Protect your home’s exterior while projecting a new sense of design with the best architectural cladding options available.
Exterior cladding has long gone the way of boring and utilitarian facades with just enough flair to break up the monotony. We’re looking at you, timber cladding with an accent of brickwork.
Yet today’s home designers are looking for options to bring creativity and design into their exterior finishes as well as their frameworks. And that’s where the best architectural cladding can come into play. Combining function with design elements, builders and architects can incorporate novel materials with different angles and reliefs.
Choosing the best cladding for your Melbourne property comes down to a number of factors, depending on what you are looking to achieve with your design. Here are just a few features for your consideration.
If you want to learn more about architectural cladding, check out our other resources:
1. How much does architectural cladding cost
But first, what makes cladding architectural in the first place?
It can help to understand the difference between traditional and architectural cladding so that you can spot the best of both worlds when working on your projects. In essence, cladding becomes architectural in nature if it is used to enhance the appearance of the exterior of a building. More than serving the purpose of wrapping the home to insulate and protect it, architectural cladding adds design interest that stands out from the crowd.
To do this, designers use a wide range of materials that can add visual interest to a home exterior. To name a few, among these are:
- Wood
- Aluminium
- Brick
- Steel
- Stone
- Copper
- Zinc
Each has its own pros and cons, which it can help to better understand to choose the best architectural cladding for your job.
Features of the best architectural cladding
At its core, cladding is designed to protect the exterior of a home, and designer flairs shouldn’t discount this important feature. However, there are a number of factors that go into choosing the right architectural cladding for a project. Here are just a few.
Material
It all starts with the material you’re considering. Wood, for example, can give a traditional appearance to a home’s exterior while also creating a warm tone and impression. Metals, on the other hand, can have a more modern ambiance and create contemporary designs.
Installation
How you use the materials is just as important as the type of material you choose. Some architectural cladding, like aluminium and steel, come in sheets and panels of various sizes that can be installed with different angles and orientations. This can create a fresh look that stands out in a neighbourhood.
Protection
Cladding is, and should, be responsible for helping to protect the exterior of the home. Consider that some types, like stone, may be more resilient to resisting the weather and its effects than natural timbers. You’ll want to ensure that the cladding you choose also functions to block against rain, moisture, heat, and corrosion.
Sustainability
Choosing materials that are better for the environment and less harsh on our waste lifecycles is becoming a priority for more and more homeowners. The best architectural cladding is one that not only looks great but also is sustainable. Consider products that are easily recycled or can be made from recycled materials or those that will last an extremely long time, keeping materials out of landfills.
Maintenance
You’ll also want to consider the work you’ll be leaving your homeowner with once you are done with an installation. For example, using timber products may require them to have the wood façade refinished or repaired at regular intervals because of the impact of weathering. Choosing a more durable material like a coated aluminium may give them the style they want with less maintenance in the long term.
Cost
Striking a balance between style and budget is often a challenge for architects, who have to keep a client’s limits in line with their expenditures. But some of the best architectural cladding, such as matte or standard range Colorbond, can cost just $80-$95 $300 per square metre, a discount when compared to some more luxury accents like copper cladding.
Learn more: How Much Does Metal Cladding Cost in Melbourne?
What to look for in a Melbourne cladding provider
As a home builder or designer, you’re going to want to work with a reliable provider when it comes to architectural cladding. That includes everything from material selection to installation and upkeep. Look for a provider that has a solid reputation in the industry and a strong portfolio of work that includes the exact type of cladding you’re considering for your design. That will ensure that you have the opportunity to work with a provider that is experienced with procuring and handling the materials that you need in the right way.
Keep in mind that installation plays a major role in the quality of architectural cladding. The best cladding is that which is installed properly and where the materials are handled with care, especially in the case of metal cladding which has coatings that protect it from the elements. Scratches or dings in the surface during a shoddy installation can compromise the quality and longevity of the material and your overall design.
Another consideration should be to look for a local Victorian provider that offers a wide range of materials. Some of the best designs incorporate more than one design element when it comes to cladding, and a provider that can offer both mainstays and accents will make it easier to work with for the long term of your project.
Turn to the pros at Advanced Metal Cladding
At Advanced Metal Cladding, we have over 20 years of experience working specifically with architectural roofing and cladding for residential projects. We’re focused on remaining fast and reliable for all onside installations, ensuring that the product you choose is handled right from start to finish. We’re so confident in our workmanship that we offer additional warranties on products to stand by our work.
Advanced Metal Cladding also works with architects, contractors, and builders to properly estimate the exact amount of product needed for a given design using state-of-the art technology. Detailed quotes help keep projects on track and advanced project management methods see projects through to the end no matter how complex.
For a free quote for your next project, call us on 0497 009 390 today!
