Architectural claddings are permanent fixtures constructed on the exterior of a building. They provide protection against the elements of nature and improve the structure of the building as well. This is why they are primarily installed with the purpose of improving the architectural structure. These claddings make even the simplest of homes look very graceful. The claddings have become more common these days, as the architects have been experimenting with this material for the past couple of decades, particularly in skyscrapers. Let’s know more about them.
Advantages of Architectural Claddings
There are several advantages of installing architectural claddings on your building. Some of them are:
- The main advantage of claddings is that they add an extra protective layer to your structure. By increasing the strength of your building, it protects your structure from a wide range of elements, including sunlight, pollution, water absorption, climate changes, temperature fluctuations etc. A building covered with claddings also stays protected against the effects of mould, humidity, rain and winds.
- Claddings also provide thermal insulation to the building, which reduces the amount of heat that enters the house. During the construction of the cladding, a cavity is left between it and the insulation so as to allow rain droplets to roll down. Certain claddings provide noise cancellation, which makes it very popular for studio purposes where they conduct sound recordings. They are even used in radio stations to improve sound reception. Installing claddings on your building makes it a very low maintenance alternative. As compared to painted surfaces, claddings need very little repairing and cleaning. Just wash them from time to time to make them look fresh and clean.
- Claddings can also change the look of your building drastically. By improving its aesthetic appeal, it helps in raising the property’s market value to a great extent.
Choosing the Right Architectural Claddings
There are various types of architectural claddings that improve the structure of the building based on the material used. The most common materials used for making claddings are stone, wood, PVC, tile, glass, aluminium, aluminium composite, ceramic and porcelain. Wooden claddings may range from cedar and plywood to pine. Metal ones may be anything from aluminium to galvanised steel. Extruded aluminium is often used for roofs, facades, column covers and canopies, as it is extremely stable and resilient. These features make the cladding extremely safe against elements. Vinyl cladding is easy to fit, and requires only an occasional power wash to maintain. When it needs replacement, it is easy to cut and install too. Concrete cladding is expensive, but it is much sturdier and requires low maintenance. Appropriately chosen cladding can drastically change the look of your building, and make it look modern and appealing. Granite claddings are available in a variety of finishes and colours, ranging from rough to polished. Brick claddings are also available in white stone or rustic style finish, and you may choose them from a wide range of colours and textures.
Conclusion
Architectural claddings are very efficient when it comes to weatherproofing. The material provides the building with a sturdy structural support with an exterior elegance. It is very important in metropolitan cities and areas that are very prone to pollution. The claddings act as a pollution resistant which also provides thermal insulation to the interior of the building. When done by professionals, claddings can be installed within short time duration. Claddings are extremely durable and there is no concern of having to replace it after a short time frame. They can last for years, and maybe even decades, provided that the right material has been chosen.