WEATHERBOARD CLADDING

Weatherboard cladding is a decorative and protective layer made either from wood, PVC, fibre cement or brick slips panels added to the external wall in order to protect the walls from wind, rain, snow or sleet or to provide thermal insulation and ventilation. Regardless of its surface, they can be used to decorate a house, shed, garage, terrace, office, school, commercial shop, public places such as train stations or to finish any interior project. Weatherboard sheets are considered as an innovative trend that enjoys great popularity among many UK customers. The use of this type of solution will make each building presentable, thanks to which it will definitely gain in its appearance. The ideal weatherboard should be light, easy to install, fireproof, root proof, colour and dimensional stable, uv-resistant, strong, flexible, weatherproof, maintenance-free and relatively cheap of course. To find out weatherboard prices click here. To see how easy is to cut fibre cement boards click here.
 

BENEFITS OF WEATHERBOARD CLADDING

Weatherboard cladding is often recommended by specialists for places that should look presentable. They also allow you to create many interesting arrangements. Panels do not require maintenance, so we do not use additional chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Cladding boards not only ensures the aesthetic appearance of the house, but also improves sound and heat insulation, which may translate into lower costs for heating the building. Leading manufacturers of quality cladding, can offer you an impressive 50+ year lifetime guarantee. With a choice of different colours, from a traditional white to a slate grey, you can create the house of your dreams. To find out more about colours click here. Moreover, cladding protects the wall beneath from damage and can be used to insulate your home. Cladding adds an additional layer of protection, which results in an increase in the structure's overall strength. Because they are constructed with high-quality lumber materials, they protect your home from the damaging effects of adverse weather conditions. There is a diverse selection of profiles, colours, textures, and patterns available for use in the construction of those weatherboards. The weatherboards are simple to bend and shape into the desired forms, which makes it straightforward to assemble them. In addition, the weatherboards are simple to clean and maintain, which is another indication that the cladding will keep its fresh appearance over time. To see how you can clean weatherboard cladding click here.
 

TYPES OF WEATHERBOARD CLADDING

‘Cladding’ refers to components that are attached to a primary structure to form this external structure. These are the 4 types of exterior cladding wall finishing of the building - natural wood, fibre cement, brick slips or PVC panels - which are very popular among UK private investors. Boards are one of the most popular types of cladding, mainly due to the fact it’s been around for so long and is widely available from most building merchants such as Screwfix, B&Q or Wickes.

NATURAL WOOD - TIMBER WEATHERBOARD CLADDING

The use of wood to clad buildings is a long-established and well-refined weatherproofing technique. Timber cladding is produced using long strips of softwood or hardwood timber and affixing them to the interior or exterior walls. Timber cladding can be laid in any direction – horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. Traditional wood, used in construction for centuries, is an organic material with all its consequences. It is a popular way of creating a beautiful exterior finish on a building. It has excellent thermal insulation properties, good elasticity and mechanical strength, but is usually very sensitive to moisture, algae growth and insect prey. In order to remain in perfect condition for as long as possible, it must be regularly cared for and maintained. Natural solid wood can withstand the harsh conditions of a house facade during the first years only. Wood cladding is available in a huge range of species. Most commonly used wooden facade boards are Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Siberian Larch, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Douglas Fir or finally Pine. Timber cladding can also keep buildings at a more stable temperature. This is down to its cellular structure. In fact, wood insulates 13 times better than masonry and 400 times better than steel. In UK construction, there has been a major renaissance in timber cladding in recent years as a facing material, replacing the more common brick and rendered finishes. Not only that, but it is also lighter and simpler to fix to the building’s fabric.

Cost: £20-£30/m² (ex VAT), £25/m² installation

Advantages: easy to process and resistant to damage during cutting and assembly, well-kept wood looks very impressive, perfectly accepts varnishes and oils, natural materials like timber makes us feel good.
Disadvantages: wooden facade requires regular care, sensitive to moisture, termites frequently present, not fireproof.

