Sos Roofline Systems

Apart from basic cladding types, such as wood, stone and brick, there are innumerable variations put out by building supply manufacturers. Homeowners can select the particular qualities and appearance desired. Factors to consider are: (1) resistance to water, wind, mechanical damage, and vermin entry. (2) Cost of material, installation, and maintenance, (3) thermal insulation, (4) durability, and (5) visual appeal, which includes marketability. Select a reputable company to install your cladding, who will provide warranties for both the materials and workmanship.

Wood is a popular cladding material due to its natural durability, the choice of types of wood available and, as long as the wood has been treated and is looked after, its weather resistance and durability. Despite the obvious vulnerability to fire with the popular choices of spruce, cedar and pine, wood is and will continue to be a popular home cladding material.

Metal claddings are made of aluminum, steel, zinc, copper, or various alloys. Permanence and low maintenance are the key features. They also provide excellent protection from weather elements and insulate the home well. The unique appearance of color and texture, even as they age, make metal a popular choice for cladding.

Glass has also been used as cladding, usually in combination with aluminum, coated steel or stainless steel mullions. Tempered safety glass is durable and requires little maintenance. It can be treated with a color layer that is resistant to mechanical damage, aging and temperature fluctuations. Another product is opaque spandrel glass that is cuttable and shatterproof.

Plastic cladding is most often made of vinyl, usually unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). Vinyl is a versatile material that is sturdy and long lasting. It provides ease of installment and requires minimal maintenance. Costing less than most other cladding material, it is a frequent choice among home owners and builders everywhere.

A cladding material that many are unaware of is that on Stucco. This form of cladding is strong, durable, and weather resistant and looks good. In the past, stucco was made from water, lime and sand but today is made with cement as well, often with the addition of glass and acrylic fibers, making modern stucco a more durable cladding material.

A problematic form of cladding that may be best to avoid is that of EIFS. The Exterior Insulation and Finish System, consisting of foam plastic insulation with synthetic coatings above, reportedly is vulnerable to severe water damage. This has been said to be due to the sheathing not containing a vapour barrier. Despite drainage EIFS being employed to solve this problem, reports have been made of continued water damage and consequently a different cladding option may be preferable.