Cladding

External walls typically account for around 30% of a building’s initial cost and account for a significant portion of its energy losses. Lowering this energy loss both supports a sustainable environment and reduces the running, and maintenance costs of your home.

The best eco-friendly cladding systems are those that provide a high level of thermal insulation, and are durable.

In terms of insulation - cladding that can be constructed as an unbroken insulated envelope generally out-perform other systems that have gaps or breaks in the insulation for framing or fixings.

Durable cladding systems are much prefered to those that require regular application of paints and finishes. Regular application of paints and stains significantly increases the environmental impact over its life.

As a general guide, the lower the mass of materials and the less resource and energy intensive their manufacturing process is, the more favourable the environmental profile.

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