FIBRE CEMENT WEATHERBOARD CLADDING 

This type of cladding is often associated with well known brands such as Cedral® or Hardie® Backer. Both brand manufacturing fibre cement cladding boards using laboratory method simulating the ”Hatscheck Process”. Intense heat and pressure is applied to eliminate moisture from fibre cement material. This leads to composite consolidation and results in an extremely strong and robust fibre composite material. The lining consists of cement and cellulose fibres, with the addition of minerals and fillers. The fibre cement façade is characterised by high durability, resistance to weather conditions and minimal maintenance requirements. The wood effect facade will work well not only on the entire building, but also on selected parts of it - on individual floors, on the terrace, on the extension. The use of materials imitating wood instead of solid boards and logs allows you to combine the aesthetic values of a natural material with the resistance and durability of composites. High-quality wood-like boards and panels retain their appearance and properties for many years without costly maintenance. The drawing of the rings and the texture of the wood very realistically imitate the original. Even if you looked closely at the surface of the product, it would be difficult to find a visual difference between it and the wood. Composite facade wood is so durable that even in the event of impacts or the risk of mechanical damage, it maintains an appropriate aesthetic level. Thanks to the low weight of the panels and built-in locks, installation is extremely easy and fast. For more information on fire cement technology click here.

Cost: £37-42/m² (ex VAT), £28/m² installation
Advantages: cheaper in operation than natural wood, do not discolour or require any maintenance, non-flammable product.
Disadvantages: expensive to buy, requires professional installer to fit.

CEDRAL® CLADDING BOARDS

Cedral® cladding range offers a variety of textures and looks to choose from which can be used independently or combined to achieve a classic or modern look. Cedral® is ideal for renovations and new build projects and can be used across the whole or a part of your house, helping to create a stunning individual look to your home. The main feature of the Cedral® cladding materials is that it does not change the shape and size under the action of temperature. As a result, the durability index increases and the deterioration of products decreases. The panels will not become a breeding ground for fungus, mould, rot and various harmful microorganisms. Also facing is not afraid of direct sunlight (ultraviolet radiation). The planks are available in a range of colours with a timber effect finish and a modern, textured look. Cedral® has excellent water, UV and frost resistant properties. The fibre cement planks are also resistant to bacteria, insects and vermin, ensuring your facade will stand the test of time. For Cedral installers click here. Cedral® offers 2 styles of sidings including Lap and Click in either smooth or textured.

Cedral® Lap cladding is designed to overlap itself to create a lapping effect and is generally chosen in a wood textured finish. Lap is an easier option than Click for DIYers because of how the panels connect and how they are attached to the wall. Cedral Lap panels overlap, while click panels interlock. Unlike with the Cedral Click system, trying to clad the same 100m2, your average project cost would be £3,809.87 (Date: 04/2023). To see how to install Cedral Lap system click here.

Length: 3600 mm
Width: 190 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight per plank: 11,2 kg
Pieces per m2: 1.74

Cedral® Click is fitted flat to the exterior wall of your home and works with a tongue and groove connection with the board above fitting into the one below. The biggest difference in installation is that tongue and groove click panelling actually fits together like puzzle pieces instead of overlapping. Trying to clad 100m2 with the Cedral click system, your average project cost per m2 would be £4,995.64 (Date: 04/2023). That isn’t that surprising, when you consider just how many boards are used in cladding-169 no. You can use our handy weatherboard cladding calculator to find out how many cladding boards you will need. To see how to install Cedral Click system click here.

Length: 3600 mm
Width: 186 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight per plank: 12,2 kg
Pieces per m2: 1.64

For more differences between Cedral Lap and Click system click here.

