Exterior wall cladding can be one of the most intelligent investments you can make whether you are renovating a house in Johannesburg, constructing a new house in Cape Town or renovating an older house in Durban. But what is it, and why should everybody be talking about it?
What Is Exterior Wall Cladding?
In simple terms exterior wall cladding refers to a coating of material on the exterior of the walls of your home. Imagine it as a coat that your house wears - it covers the structure in the house and also gives your property a new, fashionable appearance. Some of the cladding materials are timber, fibre cement, stone, brick veneer, vinyl, and metal panels just to mention a few.
Best Advantages of Exterior Wall Cladding.
Guarantee against the Elements.
The climate in South Africa may be harsh to buildings. Walls are subjected to constant battering in the heat of summer sun in Johannesburg, wet winters of Cape Town and wet coastal climate of Durban. Cladding the exterior wall forms a shield which keeps moisture, wind and UV rot away - keeping your structure solid many years to come.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Good cladding provides an additional insulation to your house. It is the cooler interiors in the summer and warmer rooms in the winter - this can be translated into the actual savings on your electricity bill. This is a big victory as far as homes in Durban and the Western Cape are concerned where temperatures can vary considerably.
Severely Increases Curb Appeal.
Let's be honest -- looks matter. A house that has selected cladding will always be noticeable in the street. Exterior wall cladding changes the look of any property whether you like the naturalness of timber or the smooth and contemporary look of metal panels. It can also boost the market value of your home greatly in case you are considering selling it.
Low Maintenance
Most materials used as a cladding are not meant to require frequent maintenance compared to painted walls which require frequent touch-ups. Rot, insects, and cracking are some of the factors against fibre cement cladding, which makes it a favorite home improvement product in South Africa.
Added Structural Durability.
Cladding is not only good to look at, but it makes the outside of your house stronger. It provides an extra protection against physical hits, weathering, and wear and tear in the long run - your walls last longer.
Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
There has never been a home improvement solution that is flawless and neither is cladding. These are some of the things that should be considered:
Initial expense: Quality cladding material and professional installation may prove to be a substantial expense, but this is usually offset by the long-term savings.
Complexity in installation: bad installation may result in the trapping of moisture behind the panels and this damages with time. Always employ skilled contractors.
Material constraints: Certain types of cladding such as natural timber can need to be sealed or treated periodically particularly in damp coastal regions such as Durban.
Different materials do not always fit all climates: What works brilliantly in the Mediterranean climate of Cape Town will not necessarily work the same in storms of the highveld of Johannesburg.
Final Thought
Exterior wall cladding is among those home improvements that really pays off on several levels, namely protection, energy saving, appearance and value in the long run. In Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or any other part of South Africa, you will find a cladding solution that will suit your climate, style and budget. Call in an established local installer, get some quotes, and make the first move to a home that performs as good as it looks.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
Fibre cement cladding is a popular choice in South Africa since it manages the heat, moisture and coastal salty air very well. Timber cladding is very aesthetical and brick veneer has a more traditional appearance with good protection.
The average quality cladding systems can last 20-50 years, depending on the material and its maintenance. Metal cladding and fibre cement are the materials with the most long life.
Yes - renovated exterior wall cladding is also known to raise the value of the property especially that of high demand such as the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and the Umhlanga precinct of Durban.
In most cases, yes. The cladding may be placed on top of the existing brick or plastered walls that are in place and hence it can be used on renovations without necessarily having to demolish it.
Of course, yet it is important what one chooses to work with. In the case of homes along the coast, opting to use a cladding with a salt air rating is advisable, such as fibre cement, aluminium, and some composite panels would also be an excellent choice since they are resistant to corrosion and moisture.