Building a home and investing in renovations and improvements are vital aspects of every homeowner’s life. Changing the elements and choosing a new design for your home is fun, but also time-consuming, especially in wall cladding where there are so many options available to you at any moment.

It’s vital to choose the best materials and hire reliable builders if you want to live in a safe environment. One of the most important aspects of building a new home is choosing your wall cladding. It’s a process of creating a protective layer around your walls that will serve as a barrier form moisture and other irritants that could harm your construction. There are various types of wall cladding to choose from, which is why it’s vital to inform yourself and pick the best available option.

Determine your wall cladding budget

House renovation projects are often costly, and if you don’t manage to determine your budget on time, you might end up spending more than you can afford to and harm your financial health. Every homeowner wants to avoid these situations, which is why it’s vital to create a  budget and inform yourself before you make a final decision. If you don’t have enough finances to support your decision to improve and protect your home, it’s better to postpone all your renovation projects and give your self more time to save enough money on the side. However, if you’re determined to finish your projects as soon as possible, opt for the wall cladding that fits your budget.

Protection and insulation

Investing in the best wall cladding option is an excellent way to protect your home from adverse weather elements. Exterior wall cladding should serve as a protective shield that will keep your construction safe from moisture and other elements that can cause a lot of damage. However, wall cladding should also insulate your house and ensure that your home stays warm during winter. Opt for a wall cladding that will protect and insulate your house. The last thing you want is to spend extra money on insulation or higher utility bills.

Interior vs. exterior walls

Whether you want to spruce up your interior accent wall or protect your exterior with natural materials, it’s vital to determine whether you’re making the right choice before you decide to invest. You can use the same wall cladding both for exterior and interior walls, but that’s not a good practice. Exterior walls need to be exposed to sun, rain, and similar weather conditions that tend to damage the building materials. Interior walls, on the other hand, don’t have to be coated with the same type of cladding. You can use a different type of cladding that will have more organic chemical releases. They’re less harmful, and most of them are low maintenance as well.

Texture and installation

Some people care a lot about the final finish, and if you’re one of them, you should choose your wall cladding carefully. There are various textures to choose from, but most people manage to find the one that matches their taste. If you decide to use a light wall cladding, you will be able to attach cladding to your walls alone. However, it’s advisable to hire a contractor, because it will save you a lot of time.

Types of wall cladding

Among all the cladding types, it’s hard to find the one that’s best for your house. Various factors will determine what type of wall cladding is the most suitable option. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to choose stronger and more durable material for your exterior wall cladding. But, if you live in an area where fires often scare the residents, opt for a non-combustible cladding that will protect your house form unexpected fires. Fire-resistant wall cladding is always a good option because it will ensure a higher level of safety in case of an emergency.

Maintenance

All types of wall cladding require maintenance. Use appropriate cleaning products to maintain the interior wall cladding. It’s advisable to avoid using water to clean this area. Some exterior wall claddings require less maintenance than others, but that doesn’t mean that you should neglect the outdoor area. It’s hard to notice any damage on your walls, especially if the cracks are still small.

Hire a professional to inspect the walls and other areas of your property. If you want to try to do it by yourself, focus on the area around doors and windows, because these areas are more prone to cracking. Remove dirt and stains if you notice any, and replace broken cladding as fast as you can.

• Here’s some extra advice on wall cladding maintenance:

  • Remove dirt and stains. Before you paint or apply any other forms of treatment, make sure you wash away stains and traces of dirt and pollution from your cladding. In order to help your cladding look fresh, you can apply a new coat of paint every year.
  • Replace broken cladding. Once you notice a damaged piece, replacing it immediately would be a good choice.
  • Treat cladding with weather protection products. Sealers and glues can be good sometimes. The cladding will remain intact during extremely cold and hot weather conditions.

Conclusion

Wall cladding will drastically change the appearance of your home. If you choose carefully, it should also protect you from extremely hot or cold temperatures. Choose protection over aesthetics, but keep in mind that you can combine those elements and invest in a beautiful finish that will also prolong the life of your construction and keep you safe.