HARDIE® BACKER CLADDING BOARDS

Hardie® Backer is a leading cement board brand with high-quality products. Hardie® Plank cladding creates a classic finish for any home and convinces with a high-quality finish. Hardie® Plank is much easier to maintain while giving you the same rustic look we love about wood. Fibre cement is long lasting and uncomplicated: thanks to its low maintenance ColourPlus™ technology, your façade will be durable for years to come. Planks are so long lasting, that the manufacturer gives you a 15 year warranty. Hardie® plank products include 2 profiles, made from advanced material fibre cement:

Hardie® Plank fibre cement cladding

Length: 3600 mm
Width: 180 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Pieces per m2: 1.85

Hardie® VL Plank fibre cement cladding

Length: 3600 mm
Width: 214 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Pieces per m2: 1.52

PVC WEATHERBOARD CLADDING (uPVC)

PVC cladding sheet often called ‘plastic’ or ‘composite’ is an additional external barrier made of the highest quality pure polyvinyl chloride, so it can be placed on the entire facade. In fact, it is a popular, versatile and maintenance free option for covering external elevations. The PVC facade panels have been created to make it much easier and cheaper for customers to construct the facade of their dreams. They are also lighter than wood. One plank does not weigh more than 3.15kg per 5-metre board, it is 4 times lighter than a fibre cement board. The weather-resistant PVC facade panel, unlike wood, does not require additional protection and care with oils or waxes. As for the method of assembly, it is very simple, so anyone can do this type of work on their own. PVC cladding provides an attractive weather resistant solution adding an interesting new feature to a property. Plastic cladding is available in two distinct styles – Shiplap and Open-V. When comparing Shiplap and V joint claddings, shiplap tends to look a little more traditional in appearance due to the wider overlap between each board. Much like timber, PVC Cladding is easily cut and nailed using traditional tools, and despite its durability these products are relatively lightweight so can be easily manoeuvred into position. The range of colours and realistic wood grain finishes available means you can create a truly unique appearance, whether you want a rustic timber-effect or a crisp contemporary white finish. As well as its insulating properties, PVC Panels also have acoustic properties leading to a reduction in background noise. PVC Cladding ranges come complete with a 10 year guarantee which covers both product performance and significant discolouration. PVC cladding systems have been assessed and given an A+ rating. This allows the specifier/housebuilder to claim the code for sustainable homes maximum of three points when using PVC cladding on an external wall system. PVC panels are made by Eurocell®, Hyperion®, Cladco®, Celuform® or Fortex®. Boards can be as thin as 6mm, making it perfect for any home improvement project. Composite cladding boards start at £16.29 for a 3.6m board. Panels length start from 3.6m up to 5m. Board width may vary depending on manufacturer, however 150mm seems to be the most commonly used size. For modern PVC weatherboard cladding click here

Cost: £32/m² (ex VAT), £22/m² installation.
Advantages: can last 20 years, low cost material.
Disadvantages: the ability to change the colour, easy to snap.

BRICK SLIPS

Brick slips often referred to as brick tiles, brick slip tiles or brick veneers, are made from concrete or composite material or thin cuts of brick, purpose made for various applications. In fact, they are used for wall cladding to replicate the look of traditional bricks. They are a cost-effective and safe method of achieving a brick finish to a building without using real brick. They come in a range of systems for attaching them to an external wall and are available in a range of designs and colours. In fact, brick slips are also used for a real natural tile effect for bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles, fireplaces and by many in the construction industry for cladding buildings to give them a fantastic classic look. Brick slip tiles are ideal for residential and commercial environments and are reliable, require virtually no maintenance, and offer the perfect alternative to rebuilding a brand-new wall. Precast brick slips in the UK are popular, since they allow you to have an authentic, rustic, brick-like look inside, and not only outside. The weathered brick cladding look is especially popular, as this can instantly turn any interior environment to a rustic, rugged look that fits in perfectly with many homes. These brick slips are also popular because they come in different colours, all offering a natural look for your walls, similar to an outside, natural brick wall. 

Cost: £24.40/m² (ex VAT), £27/m² installation.
Advantages: no maintenance, cost-effective, breathable, durable and non-combustible.
Disadvantages: relatively heavy material, time consuming when installed.

