RENOVATION GUIDE
PROTECT THE STRUCTURE, PROVIDE INSULATION AND ELEVATE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR WITH THESE ATTRACTIVE OPTIONS
Enhance your home’s exterior with an attractive cladding option, whatever your style
Whether your property is country, coastal or more contemporary, there’s a multitude of attractive, sympathetic cladding styles to suit different budgets and buildings, and enhance a period home.
DO I NEED PERMISSION?
Cladding may fall under ‘permitted development’, provided the materials are similar to those used in the construction, but it depends on the extent of the work. If you live in a terrace or semi-detached house, consider neighbours and check with your local authority. Apply for planning permission if you live in a Conservation Area or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
WILL IT ADD VALUE?
‘Great design always increases the value of a property,’ says Fanis Anastasiadis, lead architect, Facit Homes. ‘If the material is functional, high quality and adds to the aesthetic, this should increase value and reduce maintenance costs. However, without good design, even expensive materials won’t necessarily raise the value.’
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER?
Firstly, is it necessary? The carbon footprint of building materials is receiving more attention, although not currently regulated. Will the
cost and carbon contribution outweigh any benefits, such as insulation, lower energy bills and saleability? Also, consider the period of your home, as well as the surrounding architecture, and any maintenance required. ‘Planning policies often dictate the material palette,’ says Fanis Anastasiadis.
WHAT ABOUT MATERIALS?
Timber can be used as horizontal boards, or vertically or diagonally, for a contemporary style. ‘A popular choice is contrasting sections in render with sections of silver timber cladding,’ says Tom Barnes, managing director, Vastern Timber. ‘Naturally durable timbers, such as larch, cedar and oak, require no treatment to maintain them and many customers find this beneficial. Locally grown and modified timbers – processed to enhance durability – are an excellent alternative to imported hardwoods, which customers now avoid due to environmental concerns.’
From the pale limestone of classic buildings to the dark flint of rural cottages, stone has been used for centuries as a building material and conveys a sense of permanence. Choosing a local stone will ensure it is sympathetic to the area and reduces its ‘embodied energy’ or the energy consumed by the building‘s construction. However, stone is an expensive option, so consider a stone-clad section
instead of a full façade. ‘Natural stone is permeable and breathable. It’s also robust and hardwearing, making it a long-lasting investment,’ says Daniel Wilson, director, Stamford Stone. ‘If the right material is installed correctly it can be enjoyed for many lifetimes.’
Treated metal (aluminium, zinc or steel) is low maintenance and offers the chance to create an individual design. However, it does have high embodied energy due to the fabrication process, so consider the longevity of the design. It’s available flat, corrugated, in panels or other profiles, and can be laid vertically, horizontally or diagonally to suit your taste. It’s a specialist task, so consult an architect. ‘With its robust finish and sense of solidity and security, metal complements timber and stone beautifully and can be coated with any RAL colour,’ says Fanis Anastasiadis. ‘Untreated Corten steel is low maintenance and ages beautifully from dark brown to bright red to a reddish brown.’
Tiles, particularly vertically hung clay tiles, are a traditional feature on houses in parts of the south, usually on the upper storeys. With their array of decorative details, they can provide a sympathetic design, however will need fixings appropriate to the type of wall to prevent water ingress. Stone tiles, such as split-face slate, offer a contemporary look. Maintenancewise, pointing or mortar fillets will need upkeep from time-to-time.
The smooth painted finish of traditional sand and cement render is a popular choice on period homes, both for weather protection and its appearance; however, it requires regular repainting. Lime render has seen a resurgence and is the best option for old houses or conservation work where a breathable finish is essential. Some renders, such as monocouche, are available ‘through-coloured’, and although more costly, you won’t have to repaint regularly.
Fibre-cement (weatherboards) resemble painted timber and, due to their composition, are rot-, fire- and weather-resistant. Starting from around £30sq m, they’re an affordable option, can be used vertically or horizontally, are available in more than 20 colours and do not require repainting. ‘For the classic New England look go for a lap wood-look exterior in white, cream or blue,’ says Lisa Grosse of Cedral. ‘Beige is back in a big way in interiors and has filtered to exteriors. Other colours coming through are sage green, greybrown, blue-grey and sand yellow.’
ANY OTHER DESIGN STYLES?
‘On modern architecture, vertically hung, knot-free cladding boards with shadow gaps look impressive,’ says Tom Barnes of Vastern Timber. ‘For a country home, meanwhile, rough-sawn feather-edge cladding offers a rustic aesthetic.’
DO I NEED PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION?
Yes you do, although timber or weatherboard cladding could potentially be undertaken by a skilled DIYER who is prepared for a challenging task.