As you know, your home’s exterior makes a massive impact on people’s first impression. Home siding and cladding systems serve as a protective extension to your house while offering aesthetics and an attractive appearance.
These essential building components protect your facility from different exterior elements while reflecting your taste and style to guests and people who pass by. Additionally, some cladding systems, such as aluminum composite panels, are considered an investment since they add value to your property.
With this said, when you need to replace or add new home siding or cladding, knowing which material to choose is more than just thinking about their appearance.
Home Siding or Cladding? What to Choose?
Manufacturers produce various metal cladding systems, wood sidings, or even the most traditional systems for your homes. The problem is that when most people hear the word home cladding, they generally think about siding.
So, many homeowners think that home siding is the same as cladding. However, the reality is that there are many differences between the two components. You may think that since both systems are applied to the external walls of your house, there cannot be a huge difference.
We are here to help you better understand their difference and their unique characteristics. After reading this guide, you will realize home siding and cladding differences, so you will choose the most suitable product for your home to protect it from external elements.
Note: Although all home sidings and claddings are functional, it is better to choose materials that will allow you to build a green home.
Direct and Indirect Applications of Claddings and Sidings
Generally, siding panels are installed directly into an external wall system. On the other hand, building claddings are used for the exterior of insulated walls assembly.
Metal claddings are furred out from the external paneling to create a drainage plane, and WRB stands for the water-resistive barrier. The gap between the cladding panels and the WRB allows rainwater to drain and prevents water from infiltrating the wall sheathing.
You can also use cladding systems such as ACM panels for roofing and home windows. Almost all metal claddings provide extra protection against harsh weather conditions and keep your home’s interior safe. Additionally, if you use your home cladding panels correctly, they can be great for aesthetic addition.
Home siding panels can be installed over your wall insulation sheathing. With metal sidings, you can improve your home’s appearance, save vulnerable surfaces from harsh weather, and enhance protection. Manufacturers offer various types of home siding panels that you can use for your building facade, including aluminum siding, vinyl, and PVC. We will get to the materials later.
Which is Better for Rainscreen Systems? Home Siding or Cladding?
Your home siding will keep the elements at the inlet, but the cladding systems are produced to provide an efficient drainage system that can prevent moisture and humidity damage.
Traditional home claddings are exterior paneling, ventilated drainage plan, and WRB. The space between the cladding systems and the sheathing provides a channel for drainage and ventilation, which consist of two primary venting sections:
- Top Venting: Allowing exfiltration, water vapor, and heat to exit upwards.
- Bottom Venting: Allowing water condensate to escape from the building by gravity.
Siding vs. Cladding in Terms of Designing
Although the system’s functionality is crucial, the design factors are also essential for your home. Both home siding and cladding systems are available in different shapes, forms, and finishes. However, the fundamental difference is how you use them in your home’s design.
Most cladding panels are bulky and may bow out when installed on a wall due to their thickness. However, home cladding boards do not require so much endeavor during the designing process since they are very convenient.
Unlike cladding systems, siding panels stay intact in terrible weather events such as a storm. But they can overlap due to their slender and thin characteristics.
Is Home Siding More Durable than Home Cladding?
Since both metal sidings and claddings are made from similar materials, they are alike. But another factor that separates these construction systems is their durability.
As told, home siding panels are thinner than the cladding panels. So, it is expected that cladding systems are more durable than the sidings. This is especially true when it comes to modern metal claddings and sidings.
Cons of Both Home Claddings and Sidings
Home sidings and cladding systems have their unique advantages and also disadvantages. You already know their benefits if you have read this far. But, if you want to choose the most suitable system for your project, you also need to know its primary drawbacks.
Cons of Home Siding
Although manufacturers improved metal siding characteristics over time, it still has cons. The main disadvantage of home siding is that it can experience cracking. When it begins to break, it can cause moisture infiltration and cause water damage. So, as soon as you inspect a crack on your siding, you should take care of it.
Know If Your Home Siding Requires Replacement with Simple Signs
- Spots of cracks on the siding’s surface
- Siding discoloration
- Growth of mold on the siding panels
- Bubbling paint
- Sagging paneling
- Stains from rainwater
- Inspecting peeling or decaying
- Small craters
Learn more about how to replace aluminum siding.
Cons of Home Cladding
Although home cladding systems have their perks, they also have drawbacks that you should know. Most metal cladding systems cost higher than metal sidings, and it is affected by different factors, which are:
- Material
- The Architecture of Your House
- The Complexity of Your Project
Most modern architects and cladding contractors prefer aluminum panels or durable wood sidings. However, since wood is flammable, using inflammable ACM panels or aluminum sidings is recommended.
Why Should You Choose One of the Systems for Your House?
Claddings and sidings are your home’s most important external features since they protect your facility and provide an attractive appearance. However, there are other reasons that you should use one of the systems.
Add Character and Color to Your House
When it comes to renovation and improvements projects, most homeowners focus on the interior portions, such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, the most overlooked part is usually the facade. With modern metal sidings and cladding that are available in various colors and finishes, your home will turn into something extraordinary.
Add Value with Home Siding
Installing modern metal claddings or sidings such as aluminum composite panels or longboards will increase the value of your property considerably. This is why you can often find buildings that have metal facades.
Lower Your Home Maintenance Cost
One of the most incredible things about modern home siding and modern claddings is that they will decrease your utility bills. Additionally, you won’t need to spend much time and money on maintaining them since they are durable construction materials.
Mend the Integral Structural Damage
You have to protect your home with robust, stable, and reliable materials from high winds and water damage. The best choice for this purpose is using metal cladding. High-quality claddings are long-lasting. But most old sidings can get damaged easily.
Best Home Sidings and Claddings Available in the Market
You have a wide variety of metal home siding and cladding options to buy from the market. Each system is made from different materials, textures, and finishes.
If you want to buy the best siding or cladding system for your home, you need to know your options. All options are perfect for architectural projects, and your choice will only depend on your taste and requirements.
The Metal Claddings and Sidings In the Market
- Aluminum Composite Panel
- Aluminum Siding
- Copper Cladding
- Steel Panels
- Weathering Steel Siding (CORTEN)
- Galvanized Steel Cladding
Among these best metal claddings, ACM panels or Aluminum composite panels are the best choices equivalent to the current architectural requirements. Additionally, ACM panels follow the building codes entirely since they are energy-efficient and safe materials.
The second choice is aluminum home siding, which is durable and accepts various paint finishes.
If you want to create something unique, copper and weathering steel can be a good choice since they both naturally form a greenish and beautiful oxidized layer. But ACP manufacturers can also apply their color and finishes to their ACM panels.
Final Thoughts on Cladding vs. Siding
If you don’t want to sell your property or do not even think of moving out, you should know that the walls you choose for your beloved house will be with you for the rest of your life.
So, if you want to invest in modern home siding or cladding panels, you should choose the best materials and products. Do complete research and find a reliable contractor that offers the best services at a logical price.
