Building cladding also referred to as siding in Canada functions as the protective layer or skin of a house. This essential building element protects the interiors and the structural parts from various external factors.
Generally, the building cladding is made up of several layers, including a plastic wrap to keep out moisture, a walls’ outer surface, insulation, and vapor barriers, among others.
Aluminum composite panels and other metal sidings are most commonly used for the building cladding system. However, designers and architects utilize other traditional and modern methods to create beautiful and durable buildings.
What are The Best Building Cladding Systems?
As told, there are various building cladding systems available in the market, and you should know their basics if you want to choose the most suitable one for your project.
- Aluminum Composite Panel
- Aluminum Siding
- Wood Siding
- Stone Siding
- Fiber Cement
- Stucco
- Brick
Each cladding system has its unique characteristics, benefits, and disadvantages. ACM panels and modern aluminum siding are lightweight metal materials and feature an easy installation process. These metal claddings are available in various finishes and styles, allowing architects to design limitless building facades. Aluminum composite panels are also low-maintenance building materials.
Wood siding is a traditional building cladding system with a warm and natural appearance. Although wood is a long-lasting material, it requires special maintenance. This cladding is perfect for energy efficiency, and since it is a biodegradable substance, it is considered an environmentally friendly system.
Rock and brick sidings are the oldest types of cladding systems. However, architects create creative designs with them by following modern standards. The problem with these two traditional systems is their challenging installation process since they are considered heavy materials.
Fiber cement is also one of the most common and popular cladding materials. This building cladding is lightweight and can last for a long if maintained properly. Manufacturers apply different beautiful finishes to these materials to provide design flexibility.
Similar to ACM panels and modern aluminum sidings, stucco is an energy-efficient material and works well as an insulator to help maintain cool or warm temperatures inside your house.
How Much Do Various Cladding Systems Cost?
One of the essential factors to have in mind when buying building cladding for your house is the price you will pay for the material and the installation.
The cost of ACM panels is mostly based on location, availability, and style. Generally, the price of aluminum composite panels varies from $2 to $10 per square foot. These metal claddings should be washed every 1 to 3 years, depending on your building location. Choose ACP companies and manufacturers that offer long-term warranties.
Aluminum siding panels’ cost ranges between $2.2 to $9 per square foot. However, the price is impacted by your project’s requirements and additional features.
Wood siding is considered one of the most affordable cladding systems in the market, which costs around $1 to $5 per square foot. However, the installation cost is often higher than metal building claddings. Additionally, the type of wood you choose for your building facade will also affect its price.
Stone siding is the most expensive cladding material, which depends on the type of stone. On the other hand, brick is a cheap material that has a price of around $2 per brick.
Fiber cement should be pressure washed every 2 to 3 years, and the cost is about $5 per square foot. On the other hand, stucco sidings come in bags, and each pack costs $6 to $9.
How to Clean and Maintain Building Cladding System?
Since building cladding plays a vital role in the construction’s functionality, keeping your panels or materials clean is essential. Cleaning them is not a complex task overall. However, this mainly depends on the material you choose for your cladding system.
Although they are various methods for cleaning the cladding system, there are two mutual steps which are:
Step 1: Clean the Cladding with a Soft Bristle Brush
This may be the best method for dirt, such as dust and rain spots. Anyway, it is good to start cleaning the cladding with this method since it will remove surface particles.
Step 2: Apply Water to Remove Stubborn Dirt and Stains
It is essential to remember not to utilize any chemicals to clean your siding since it can damage the surface and the protective coating applied to it.
