Upon surfing the web for easy-to-maintain and budget-friendly ways to transform your office or home, we are sure you must have come across the term ‘composite cladding.’ While this term is quite popular, you may not have enough know-how of it.
If this is the case, and you want to know more about it, along with the simple ways to install composite cladding, then we have you covered. Hop on below to learn more about composite cladding and read a thorough step-by-step installation guide.
Related reading: How Composite Decking is Installed
What to Know About Composite Cladding?
If you have heard about composite cladding for the first time and want to know what it is, let us define this term in layman’s language for you. Composite cladding is made from a combination of reclaimed wood and plastic and is used in several residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
It is an excellent alternative to wood, giving each area the same aesthetics and an appeal that is attractive to the eye and an appearance that lasts forever too. The primary reason behind this long-lasting material is the combination of wood and plastic, which gives the fabric a more durable and textured outlook.
Moreover, besides the fantastic look, the material also doesn’t require much maintenance, so users can save a lot of money. While the composite cladding sounds great, do you want to know more about its application and where it can be used? We have that covered for you as well.
Applications of Composite Cladding
Composite cladding is one of the best means to pick for all industrial, residential, commercial, gardens, schools, and even hospitals. With composite cladding, users won’t have to worry about the size or location of their project. This is because the finishing outlook of the cladding material enhances the outlook of each space despite its size and gives users the required appearance of natural wood planks along with the durability of composites. Here are a few places where the application of composite cladding is profoundly visible:
- Gardens, Home Offices, and Studios
- Factories and Warehouses
- Health facilities
- Homeowners and Self-build
- Office Buildings
- Schools
- Sports and Leisure Complexes
What are the Benefits Composite Cladding Can Provide?
While you may have understood the application and uses of composite cladding in many different industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, knowing what benefits its application can bring is also essential before you purchase it. Here are a few benefits that installing composite cladding can provide you:
· Low Maintenance
The major selling point of composite cladding is the low maintenance that comes with it. The material not only has an exceptional outlook but also gives its users the ease of not having to follow a cleaning or oiling routine every day for its appearance to stay intact.
The only maintenance composite cladding requires is either a power wash or a simple wash down from soap and water from time to time. Hence, with the low maintenance it offers users, it will save them a lot of time, money, and hassle.
· Aesthetic
While low maintenance takes up the number one position on the benefits scale for composite cladding, we cannot deny that it is the aesthetics that people are also inclined toward. The overall aesthetics of composite cladding are incredibly pleasing to the eye. The fact that this material is made from reclaimed wood, the composite cladding has a natural wood finish, which gives it a traditional yet contemporary look.
Moreover, there are several composite cladding colors for users to choose from. Hence, according to their overall set-up, users can select a color that matches their aesthetics the most.
· Extra Protection
The manufacturing of composite cladding is carried out in such a way that it provides the material extra protection. The material is well-known for its high water resistance, and the fact that it’s made up of reclaimed wood and plastic backs it up nicely.
This combination refrains the water from penetrating the core of the panels. As a result, moisture doesn’t absorb into the walls, ultimately preventing mold and rot from developing. Moreover, the composite cladding is also highly UV resistant, and hence the material will not have any negative impacts from the sun’s harsh rays.
· Easy Installation
Not only is composite cladding easier to maintain, but it is easier to install as well. There is no hard science behind its installation; users can hire professional help or carry out the steps themselves. Are you someone looking for a helpful guide or steps on how to install composite cladding? Well, lucky for you, we have an easy step-by-step guide concluded for you.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Composite Cladding
If you want to install composite cladding but do not know the proper guidelines, tools, and steps, then worry not. This is because we have concluded a thorough step-by-step guide to install composite cladding easily.
Preinstallation Preparation for Composite Cladding
There are several preinstallation requisites that one should consider when installing composite cladding. To start, one should look into the type of composite cladding and its manufacture. This criterion would help you assess whether or not you have chosen the correct type of composite cladding based on your needs. Looking into the manufacturer reviews would help you ensure that the material you are choosing is authentic and reliable.
When you have crossed through these two factors, the next step is to choose the composite cladding color that best suits your aesthetics. There are several different colors available in the market, so determine the one you believe is the best for you. Once done, it will not be time to gather the tools.
Required Tools for Installing Composite Cladding
Here is a list of the few most essential tools that you will require when installing composite cladding:
· Chop saw
A chop saw or any wood cutting board is ideal, but ensure it has fine teeth.
· Measuring Tape
Tape on the size of the fixing.
· Carpentry Square
It helps establish the perfect right angles on your measurement and installation.
· Impact Driver
These would help you drive and install long fasteners quickly and easily
· Measure
Ensure that you measure the corners and installation correctly.
· Circular Saw
Power Mitre saw is essential for efficiency and beveled edges.
· Jig Saw
They are used to make simple straight cuts, intricate shapes, and radius edges.
· Hand Drill
To create clearance holes depending
· Safety Glasses
Ensuring personal safety while performing any woodwork or composite installation is essential. With safety glasses, individuals can protect any materials from going into their eyes.
Steps for Installation of Composite Cladding
Installing composite cladding is relatively more accessible than many people believe. While on the outlook, it might look daunting to you, following the proper steps will help you get the job done quickly. Here are a few simple steps to help you install composite cladding easily:
Step 1: Fix the Joist
The first step would be to fix the joist according to the distances you have marked. We believe the best span distance between each joist should be approximately 300-400mm.
Step 2: Screw the Starting Clips
The next step would be to screw the starting clips. This will help ensure that the first cladding board is straight, eventually determining the perfect alignment for all the remaining cladding boards.
Step 3: Put the First Cladding on the Level Starter
Now, put your first cladding piece onto the level starter, then drill a hole in the cladding. The hole’s length should be approximately 15mm, and the width of it would depend on the cap of the screw.
Step 4: Repeat the Process
When your first composite cladding is placed, take the next one and repeat the same process. Make sure you check the level of each board before fixing it permanently to ensure perfect alignment.
Finishing Steps for Composite Cladding
When installing the last of the composite cladding, install a Fascia board to finish the process. Now, take a step back and observe your work. Make sure everything is perfectly aligned, and no screws are visible.
Top Tips to Consider When Installing or Planning to Install Composite Cladding
While we have mentioned some of the most critical steps when it comes to composite cladding installation, there are some essential installation tips that you should consider too. Some of these crucial aspects that you should pay attention to when installing composite cladding are:
- Remember 5% of the extra waste material when planning your composite cladding project.
- Make sure you lay your joists on a solid surface wall. If this is not followed, the cladding can cause movement and become potentially dangerous.
- When you are installing the composite vertically, always ensure to use the metal drip plate. This will help prevent your panels from sliding down.
- The end of your cladding panels must be supported and hence should not have an overhang of more than 10mm.
Conclusion
Composite cladding is a smart way to quickly renovate and change the outlook of any residential or commercial space for the better. If you want to learn more about composite cladding and the easy ways to install it, then we hope this article was helpful for you. If you want to choose a Composite Cladding that suits you, EVODEK will be a good choice for you, please contact us.
