Thinking about boosting your homes curb appeal and updating your homes exterior? Building new and not sure what to do on the exterior? No matter your project, the professionals at A. Clark Roofing & Siding have over 70 years’ experience in exterior cladding and are here to answer your questions and provide you with a free, zero-contact quote for all your exterior cladding needs.
What is exterior cladding?
The exterior of your home is often the first thing people notice, meaning it has a big role in your home’s curb appeal. However, it’s role extends beyond just aesthetics. The cladding is often made up of several layers and protects your home from moisture and extreme weather and can help with insulation. The cladding plays an important part in the construction of your home, as the last barrier between your home and the exterior, preventing wall infiltration.
Siding vs. cladding
Although both siding and cladding refer to the protective exterior layer of your home, they can be used to describe different groups of materials. Siding is installed either vertically or horizontally in panels, and is typically vinyl, engineered material, aluminum or composite. Materials like stone and brick are often referred to as masonry, with all other materials commonly referred to as ‘cladding’. However, many professionals and homeowners use ‘cladding’ as a catch-all term, including all the materials mentioned above!
Exterior cladding types
With so many types of exterior materials for your home, how do you choose what’s best? There are a number of factors, including how you want it to look, what kind of environment you live in, the type of home you have, and your budget.
External Siding
The term siding most often refers to composite and vinyl siding. One of the most popular choices for a home’s exterior cladding, vinyl, and composite siding is extremely affordable, durable, and requires minimal maintenance. These panels can come in a variety of textures, sizes, and colors to fit the style of your home.
Exterior Cladding
Typically used to describe materials outside of more commonly seen siding and masonry, cladding includes capping, hand-braked, and custom-fitted exterior panels and materials.
Masonry
Brick, stone and veneer provide a timeless look to the home’s exterior. This option is on the higher end of costs, and does involve a more intensive installation process. Often the masonry is installed to appear as a construction material, but is in fact cladding. This option is one of the most durable choices, and will last up to 50+ years. Homeowners may also choose to utilize masonry to accent their home, paired with another cladding or siding for the remainder of the exterior.
It’s important to keep in mind that some communities may also restrict certain types of cladding, and there may be applicable bylaws or regulations you must follow.
A Clark’s exterior cladding installation process
The installation of your new exterior cladding will depend on the type of cladding chosen. Each type involves a different application process, but should always be completed by a professional sider to ensure your home is protected. Errors or gaps in cladding can cause serious damage to your home or the potential to impact your insulation and home efficiency.
Roofing and Siding professionals A. Clark Roofing & Siding have over 70 years of experience with exterior cladding and will ensure the quality and longevity of your exterior cladding. A. Clark Roofing & Siding to find out more about the best options for exterior cladding for your home, including a free no contact quote.