Whether you are a builder, a specifier or a homeowner, the cost of different cladding types will affect which one you choose for your building or project. When you think about cost, material costs may come immediately to the forefront of your mind – but there are factors beyond purchase price that need to be considered. You will need to look at the long-term value of your project, and ask yourself how your chosen cladding type will benefit you in each and every way, not just how it will save you money.

How hard is it to install?

Installation costs are a factor that may spring to mind when choosing a cladding product – so it is important to be aware of the different ways your choice of cladding can impact installation costs. Heavy, inflexible materials such as timber, brick or fibre cement may require additional transport costs just to get them to the building site. Products such as these may also require specialised labour and equipment to install them, increasing the time taken to complete the project and further hiking up costs. Lightweight, flexible systems, however, can be easily transported, lifted and quickly installed, saving you a bundle on installation costs.

How long will it last?

Some cladding types are made to last. Some are at the mercy of the elements, and will require frequent maintenance or even replacement. If your project is located in an area with extreme weather conditions (or even if it isn’t), you will need to check whether your chosen cladding type is susceptible to rotting, warping, splintering or fading in harsh sunlight or rain. If it easily wears, it will need to be repainted, restained or even removed and replaced frequently – adding a significant amount to the cost of the cladding over time, even if you bought the material cheap to begin with. You will also need to make sure your cladding product is safe and compliant with the Building Code of Australia – ACP claddings have been restricted since they were found to be the cause of onslaught of recent tower fires, and if you use or have used this cladding type, you may be mandated by law to remove and replace it, putting you further out of pocket. (Read more about cladding regulations in your state here.)

How does it look?

Everyone wants to ensure their home or building project is attractive, and will remain that way for years to come. The warmth of timber is a popular building aesthetic – but finding a product that has that aesthetic, and retains it, is more difficult than it seems. While natural timber is an obvious choice for that beautiful, warm wooden look, if not maintained it will eventually take on a warped, splintering and unpleasant appearance. While they are cheaper and claim to be timberlike in appearance, vinyl claddings often disappoint, looking visibly plastic. Powder-coated, sublimated aluminium, on the other hand, can take on the beautiful look of timber without rotting or fading, allowing your cladding to remain visually appealing for years to come.  

DecoClad

For a cladding system that is easy-to-install, attractive and durable, look no further than DecoClad. Made with sublimated, powder-coated solid aluminium with a rich, textured timber grain finish, DecoClad retains that beautiful timber aesthetic even in extreme conditions. DecoClad’s Super DurableTM  finish protects the cladding against the elements and against wear and tear, eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance other than cleaning, and its lightweight, solid aluminium profiles are fire-safe, easy to transport and easy to install either by a professional builder or in a DIY context. Find our more about DecoClad here.

To find out more about cladding costs, what to look out for and how all aspects of cost can affect your project, click here to download our latest white paper: A Specifier’s Guide: The Hidden Costs of Cladding and Façades.