Image by Western Design via Flickr
Many Australians do not realise, but if their home was built just after World War 2, there is a good chance that it was made from bonded fibrous cement sheeting. The material contains asbestos which can be deadly, and you can find out more about this material on the public.health.wa.gov.au website. It was a standard material to build with in the post-war era, due to a lack of other building supplies. It was not until the 1980’s where laws changed on the use of this material. As many people installed cladding on the exterior of their homes, many people forgot about the potentially lethal material beneath.
Different Types Of Cladding
There are a lot of different types of cladding available that you can put on your home’s exterior. Each type has its pros and cons, and you should look at all the options that are available before you decide which one to use on the exterior of your home.
- Palliside Cladding
- Vinyl Cladding
- Timber Cladding
- Fibre Cement Cladding
- Veneer Cladding
You will need to compare all of the different properties of each cladding and also compare the prices. Doing this, will help you to choose the perfect solution for your home and cover up any ugly fibro cladding that your home has.
The Benefits Of Cladding
When you add cladding to the outside of your home, there are many benefits that you will receive from doing this. Certain types of cladding such as Palliside offers both thermal and acoustic insulation, and is also rated safe for use in category C cyclones, as well as rated with a nil fire ignition rate, safe for use in areas prone to bushfires. Additionally, exterior Veneer stone cladding is quick and easy to install, feels natural, and will have your home looking warm and inviting in no time at all. Many types of cladding made from modern materials are easy to keep clean, and the odd scrub with a soft bristle brush and spray down with a hose will have your home sparkling in no time at all.
Some Of The Negatives Of Cladding
With some types of external cladding, you can have a few negatives, such as with timber cladding. To keep the wood in top condition, you may need to treat it regularly, applying a new coat of paint or layer of varnish every few years. Painting the outside of your home is a big job and will usually take at least a full weekend to do it properly. Using products like Rhino Shield will help to keep the paint in good condition so always be careful when you’re choosing paint brands. You also find that some types can also warp with intense heat and become out of shape. When this happens, you will often need to replace the vinyl sheeting, which will also stand out like a sore thumb unless you do the rest of it at the same time.
Installing cladding to the outside of your home can drastically change the appearance in a very short space of time. Make sure that you do not rush into deciding which type to use, and research the benefits of each thoroughly. It is not all about the initial cost but the longevity of the cladding, as well as how much maintenance it requires.
