No matter if your home reflects a country, coastal, or contemporary style, various appealing exterior cladding options are available to fit different budgets and enhance both modern and period properties. Moreover, choosing the right exterior cladding is often regarded as one of the most effective strategies for increasing your home's value, so it's crucial to get it right the first time.
Do I Need Planning Permission for Exterior Cladding?
Exterior cladding may be classified under 'permitted development' if the materials closely resemble those initially used in the structure, but this depends on the scope of the project.
If your home is a townhouse or semi-detached, you should think about how it will affect your neighbors. Therefore, it's wise to consult your local authority before commencing any work. If your property is located in a Conservation Area, a National Park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, be sure to apply for planning permission.
Will Exterior Cladding Increase My Property's Value?
Exterior cladding is recognized as an architectural feature that can elevate your home's market value. Fanis Anastasiadis, Lead Architect at Facit Homes, states, 'Good design consistently boosts property value.'
He adds, 'If the cladding material is functional, high-quality, and enhances the aesthetic appeal, it better protects the house's exterior, leading to increased property value and lower maintenance expenses in the long run. However, even the most expensive materials won't guarantee a rise in value without excellent design.'
What Should I Consider When Choosing Cladding?
First, assess whether it's truly necessary. The environmental impact of building materials is gaining more attention, even if there are no current regulations. Will the costs and carbon footprint outweigh potential benefits like insulation, reduced energy bills, or improved marketability?
Additionally, consider your home's architectural period and style, the surrounding buildings, and any maintenance that might be needed. 'Planning policies and the local context often dictate the choice of materials,' explains Fanis Anastasiadis.
'There are primarily two approaches, particularly in areas with a specific aesthetic: 'blend in,' where the building is designed to harmonize with the scenery, or 'distinct contrast,' where the design is intentionally modern but references existing structures. Depending on the locality, a design could be approved or rejected based on how well it fits in.'
What Is the Best Material for External Cladding?
Timber can be applied as horizontal boards or in contemporary vertical arrangements. 'A favored choice is to juxtapose sections in render against sections in silver timber cladding. Naturally durable woods like larch, cedar, and oak need no treatment to maintain their appearance, which many homeowners find advantageous,' says Tom Barnes, Managing Director at Vastern Timber.
'Locally-sourced and modified timbers that have been processed for enhanced durability are excellent alternatives to imported hardwoods, which are increasingly avoided due to environmental concerns.'
From the light limestone of classical architecture to the dark flint used in rural cottages, stone has been a durable building material for centuries, conveying a sense of stability. Opting for local stone ensures compatibility with the surrounding area and lowers its 'embodied energy.' However, stone can be costly, so consider using it for a small section or gable end rather than an entire façade.
'Natural stone allows moisture to escape, making it breathable and durable, which is a long-lasting investment,' notes Daniel Wilson, Director at Stamford Stone. 'When the right material is selected and installed properly, it can last for generations.'
Treated metals such as aluminum, zinc, and steel require minimal maintenance and can create a unique design. However, due to the fabrication process, they have a high embodied carbon content, so it's important to consider the longevity of the design.
Metal can be shaped into flat, corrugated, or panel forms and can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to match your preferences. It's advisable to consult an architect for this specialist task.
'With its sturdy finish and robust appearance, metal pairs beautifully with timber and stone and can be coated in any RAL color to fit a specific design scheme,' explains Fanis Anastasiadis from Facit Homes. 'Untreated COR-TEN steel develops a beautiful patina over time, transitioning from dark brown to bright red to reddish-brown. It is also low maintenance and complements other natural materials nicely.'
Clay tiles, especially when applied vertically, are a traditional element in certain regions, such as New England, typically adorning upper stories. They can offer a sympathetic design but need specific fixings to prevent moisture intrusion. Stone tiles, like split-face slate, provide a modern appearance and are often used in sections as features. Both require occasional maintenance to ensure the pointing or mortar fillets remain in good condition.
The smooth, painted finish of traditional sand and cement render is a popular choice for period homes, offering both weather protection and visual appeal; however, it will need regular repainting.
Lime render has gained popularity as the best option for older homes or conservation projects, as it allows for a breathable finish. Some newer types of render, such as monocouche, come 'through-colored,' which, while pricier, eliminates the need for frequent repainting.
Fibre-cement boards, resembling painted timber, provide resistance to rot, fire, and weather. Starting at around $40 (£30) per square meter, they are an economical choice; available in over 20 colors, they can be installed vertically or horizontally without the need for repainting.
'For a classic New England appearance, opt for a lap wood-like exterior in white, cream, or blue with white trim,' suggests Lisa Grosse from Cedral. 'Beige is trending in interiors and is now spilling over to exteriors. Other popular colors include sage green, grey-brown, blue-grey, and sand-yellow.'
Are There Additional Styles of Exterior Cladding?
'For modern designs, vertically hung cladding boards with shadow gaps featuring clean, knot-free wood are striking,' advises Tom Barnes from Vastern Timber.
'For a rustic look in country homes, rough-sawn feather-edge or waney-edge cladding is an excellent choice.'
Should I Hire a Professional for Exterior Cladding Installation?
Yes, while timber or weatherboard cladding might be manageable for a skilled DIY enthusiast, it presents a challenging task that typically requires professional expertise.
