expensive than PVC or composite, and it can be subject to corrosion. It remains an excellent choice for durability.

 

Exterior cladding or exterior paneling?

It’s the same thing! The term “exterior paneling” is often used for simplicity, but it is in fact exterior cladding when you want to dress an exterior wall, paneling (often wood) being reserved for interior walls and ceilings. 

 

What is the price of cladding?

The price of cladding varies depending on the material, the quality, and the installation method. Wood cladding is available from €15 to €100/m², depending on the species (softwood, exotic wood, thermally treated). Composite or PVC cladding costs between €30 and €80/m², while metal or fiber-cement cladding is between €40 and €120/m². Added to this are installation / fitting costs if you use a professional, ranging from €40 to €100/m², depending on the complexity of the job.

Must a cladding breather membrane (rain screen) be installed?

The rain screen is mandatory in most cases, notably for the installation of open-joint (claire-voie) cladding or when insulation is installed from the outside. It protects the facade from water infiltration and from wind, while allowing water vapor to escape. However, for solid cladding installed on a wall that is already watertight, its installation may be optional. It is recommended to refer to the applicable standards (DTU 41.2) to ensure the durability of the work.

 

When to use and not use cladding at home?

The decision to incorporate exterior cladding in the home or any other architectural project depends on three things: do we want to paint or do we want something with texture, a variety of colors and visual effects? Is the area concerned interior or exterior? Do I need a specific material or technology for my exterior wall (for example a need for insulation)?

Cladding is mainly used for finishing the following spaces :

• the facade of your house or building,
• the facade or edge of your terrace,
• other exterior walls or low walls.

There are interior spaces in the house that can only be painted, or finished with paneling:

• hallways,
• the sides of the entry walls,
• garage walls,
• utility room walls,
• certain bedroom walls,
• the kitchen,
• bathrooms,
• a wall in the dining room or living room,
• the visual crown of the fireplace,
• the main wall of bedrooms,
• the side wall of a staircase.

Fill up on ideas on WoodPartners, the wood platform, and find the modern exterior cladding that will transform your facade layout! Do not hesitate to call on a professional from our team!