Cladding is a vital part of the design of a building. That makes the decision you make when comparing options all the more important and, for those who aren't familiar with cladding or design in general, quite complicated. Your cladding system is an important choice as it should last for decades if not for the entire lifetime of your house.

Here are a few pointers on what to look for when deciding on your cladding systems.

Sound Insulation

Something that is very important for people in urban settings (where they live quite close to their neighbours) is how they will restrict their noise level. The last thing you want is for a nosey neighbour to hear all the aspects of your private life. Many cladding systems are purposely built to be as insulating as possible when it comes to noise. Having a decent gap between the cladding and the external wall of your house is also good in muffling your sound because the air in between acts as its own insulation. Natural materials like stone, brick and timber are also very good at blocking sound from leaving your premises. 

Environmental Conditions

If you live near the ocean or in an area that consistently rains, then you need to consider what this water damage can do to your cladding. Look for materials that are good at resisting the corrosive effect of salt in the air or heavy downpours. This is where brick and other masonry really shine as cladding. If you aren't a huge fan of that look, then look for highly treated cladding systems made of synthetic material or special, rust-proof metals. Avoid materials like timber which, while they look great, are the most susceptible to decay caused by salt and water exposure.

Non-Flammable

Everyone is still reeling from the tragic events that happened in the fire at Grenfell, and many cladding designers have been quick to remedy the issues present in their products. Now there are many options for cladding systems that are extremely resistant to flames or totally fireproof. It is understandable to be cautious when it comes to the flammability of your cladding, but remember that even in cladding systems with no fireproofing, fires are extremely rare and, if they do start, often do not begin on the cladding itself. When looking for fireproof cladding systems, you should start with materials that are naturally fire-resistant including glass, metal and masonry.

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