External cladding can soak up a significant portion of your renovation budget. However, it is an absolutely essential part of the building envelope. External cladding is a versatile solution that improves the aesthetic appeal and offers practical benefits. In this blog, we'll explore what types of cladding exist, how much they'll set you back, and if you can insulate behind them. Any renovation project should consider incorporating insulation to improve energy efficiency and lower the building's carbon footprint.
What is external cladding?
External cladding is a protective layer of materials applied to the exterior of a building, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. It acts as a shield against environmental elements, such as rain, wind, and UV radiation, thereby enhancing the building's durability. Cladding is also crucial for thermal insulation, helping to regulate the internal temperature by preventing heat loss in the winter and reducing heat gain in the summer. This can significantly lower energy costs by improving the overall energy efficiency of the building. External cladding offers endless possibilities for transforming a building's aesthetics. Whether you aim for a traditional look with brick cladding or a contemporary style with metal or composite panels, cladding materials come in various colours, textures, and finishes to suit any design preference. The visual transformation can add value to the property by enhancing its curb appeal. Moreover, cladding materials vary widely, each with its own set of benefits. For instance, brick cladding is known for its durability and classic appearance. On the other hand, timber cladding offers a natural, rustic look and is available in various types, such as softwood, hardwood, and thermally treated wood. While softwood options like spruce and pine are budget-friendly, they require regular maintenance. Hardwoods and treated woods, though more expensive, offer greater durability and less maintenance over time. Metal cladding is favoured for its modern aesthetic and longevity. Aluminium is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for retrofitting projects. Zinc and copper cladding, though pricier, offer exceptional durability and unique visual characteristics as they develop a patina over time. Composite cladding combines various materials to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or metal while providing enhanced durability and lower maintenance.
Types of external cladding and the cost
There are several types of cladding materials, each offering different benefits and costs regarding materials and installation:
- Brick Cladding: Durable and classic, brick cladding costs between £40 and £70 per square metre, with total project costs ranging from £8,000 to £15,000. It’s known for its weather resistance and timeless appeal.
- Timber Cladding: Timber options range from softwoods like spruce and pine (£5-£8/m²) to more durable hardwoods like oak (£25-£60/m²) and thermally treated woods such as Thermowood (£45/m²). Maintenance varies depending on the wood type. Total costs can range from £2,000 to £10,000.
- Vinyl Cladding: An affordable, low-maintenance option costing between £5 and £15 per square metre with total costs between £1,000 and £3,000. Vinyl cladding is available in various colours and styles.
- Metal Cladding: Popular for modern and industrial designs, options include steel, aluminium, zinc, and copper. Steel cladding is the cheapest, whereas copper is the most expensive, reflecting its durability and unique patina over time. Costs range between £20-£50/m², with total costs ranging typically from £4,000 to £10,000.
- Stone Cladding: Offers a luxurious, timeless look with costs from £40 to £70 per square metre for materials. Installed, it can range from £100 to £150 per square metre, whereas total costs for a house can range from £10,000 to £20,000.
- Composite Cladding: Made from a blend of materials, it can mimic wood, stone, or metal. Costs range from £30 to £60 per square metre, with total project costs generally ranging from £6,000 to £12,000.
[gallery columns="4" link="file" size="full" ids="77620,77621,77622,77623"]
Comparing render and cladding costs
Render, in its many forms, is an extremely popular solution to finishing your facade. We stock various types of render, all with their unique benefits and aesthetic finishes. The costs are detailed in the table below; the labour costs depend entirely on the scale of the project and whether you are also insulating alongside rendering. Overall, render compares favourably with external cladding in terms of cost. Silicone render can also be tinted to thousands of colours and comes in various grain sizes.
| Render type | Size | Bag or bucket | Coverage | Cost per bucket/bag (ex. VAT) | Cost per m² (ex. VAT) |
| EWI-075 Silicone Render (1.5mm) | 25kg | Bucket | 2.4kg/m² | £71.49 | £6.86 |
| EWI-076 Premium Bio Silicone Render | 25kg | Bucket | 2.4kg/m² | £80.87 | £7.77 |
| EWI-077 Nano Drex Silicone Render | 25kg | Bucket | 2.4kg/m² | £128.49 | £12.33 |
| EWI-040 Silicone Silicate Render | 25kg | Bucket | 2.4kg/m² | £61.42 | £5.90 |
| EWI-010 Acrylic Render | 25kg | Bucket | 2.4kg/m² | £46.92 | £4.50 |
| EWI-747 NHL 3.5 Lime Render | 23kg | Bag | 15 kg/m² per cm thickness | £16.62 | £10.86 |
| EWI-090 Monocouche Render | 25kg | Bag | 25kg/m² | £11.99 | £11.99 |
| EWI-060 Mineral Render | 25kg | Bag | 2.5kg/m² | £32.09 | £3.07 |
How is insulation incorporated into cladding systems?
Insulation is a critical component of cladding systems, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing heat loss and gain. Incorporating insulation into cladding systems involves several methods and materials, each tailored to specific types of cladding and building requirements. Here’s an overview of how insulation is integrated into various cladding systems:
Insulated Panels
Insulated cladding panels, also known as composite panels, are prefabricated with an insulation core sandwiched between two layers of cladding material. These panels offer a seamless integration of cladding and insulation, providing excellent thermal performance and quick installation. The insulation core is typically made of materials such as polyurethane foam, polystyrene, or mineral wool.
External Wall Insulation (EWI)
External Wall Insulation systems involve fixing insulation boards to the exterior walls of a building before applying the chosen cladding material.The insulation boards are usually made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), or mineral wool. Once the insulation is in place, a layer of render or another cladding material is applied over the top. This method not only improves thermal performance but also enhances the weather resistance and aesthetic appeal of the building.
Cavity Wall Insulation
For buildings with cavity walls, insulation can be injected or installed within the cavity before applying the cladding.This method fills the gap between the inner and outer walls with insulating materials such as foam, wool, or beads. The cladding is then applied to the outer wall, providing an additional protective and decorative layer. Cavity wall insulation is effective in reducing heat loss and preventing moisture penetration.
Rainscreen Cladding Systems
Rainscreen cladding systems typically feature a ventilated cavity between the cladding and the wall structure, allowing air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. In these systems, insulation is often applied directly to the exterior wall, covered by a breathable membrane to protect against moisture. The cladding is then installed with a gap between it and the insulated wall, creating a rain screen that enhances thermal performance and moisture control.
Timber Frame Construction
In timber-framed buildings, insulation is usually placed between the studs of the timber frame, which is then covered with a breather membrane.Cladding is applied over this setup, ensuring that the insulation is protected and the building remains energy efficient. Additional insulation can be added externally as insulated sheathing boards, further improving thermal performance.