Can Cladding Be Sustainable?

Can Cladding Be Sustainable? (And What Are The Best Options?)

Are you ready to take the steps to enhance your home’s exterior? Do you want to protect your property against the elements? Are you looking for a seamless way to increase the value of your house? If so, then cladding your home could be the answer. We are Timber-Pro Ltd, an independent timber merchant, offering a variety of premium quality timber cladding solutions.

If you are an individual who is conscious of their impact on the planet, then seeking out sustainable ways of living is likely at the top of your list. You may have considered adding cladding or updating your existing cladding but are unsure about taking the steps due to the impact your choices may have on the environment. So, how sustainable is cladding? And what are the best options for
minimal impact on our world? Read on to find out more…

First things first, what exactly is cladding?

Before we dig into whether cladding can be sustainable or not, what exactly is cladding? Cladding is the process of applying a coating or material to the exterior of a building and can come in the form of brick, stone, concrete, timber, render, fibreglass and more. Cladding covers the exterior of a property
and is either attached to the walls or fixed to supporting battens. In this way, cladding works to protect a property against weathering and wear, but also to enhance a building’s appearance.

What are the benefits of cladding your home?

• Provides protection
  Cladding provides your home with a resilient water and weather-resistantprotective coating. It also protects your home’s structure against ageing and general wear and tear.
• Longevity
  In our experience, we have seen cladding last for over 20 years if professionally installed to high standards using quality materials.
• Increases the value of your home
  Installing cladding can significantly increase your home’s value. A protected and maintained exterior is an attractive feature to potential buyers.
• Range of styles
  Cladding is available in a range of styles, colours, and finishes. This means that it can be customised to your tastes and requirements.
• Fire resistant
  The materials used for cladding are often treated to be fire-resistant. This means that they are non-combustible and will slow the spread of a fire.

What are sustainable building materials?

Sustainable building materials refer to materials that have a low impact on the environment compared to traditional methods. But what does a ‘low impact on the environment’ mean? When speaking about building materials, this means that they are sustainably sourced (an unlimited supply), are energy-efficient to produce and have a long lifespan.

In the current climate, choosing sustainable building materials is crucial. By using sustainable materials in the design of your home, you can:

• Create a home that is built to last.
• Enhance the energy efficiency of your property.
• Reduce pollution during the manufacturing process.
• Improve air quality and reduce exposure to chemicals.
• Recycle the materials when the structure is demolished or refurbished.Sustainability is vital to the health of our environment and to combat the impact we have on the world. As builders and contractors, it is our responsibility to ensure that the materials and processes we use are sustainably sourced and have little-to-no impact on our environment.
  

Can cladding be sustainable?

The cladding you put on your home or other property plays an important role in your home’s aesthetics, function and resale value. But perhaps a more pressing issue in the current climate is making your home as sustainable as it can be. Here’s our guide to some of the most sustainable cladding materials in the industry today, all focused on supporting a cleaner, greener future.

• Timber Cladding
  Timber is one of the world’s oldest building materials and we can see examples of centuries-old timber cladding in countries across the world. With environmental concerns at the forefront of society, timber provides a sustainable cladding solution for many homeowners.

  So, how is timber cladding sustainable?

• Timber Cladding is Renewable
  Sustainably sourced timber cladding is a truly renewable resource. At Timber-Pro Ltd, we responsibly source our timber cladding which supports ongoing replanting. This means that the environmental impact is next to nothing as the material is replaced through replanting.
• Timber is Carbon-Neutral
  Timber is crucial to reducing CO2 in our atmosphere and producing oxygen. For every tonne of CO2 a tree absorbs from the atmosphere, nearly ¾ of a tonne of oxygen is produced – even once cut and used for cladding.
• Timber Generates Zero Waste
  Unlike other materials, timber doesn’t create any waste. Any unused timber or cut-offs can be repurposed for firewood and sawdust. In addition, timber is biodegradable, which means that it can be reabsorbed back into the earth, making it truly eco-friendly.
• Timber Cladding Provides Insulation
  Timber cladding is a great solution for thermal insulation and noise reduction. One of the main concerns of sustainability is energy efficiency, and with the ability to retain heat far better than other materials, timber cladding is superior.
• Timber Cladding is Long Lasting
  As timber cladding can withstand a variety of weather conditions and wear, it is a much more environmentally-friendly option than those needing frequent maintenance and replacement. Timber cladding can last for up to 60 years and is one of the most durable materials on offer.
• Timber is Fully Recyclable
  Timber can be easily recycled and reused, therefore acting as a truly sustainable material from beginning to end. This means that if you or the next owner decide to renovate your home, disposing of the timber won’t present any problems in the future.
• Timber Uses Less Energy in Manufacture
  Timber uses far less energy during manufacture than other types of cladding materials. As it is fully recyclable, the process eliminates any additional energy that would have been needed to cut, transport and process the cladding products.

