There are several new wall cladding products on the market such as fiber cement cladding and faux stone cladding that are greener, less expensive, last longer and come in a variety of finishes and colors. Home owners prefer these new products because they don’t fade, rot, burn or invite insects and moisture. Contractors prefer them because they're lighter, easier to work with and less expensive. For all these reasons, wall cladding contractors are turning away from traditional exterior sidings such as vinyl, wood and cedar in favor of newer wall cladding products.
Cladding contractors need to know the latest trends and technologies in order to offer greater benefits and services to their customers. When choosing wall cladding, use the following questions to guide you:
1. What kind of installation is required?
2. What is the combustibility rating of the wall cladding?
3. What is the insulation rating?
4. What is the product’s water resistance rating?
5. What is the product’s durability?
6. What kind of wall clad warranty is offered?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Research the latest wall cladding styles and trends
The top cladding suppliers offer a variety of wall cladding information online, including reasons to purchase, installation guides and comparisons to traditional cladding materials.
I recommend: Siding Innovations is a wall cladding provider that offers a fiber cement product catalog, idea book and a brochure listing the top ten reasons to use fiber cement cladding.
Build Direct offers wall cladding info on how to install both fiber cement wall clad and faux stone wall clad. Other articles explain how cladding products for construction are made and the benefits they offer.
Purchase faux stone cladding from cladding suppliers
Faux stone wall cladding is available in a variety of styles, such as marble, granite, limestone, slate and sandstone. It's made by pouring tinted concrete into molds cast from real stones. Once set, the cladding is virtually indistinguishable from real stone. The obvious advantage of faux stone cladding is its light weight and overall ease of installation.
I recommend: Eldorado Stone offers precast faux stone cladding that costs half as much as natural stone. The products’ light weight properties eliminate the need for wall ties or footings.
Stone Panels offers composite stone cladding reinforced with an aluminum honeycomb backing. This cladding has enhanced durability, impact resistance, water impenetrability, significant weight reduction and lower project costs.
Order fiber cement cladding from wall cladding providers
Fiber cement cladding is made from cement, sand and cellulose fiber that is steam pressurized. This compact material is most often formed into overlapping horizontal boards that imitate wood siding and shingles. This cladding is easy to cut, carry and install using standard power tools, screws and adhesives.
I recommend: James Hardie is a pioneer in fiber cement wall claddings that specializes in wood mimicking claddings that are strong, durable and fire and insect resistant.
Certainteed is a cladding supplier that offers a deeper, more authentic wood grain in a variety of textures and colors.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Wise use of wall claddings can add curb appeal and a strong visual impact to your property which translates into increased value.
- The only maintenance faux stone and cement fiber wall claddings need is to be hosed down twice a year.
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