Cladding can take many forms. In essence, cladding is any construction technique in which one material is overlaid atop another. This may provide improved weather-resistance, insulating properties, or simply have an aesthetic aim. In many cases, cladding is also valued for adding an extra degree of water-resistance to a building. By enclosing the building in an extra membrane, the cladding helps protect the structure from excessive damage due to precipitation, wind, or flooding.
Some common types of cladding include PVC, metal, timber, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), stone, and cement board. For large buildings, some architects may even use large sheets of steel cladding to create a seamless, modern look. For the majority of homes, though, cladding involves attaching metal, PVC or wooden strips to the exterior of the structure. To do so, you’ll need cladding fixings, which may be either screws or nails.
Typically, cladding fixings attach the cladding material to battens, which in turn are affixed to the building, itself. Therefore, the cladding fixtures should be used in regular arrangement along each batten. If you are using vertical cladding, then you should use cladding fixing to attach the cladding boards to horizontal battens. On the other hand, if you have horizontal cladding, then your cladding fixtures should anchor into vertical battens.
In most cases, you can use stainless steel fixings to attach your cladding directly to the battens, which are typically made of wood. On the other hand, if you need to affix your cladding to galvanized steel, it is still possible to use cladding fixings. However, it’s advisable to choose coated steel screws to attach your battens to the galvanized steel surface. Then, you can use stainless steel screws to attach the cladding to the battens.
Other surfaces with which you may wish to use cladding may include buildings with steel, cement, or timber exteriors. Should you come upon any of these elements, opt for a specialized cladding fixture in the form of an appropriate screw or nail. Use the indicated fixture to anchor your battens to the walls you wish to clad. Next, proceed to attach your cladding to the battens, as usual.
One additional place that cladding is popular is around windows and doors. In these cases, choosing the right cladding can help reduce water damage in potentially weak areas around windows and doors. Plus, adding new cladding to an old house can “uplift” the look of the façade. However, because cladding around windows and doors requires finer handiwork, it’s typically best left to professionals.
Cladding serves many purposes, whether to improve a building’s weather-resistance or just to enhance its appearance. If you’re looking to clad your home or another structure, first identify the materials you will be working with: both the house’s current exterior and the cladding material, itself. In most cases, you will be able to use the cladding on whatever kind of exterior your home currently has. The key to using cladding wherever you like is to select the appropriate kind of fixing. Pick out fixings that are appropriate for the cladding and the battens, and fixings that will join the battens to the house. Note that in some cases, you will require two different types of fixtures for each task.
Some common types of cladding include PVC, metal, timber, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), stone, and cement board. For large buildings, some architects may even use large sheets of steel cladding to create a seamless, modern look. For the majority of homes, though, cladding involves attaching metal, PVC or wooden strips to the exterior of the structure. To do so, you’ll need cladding fixings, which may be either screws or nails.
Typically, cladding fixings attach the cladding material to battens, which in turn are affixed to the building, itself. Therefore, the cladding fixtures should be used in regular arrangement along each batten. If you are using vertical cladding, then you should use cladding fixing to attach the cladding boards to horizontal battens. On the other hand, if you have horizontal cladding, then your cladding fixtures should anchor into vertical battens.
In most cases, you can use stainless steel fixings to attach your cladding directly to the battens, which are typically made of wood. On the other hand, if you need to affix your cladding to galvanized steel, it is still possible to use cladding fixings. However, it’s advisable to choose coated steel screws to attach your battens to the galvanized steel surface. Then, you can use stainless steel screws to attach the cladding to the battens.
Other surfaces with which you may wish to use cladding may include buildings with steel, cement, or timber exteriors. Should you come upon any of these elements, opt for a specialized cladding fixture in the form of an appropriate screw or nail. Use the indicated fixture to anchor your battens to the walls you wish to clad. Next, proceed to attach your cladding to the battens, as usual.
One additional place that cladding is popular is around windows and doors. In these cases, choosing the right cladding can help reduce water damage in potentially weak areas around windows and doors. Plus, adding new cladding to an old house can “uplift” the look of the façade. However, because cladding around windows and doors requires finer handiwork, it’s typically best left to professionals.
Cladding serves many purposes, whether to improve a building’s weather-resistance or just to enhance its appearance. If you’re looking to clad your home or another structure, first identify the materials you will be working with: both the house’s current exterior and the cladding material, itself. In most cases, you will be able to use the cladding on whatever kind of exterior your home currently has. The key to using cladding wherever you like is to select the appropriate kind of fixing. Pick out fixings that are appropriate for the cladding and the battens, and fixings that will join the battens to the house. Note that in some cases, you will require two different types of fixtures for each task.