Cladding is the process where material is applied over other material to provider another layer. Often, cladding covers other materials such as insulation and concrete. Essentially, cladding provides a degree of thermal insulation, weather resistance and an aesthetically pleasing appearance to homes. It is a fundamental component to the building process. Cladding can be composed of an array of different materials. This includes but is not limited to timber, metal, brick, vinyl, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene and aluminum.
Often, people find themselves recladding homes in order to replace the exterior of their home. This is usually due to issues related to weather tightness or for cosmetic changes in building aesthetics. New Zealand has also had a leaky home crisis which was caused by homes built between 1994 and 2004 having overseas cladding systems that fail to meet the unique climatic conditions in New Zealand. They were often poorly designed, covered in monolithic plaster cladding. This crisis eventuated in mass weathertightness issues that still hinder homes today. Since then, the New Zealand Building Code has been adapted by legislative change. However, the problem still persists today with leaking, mould, bulging and cracked walls, warped flooring, musty smells and issues with allergies.
However, not every re-cladding project is born out of these issues. In some cases, people want to refresh the exterior of their home. This includes incorporating more modern cladding that can elevate the value of a home, giving it that midas touch into gold. Cladding and recladding is of great importance and can add a huge amount of value to a home. In particular, mixed cladding on home exteriors is becoming increasingly popular. This is where typically 2-3 different cladding materials are used on the exterior of homes to break up plain single-clad designs. Such basic designs fail to reflect the architectural capabilities and heights that can be reached in modern housing, with new technology and new beautiful materials available for cladding in the 21st century. Having beautiful bespoke cladding will lift the value of a home exponentially.
The most popular cladding options in New Zealand include timber, brick, plaster and concrete. These can all add a bespoke finish to a home if wishing to reclad, particularly when mixed.
Timber and weatherboard cladding is low maintenance, often giving forth a tidy appearance on the impression of the home. This cladding can endure wild weather conditions, and are able to withstand torrential rain and wind. Typically, weatherboard cladding is made with timber. However, there are now many other options including vinyl and steel + fibre cement.
Another popular option for cladding is ‘brick veneer cladding’. This is a popular choice due to its remarkably similar appearance to natural brick. There is often ease associated with installing this cladding, including that it often does not require any paint. Brick veneer cladding is also regarded as highly insulatory, aiding with warmth year-round.
Note the Auckland Council states that resource consent need not be applied for when carrying out re-cladding work, unless the property is situated in a special character area. If you want to re-clad your home with ease, you should be able to do this fast upon building consent which approximately takes 20 business days. Get in touch with Korben Homes today if you wish to renovate and re-clad your home!