HOW TO INSTALL WEATHERBOARD CLADDING

Cladding is really easy to fit and installation doesn’t require any special or difficult machinery. However, it is also very important to get it right as poor detailing and fitting can create problems which could become unsightly or shorten its life span. Brick slips can be simply glued to the external surface such as solid wall, fibre cement boards are usually fitted with stainless steel nails or clips and screws. On the other hand PVC sheets are stapled, screwed or nailed. Wood weatherboard cladding as you would expect from timber can be simply nailed. 
More information can be found here:

Cedral Click Installation Guide

Cedral Lap Installation Guide

FIBRE CEMENT WEATHERBOARD CLADDING ADVANTAGES OVER REAL TIMBER CLADDING

The only factor that is similar between the two exterior cladding materials is the installation process, other than that they are two very different materials. Timber cladding is the traditional type whereas fibre cement cladding is a more contemporary approach. With fibre cement cladding the homeowners get plenty of options to choose from such as installation methods, finishes, sizes, colours, and textures among others.
The installation procedures of both cladding types are somewhat the same. However, some differences make them stand apart from each other in terms of installation. The durability of fibre cement cladding and timber cladding varies drastically. Timber cladding does not withstand weather well and moisture can cause rotting, swelling and shrinkage, which may also cause paint to crack and peel prematurely as wood expands and contracts due to weather changes. Fibre cement has a life expectancy of 60 years and is climate engineered to be water resistant, pest resistant and ability to withstand all weather including high wind loads. Wood is a highly flammable cladding material with a fire classification of D-a2, d0. Fibre cement is a non combustible cladding material that will not ignite when exposed to direct flame or extreme heat. Timber is usually seen as a budget choice of exterior cladding. However, if you factor in all costs during the life span of timber cladding, such as maintenance, preservations needed, paint etc. it can end up costing much more than anticipated. Fibre cement on the other hand, can be a little bit more expensive to buy, depending on what type of timber alternative you would choose, however factoring in the 60 years life expectancy and the extremely low maintenance, the total cost of ownership of fibre cement cladding will nearly always be lower than that of timber cladding. Fibre cement weatherboards offer up to 3 times more dimensional stability than wood.

WEATHERBOARD CLADDING PRICE

When it comes to going ahead with any home improvement project, cost can be a sticking point. Your project price depends on how much cladding you require. In various different cladding materials, this would cost:

FIBRE CEMENT WEATHERBOARD CLADDING - Cost: £37-42/m² (ex VAT)
PVC WEATHERBOARD CLADDING - Cost: £32/m² (ex VAT)
WOOD WEATHERBOARD CLADDING - Cost: £20-30/m² (ex VAT)
BRICK SLIP WEATHERBOARD CLADDING - Cost: £24/m² (ex VAT)

Prices are correct as of 2023 and can change.

WEATHERBOARD CLADDING PROFILES

The profile of timber cladding is just as important as its laying style. The most popular styles are as follows:
 

1. Tongue & Groove - boards slot together neatly and simply thanks to a tongue (the protruding section) and groove (the slot). It’s why species like V-groove are often referred to as ‘tongue and groove’. This fit forms a ‘V’ shape on the surface, providing a pleasing, faint shadow line between each. V-groove ensures a modern, clean, neat look.

2. Shiplap - profile with a neat finish where each board sits just behind the bottom edge of its adjacent cousin. Shiplap shares similarities with V-groove — both have a tongue and groove fit. The key difference is the longer lip, which provides superior water protection. This lip gives a pleasing, soft curved shape on the cladding surface; a popular, traditional choice often associated with rural settings. Ideal for invoking a sense of countryside charm, Shiplap is very popular for cladding sheds and other outbuildings, but can still provide a rustic decorative touch for any surface.

3. Feather Edge - boards are tapered and offer a definitively rustic aesthetic that lends itself well to barns and rural homes. Cut at an angle, the overlapping boards that characterise this type of profile are wildly popular with barn conversions, outbuilding renovations and old-style agricultural buildings. The clean, smart and professional uniformity of feather-edge is guaranteed to catch the eye with a nod to all things rural; its excellent weather-proofing attributes only add to the utility of the profile.

WEATHERBOARD CLADDING NEAR ME

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