NEW BUILD CLADDING

1. Assess Your Needs and Priorities

• Budget: Determine your overall budget for the project and how much you can allocate to cladding.

• Aesthetic Preferences: Consider the look you want to achieve (modern, traditional, rustic, etc.).

• Environmental Impact: Evaluate how important sustainability and eco-friendliness are to you.

• Durability and Maintenance: Think about how much maintenance you’re willing to perform and how long you want the cladding to last.

2. Understand Cladding Options and Costs

• Vinyl Cladding:

  • Cost: $50 - $100 per square meter.

  • Sustainability: Low (petroleum-based product).

  • Durability: Moderate; can become brittle and fade over time.

  • Maintenance: Low; occasional cleaning required.

• Timber Cladding:

  • Cost: $150 - $300 per square meter (varies by timber type).

  • Sustainability: High if sourced sustainably.

  • Durability: Moderate to high with proper maintenance.

  • Maintenance: High; requires regular sealing, staining, or painting.

• Brick Cladding:

  • Cost: $200 - $400 per square meter.

  • Sustainability: Moderate; long lifespan but energy-intensive to produce.

  • Durability: Very high; can last over 100 years.

  • Maintenance: Very low; occasional cleaning and repointing.

• Fiber Cement Cladding:

  • Cost: $100 - $200 per square meter.

  • Sustainability: Moderate; contains some non-renewable materials.

  • Durability: High; resistant to rot, fire, and pests.

  • Maintenance: Low to moderate; requires painting every 5-15 years.

• Aluminium Cladding:

  • Cost: $150 - $300 per square meter.

  • Sustainability: High; recyclable and long lifespan.

  • Durability: High; resistant to rust and corrosion.

  • Maintenance: Low; occasional cleaning.

3. Evaluate Environmental and Sustainability Factors

• Material Sourcing: Check if the materials are sustainably sourced (e.g., FSC-certified timber).

• Manufacturing Process: Consider the environmental impact of producing the cladding.

• Recyclability: Assess whether the cladding material can be recycled at the end of its life.

4. Consider Local Climate and Environmental Conditions

• Weather Resistance: Ensure the cladding can withstand local weather conditions (rain, wind, UV exposure).

• Thermal Performance: Consider how the cladding will contribute to the thermal efficiency of the building.

5. Analyze Long-Term Durability and Maintenance Needs

• Maintenance Requirements: Determine how often you’ll need to clean, paint, or seal the cladding.

• Lifespan: Consider how long the cladding is expected to last and any warranties offered by manufacturers.

6. Review Case Studies and Examples

• Look at other buildings in your area with similar cladding to see how they’ve performed over time.

• Visit manufacturers' websites for case studies and testimonials.

7. Get Professional Advice

• Architects and Designers: Consult with professionals who can provide insights based on your specific project.

• Builders and Contractors: Get quotes and advice from those who will be installing the cladding.

8. Make a Decision and Plan Installation

• Select Cladding: Based on your research, budget, and preferences, choose the cladding material.

• Plan Installation: Work with your builder or contractor to plan the installation process, ensuring proper handling and installation techniques are used.

Summary Table - cost of cladding