Building Materials - External Cladding

Common options for exterior cladding include:

Brick or masonry veneer – slightly higher initial cost but requires virtually no maintenance, making it more cost effective longer term

Concrete masonry blocks - provide good heat storage due to heavy thermal mass. May be painted or plastered. Additional thermal insulation may be needed in some regions. Must be installed correctly to avoid moisture ingress to interior. All single skin masonry requires a waterproof coating.

Autoclaved aerated concrete - available in in blocks, reinforced panels, and lintels. Good insulation properties. Not all products are accepted by some BCAs - check before specifying.

Weatherboards - made of timber or composite materials. Have very good weathertightness properties.In high risk areas, weather tightness may require a vertical drainage cavity. Some do not need painting.

Monolithic systems - typically constructed of polystyrene or fibre cement sheet backed by polystyrene thermal insulation. Extermal surface may be left plain, plastered or textured. Must be installed strictly to manufacturer's instructions, and the waterproof coating carefully maintained to ensure watertightness. Require a cavity in most applications.

Aluminium - such as extruded aluminium weatherboard.

Profiled metal - rareful detailing and workmanship.

Plywood sheet

Fibrous plaster sheets - needs careful jointing to ensure watertightness. May be painted or plastered.

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