The exterior of any building – whether it is constructed using masonry, timber, brick, steel, glass, marble, stone, tiles, or a prefabricated panel system – is the public face of a home, business or company, and the first point of contact for any visitors or occupants. Today’s cladding and façade systems offer architects and designers endless potential, whether updating an older building or constructing new.

Cladding

Cladding is the external material that encloses your home from the elements. Due to its vital function in keeping buildings weathertight, it can be a complex material to specify, with certain systems suitable different styles of house. It is always best to understand the options available and work closely with your architect or designer to choose cladding that is fit for purpose.

Cladding is also the face of a building; it is the first thing people see from the street front when they approach home or building. It sets the tone for the style of house or building they are about to enter.

Selecting the right cladding will impact on how you feel about your home for years to come and how well the building will withstand the elements over time.

Contemporary exterior cladding systems mean the choice is not restricted to just one type of cladding; many modern homes and buildings incorporate various styles of cladding that come together highlighting certain aspects of the architecture and creating a point of difference.

What are the most common types of cladding?

In New Zealand, weatherboard cladding is synonymous with residential architecture. Brick, concrete and stone are also popular, each material with its own distinct benefits and suitabilities for different styles of building and environmental settings.

Timber cladding

The classic weatherboard plays a central role in quintessential New Zealand buildings. It remains one of the most popular choices today, particularly because technology has allowed for a significant departure from the classic horizontal style. Vertical shiplap cladding is a sought after option, and cedar has become a coveted choice for external cladding. Bevel back weatherboards are another popular choice for timber cladding and mimic the classic horizontal look with superior performance.

Rusticated weatherboards are a variation of the bevel back system, with negative detailing and no visible penetrations, often available in vertical or horizontal systems, and are generally suitable for residential properties and small commercial buildings.

Cedar is a popular cladding choice in New Zealand, noted for its rich colouring and attractive appearance if it is left to weather over time. Vertical cedar cladding is a relatively recent addition to the market, with it quickly becoming a popular choice. Like other timber cladding, cedar is available in different styles, including shiplap, rusticated and board and batten. Cedar weatherboards are also suited to harsh environments as cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage. 

Brick cladding

Brick has been used for centuries to clad buildings. It is one of the most reliable and long-lasting cladding materials. Brick cladding is durable and has high insulation properties and fire resistance. Brick can also be painted and is available in a range of warm, earthy tones.

Brick veneer is another option and can be more cost-effective than real brick while offering a finish almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Brick veneer is also faster to install than real brick and can create a stunning aesthetic both externally and when used for feature walls as an internal wall cladding.

Stone cladding

Stone can create dramatic focal points and generally looks particularly stunning in rural settings or those surrounded by nature. Often, using locally-sourced stone can create a more harmonious link with the natural surrounds and wider landscape. Schist, slate and granite are popular choices for external cladding in New Zealand, and generally, work well juxtaposed with other types of cladding. Stone is another material that has been used for centuries as cladding and creates a distinct, luxurious and timeless aesthetic.

Metal cladding

Steel and aluminium are the most commonly used metals for cladding and are often used in both houses and commercial buildings as part of building facades. While these types of metal can create a striking visual impact, they generally do not have good insulation properties. Steel is the more expensive and durable of the two, while aluminium cladding is more cost-effective but often has less strength than steel and is more likely to be damaged over time.

Plaster and concrete cladding

Like brick, plaster and concrete finishes have been used for centuries, however, the contemporary versions of these materials as cladding are wide-ranging. Houses clad in plaster and concrete cladding are commonly associated with the post-war era in New Zealand with modern versions often retaining the character of these traditional homes with higher performance and more versatility. Plaster and concrete finishes are a good option for cladding particularly when the texture is important. Panels range from smooth to patterned, to rough and very textured. Often, plaster and concrete panels work well in conjunction with other types of cladding.

Fibre cement cladding

While fibre cement cladding has, in the past, been associated with problem buildings, the contemporary versions of the material and building systems are generally seen as a durable and reliable cladding option. Fibre cement boards generally have high fire resistance and are resistant to decay. They generally have a smooth surface and create a sleek contemporary look.

What is pre-cladding?

Pre-cladding is a building underlay that sits underneath the chosen external cladding system. Often, it provides structural bracing and an additional level of weather tightness. Some pre-cladding systems allow a building to be closed in sooner than traditional building underlays as they are able to withstand the elements for a certain amount of time, which affords tradespeople the ability to begin work on the interior before the external cladding is installed, saving time and therefore costs.