Timber Cladding Vs Plastic Cladding

Plastic cladding is manufactured from synthetic polymers such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride). While PVC might seem like a sustainable choice for cladding as it requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan, its manufacturing process leaves much to be desired. Compared to timber cladding which emits zero pollution, the PVC used to manufacture plastic cladding causes pollution. Furthermore, plastic cladding can’t be recycled, unlike timber cladding which is 100% recyclable.

Here at Timber-Pro Ltd, your independent timber merchant, we offer a variety of premium quality timber products, including high-quality Timber Cladding. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to see how we can enhance your home’s sustainability with our cladding solutions.

So far, we’ve established that timber is a sustainable and superior material for cladding. But what other sustainable cladding options are available?

• Concrete CladdingConcrete cladding is made from a mix of cement, cellulose fibres, clay, iron and limestone. While it isn’t at the top of the list of sustainable cladding materials, it is incredibly long-lasting. For this reason, concrete cladding holds merit as a sustainable solution as it can last for 50+ years, ensuring
  that resources aren’t wasted in years to come. Additionally, at the end of its lifespan, concrete can be fully recycled.

  What are the benefits of concrete cladding?

• Low-cost, affordable option.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Fantastic protection against the elements.
• Won’t expand or contract easily.
• Available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
• Brick CladdingBrick is a great example of environmentally-friendly cladding material. In terms of sustainability, brick cladding is an excellent insulator and requires virtually no maintenance. When paired with high-performance insulation, bricks deliver a thermal mass advantage that keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Furthermore, bricks are made from organic minerals found in clay, and at the end of their lifespan, they can be fully reused or recycled.
  

  What are the benefits of brick cladding?

• Easy installation and maintenance.
• UV and corrosion-resistant.
• Hardwearing and won’t damage easily.
• Can withstand the UK elements.
• Available in a selection of colours and finishes.
• Metal CladdingMetal cladding is typically made from copper, steel or aluminium and is one of the most hard-wearing cladding types on the market. Metal cladding protects buildings against the elements and can increase the overall integrity of a building. Metal cladding is a fantastic sustainable resource as it is durable, resistant to corrosion and can be fully recycled without losing quality. Additionally, metal cladding has a long lifespan and requires far less maintenance than other cladding types.
  

  What are the benefits of metal cladding?

• Incredibly hard-wearing and resilient.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Protects against the elements.
• Improves the structural integrity of a building.
• Available in a wide range of colours and finishes.
• Composite CladdingMade from a mixture of recycled materials such as recycled wood fibres, recycled plastic, some bonding agents, and some colourants, composite cladding is a highly sustainable material. The process of making composite cladding is also energy-efficient in itself – the only energy required to make composite cladding is when the boards are being shaped. Additionally, as we will always have waste plastic and wood, boards can continuously be manufactured.
  

  What are the benefits of composite cladding?

• Easy installation and maintenance.
• UV and corrosion-resistant.
• Hardwearing and won’t rot, warp or stain easily.
• Can withstand the UK elements.
• Available in a selection of colours and finishes.
• Known to be a stylish and contemporary option.
  

  Can Cladding Be Sustainable? Yes!

  The answer to ‘Can cladding be sustainable?’ is a resounding, yes! Building while paying attention to the environment is crucial in this day and age. Fortunately, contractors and builders are aware of their responsibility to source greener, cleaner alternatives, and working with sustainable building materials is becoming more common in the industry.

  Here at Timber-Pro Ltd, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are proud to work alongside certified suppliers who provide sustainably-sourced timber. Our services are designed by us, for you, with the environment in mind so that we can deliver sustainable solutions every single time. If you would like to find out more about our sustainable cladding solutions or have questions about timber cladding in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

How is Cladding Applied?

Do you need planning permission for house cladding?

Many external cladding projects fall within ‘permitted developments’ and shouldn’t require planning permission. However, we recommend that you get in touch with us or your local authority for more information.

How much does cladding cost?

The average cost of external cladding will vary depending on several factors. We recommend getting in touch with us to discuss your requirements so we can provide you with an accurate quote.

Why choose us?

If you’re looking for sustainably sourced, high-quality timber cladding at affordable prices, then you’ve found the answer. Get in touch with us today for a quote!