How Do You Select Best Cladding For Your Building

After instances of fire spreading via cladding the type selected and construction detailing will be carefully considered by the appointed building surveyors. I see this as a good thing for you, as you can feel safe that the fire protection rating shall be high.

Claddings are made from many different materials and often for each material there is a wide variety of finishes and textures. They are further mixed together with upper floors often in a different material or finish to provide a visual break or to stimulate the feel of a ‘lighter’ appearance. Consider the colour of external claddings in both warmer and cooler climates as this influences the rate of heat absorption and the ability to reflect solar gain. 

Although not considered structural inasmuch as claddings do not generally accept loadings, claddings can be used to brace lightweight structures by fixing through to solid boards. The design in such cases must ensure that ventilation, drainage, fireproofing and waterproofing are all well-thought-out and that failures will not lead to condensation in the structure or within the areas. 

Protection is important. When you select the cladding, you want the finish to remain pristine and showcase the high quality of your building. The look of the cladding can be ruined in a few short years, if you do not protect your cladding through simple design. 

The simple part of the design is what you need to do to ensure rain does not easily or without specific intention run down the face of the finished cladding. Water streaking down is so common that we are all used to the ugly black lines that appear on the external faces of buildings. They occur because the water is not directed to go elsewhere or to fall sufficiently in front of the face so as to not create streaky lines. 

You need to add a coping ,capping, rain handler, gutter or whatever fits in with your design and direct the water away. This is the simple part, the clever part is that walls that do not have rainwater running down them are much less likely to have water ingress issues. These include rain dripping onto sills and finding ways to enter through the window frames, rain finding cracks and entering the cavity, rain being blown in through directional wind or being sucked in through local air pressure. 

This rain if it does breach the cladding skin, by design it should exit the cavity by drainage channels or evaporation. However, always remember that water will find its easiest course and it is common for water ingress issues to present themselves as staining and water damage which can lead to mould growth and health issues. 

A building designed so water does not run down the face of the external walling by water falling from above is much less likely to have such problems and a building with an overhang and facia is even less likely. 

It’s a simple concept that is often not considered as we believe that all the cavity and weather breaks will stop water entering. It usually does but nothing is guaranteed. 

There are many options and choices to be considered before you select which cladding is right for your build. The final selection ought to be one of the ‘anchor’ decisions of your design. 

Fitzpatrick Team are well versed in building construction and deliver first class solutions for all commercial buildings. Why not call Mark to discuss your project.