Cladding

Cladding is a layer of material fixed to the outside of a building to protect it from the weather and improve how it looks. It sits over the existing wall rather than forming part of the structure itself, shielding it from rain, wind and sun while often adding a layer of insulation too. Common materials include timber, composite, uPVC and brick slips, each with its own balance of cost, look and durability. Unlike render, which is applied wet and bonds directly to the wall, cladding is usually fixed mechanically using battens or a support frame, leaving a small air gap behind the boards. That gap allows air to circulate, helping to manage moisture and keep the wall underneath in good condition. For anyone working on a refurbishment or new build, cladding is a practical way to refresh a property's appearance while adding genuine weather protection.

The right cladding for a UK house really comes down to budget, how much maintenance the client wants to take on, and the finish they are after. Pressure treated timber gives a natural look that suits both modern and traditional properties and performs well as long as it is properly treated and ventilated. Composite boards are a popular alternative, offering the appearance of timber with much less upkeep, since they do not need staining or sealing and stand up well to rot and insect damage. uPVC is another widely used option, particularly for soffits and fascias or for clients working to a tighter budget, valued for being almost maintenance free even if the finish is a little less premium. Whatever material is chosen, look for products rated for UK weather conditions, since moisture resistance and UV stability make the biggest difference over time. Talking through the property type and budget in branch is usually the quickest way to land on the right material for the job.

Standard softwood timber cladding, such as basic tongue and groove or feather edge boards, is generally the cheapest option on the market. Redwood and other softwood species cost considerably less than premium hardwoods or factory finished composite, which makes them a sensible choice for sheds, outbuildings or any project where budget is the priority. Entry level uPVC cladding can also be competitively priced for smaller areas like gable ends or dormers, though quality does vary a lot between suppliers. It is worth bearing in mind that cheaper cladding often comes with a shorter lifespan and more maintenance down the line, so the lowest price upfront is not always the best value over the years. Our range covers everything from entry level softwood through to premium architectural finishes, so there is plenty of room to balance budget against long term performance. Stock levels and pricing on timber products can shift with seasonal demand, so it is worth checking with your local branch for current options.

Composite cladding is generally the better choice for a main wall elevation, giving a more natural timber look while still being low maintenance and highly weather resistant. uPVC tends to have a more obviously plastic appearance and can discolour or become brittle with prolonged sun exposure, though it remains a cost effective and practical option for areas like soffits and fascias. Composite boards are made from a blend of recycled wood fibre and plastic, which gives them strong resistance to rot, warping and insect damage without any need for staining or sealing. uPVC is typically lighter and easier to install, which suits smaller jobs or tighter timeframes, while composite tends to carry a more premium specification and longer manufacturer guarantees. For a primary external wall finish where appearance really matters, composite is usually worth the extra spend, while uPVC remains a sensible choice for secondary or less visible areas. Either way, both materials are far less demanding than timber, with no painting or treatment required once they are up.

Steer clear of combustible cladding systems on buildings where fire safety rules restrict their use, particularly aluminium composite panels with a polyethylene core, which were widely banned following changes to UK building regulations after the Grenfell Tower fire. For standard residential work, it is also worth avoiding untreated timber cladding in high moisture or coastal locations, as it will deteriorate far faster than properly treated boards. Cheap, thin uPVC from unverified suppliers can warp, fade or crack within just a few years, so checking product specifications and guarantees before buying is always a good habit. Cladding systems without an adequate ventilated air gap behind the boards can trap moisture against the wall, leading to damp and timber decay over time. Always check that whatever you specify meets current UK fire safety and building regulation requirements for that particular building type and height. If you are ever unsure what is suitable for a job, our branch teams are happy to talk through compliant, weather appropriate options.

The amount of cladding needed comes down to the size, layout and shape of the property rather than the number of bedrooms, so an accurate measurement of the wall area is the starting point. Measure the height and width of each elevation to be clad, multiply to get the square metre area, then subtract the area of any windows and doors that will not be covered. It is standard practice to add an extra 10 to 15 percent on top of that figure to allow for cutting waste, overlaps and any mistakes during fitting. For a typical semi detached or terraced 3 bedroom house clad on a single elevation, this often works out somewhere between 20 and 40 square metres, though it can vary depending on whether you are covering a full wall, a gable end or just a feature section. Coverage also differs between profiles, since tongue and groove and shiplap boards have different effective widths once installed, which changes how many boards are needed per square metre. For the most accurate figure, bring your measurements into branch or speak to our team, who can help work out quantities for the specific profile you have chosen.

How long cladding lasts depends heavily on the material, the quality of the installation and how well it is maintained, with figures ranging from around 15 years up to 50 years or more. Untreated or poorly maintained timber cladding can start to deteriorate within 10 to 15 years, while pressure treated timber that is regularly stained or oiled can comfortably last 20 to 30 years. Composite cladding typically carries manufacturer guarantees of 25 years or more, since it resists rot, warping and insect damage without needing regular treatment. uPVC generally lasts between 20 and 35 years, though it can become brittle or discoloured with prolonged sun exposure in particularly exposed locations. Architectural timber products are treated specifically to extend their natural lifespan while keeping maintenance to a minimum. Making sure there is proper ventilation behind the boards and dealing with any damage or moisture promptly will help any cladding material reach the upper end of its expected lifespan.

Cladding itself is not inherently a fire risk, but certain materials and installation methods can contribute significantly to fire spread if they are not properly specified, which is why UK building regulations now place strict controls on combustible cladding systems for taller buildings. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, regulations were tightened to ban combustible materials in external wall systems on residential buildings above 11 metres in height, including most aluminium composite panels with a polyethylene core. For standard houses below this height, timber and composite cladding remain widely used and permitted, though fire performance should always be checked against current building regulations for the specific project. Choosing cladding with the right fire ratings, maintaining correct cavity barriers and fire breaks, and following manufacturer guidance during installation all help reduce fire risk regardless of building height. For commercial projects, developments with multiple units, or anything over 11 metres, professional fire safety advice should always be sought before a cladding system is specified. For typical domestic jobs, our branch teams can talk through suitable, compliant products.

In most cases, cladding a house in the UK falls under permitted development rights and does not need planning permission, though there are some important exceptions worth knowing. If the property is a listed building or sits within a conservation area, planning permission or listed building consent will likely be needed before the external appearance is altered with cladding. Properties subject to an Article 4 direction, which removes certain permitted development rights in specific local areas, may also require permission even outside a conservation area. Regardless of planning permission, any cladding work still has to comply with current building regulations, particularly around fire safety, thermal performance and moisture control. For buildings above 11 metres or with multiple residential units, building control sign off is essential given the stricter fire safety requirements introduced in recent years. Checking with the local council planning department before starting work is always the safest approach, especially for properties with any special designations.

Well chosen and properly installed cladding can add value to a house by improving kerb appeal, modernising the exterior, and in some cases boosting thermal efficiency, all of which appeal to potential buyers. Composite and architectural timber cladding can transform the look of a dated property and give it a more contemporary finish that stands out positively at viewings. That said, the value added depends heavily on the quality of installation and choice of material, since poorly fitted or low quality cladding can have the opposite effect and look like a quick, cheap fix. Buyers and surveyors may also ask about fire safety compliance, ventilation, and whether the necessary planning permissions were obtained, so it is worth keeping documentation from the installation. Cladding used purely to cover up existing damp or structural issues without fixing the underlying problem will not add genuine value and can cause complications further down the line during a sale. For the best return, it pays to invest in a reputable material and a proper installation rather than treating cladding as a cosmetic quick fix.