Types of Cladding

“HPL (High Pressure Laminate Cladding) is the New Trend”

Latest in Cladding is HPL based cladding. Apart from being highly decorative it is quiet durable.
The trend is shifting from ACP based cladding to High Pressure Laminate Cladding for its
aesthetic appeal and its superior features and performance.

Technical benefits of a well-managed cladding:

(1) Thermal Insulation – Because of Ventilated Facade system, the air cavity developed
between wall and EWC Panel provides excellent thermal insulation. This results in lower use of
Air conditioner in summers and will maintain room heat in winter.

(2) UV Light Resistance – For a good cladding, it should not fade because of UV light
exposure. EWC cladding provides excellent resistance to UV light and thus maintains its colour
over a period of time.

(3) Weather resistance – Because of superior surface properties of EWC, it provides good
weather resistance. (In fact Merino EWC+ can be used for extreme and long exposure to
sunlight.)

(4) Climatic Shock Resistance – Due to sudden change in Climate, EWC maintains its
dimensional stability and does not crack under these circumstances.

Advantages of HPL cladding material are: Wide range for design and décor, UV light &
weather resistance, graffiti resistance, easy to install and maintain, easy to replace and repair,
termite resistant, resistant to fungal attacks and abrasion resistance. Considering the Installation
Schematics, three types of Installation mechanism has been developed by Merino – riveted type,
Adhesive type and Z- Clip Type.

The cladding industry is evolving and finding new applications. Unlike ACP which is limited to
only commercial places, the EWC panels are finding application in all the segments including
residential segment, hotels, industry, office buildings, retail shops, airport terminals, etc

Metal Cladding

Wall cladding systems while enhancing the aesthetic of a building also adds a series of added
benefits including but not limited to fire resistance, resistance to moisture, better acoustics,
environmental concerns while addressing and adhering to several other technical specifications.
When looking for a modern, cost-effective and top-notch environmentally friendly wall cladding,
metal wall cladding is the numero uno choice. Metal panels can be seamlessly fit over any kind of
cladding or even existing metal systems with relative ease.
o Metal Wall cladding helps adds another dimension to your home or your office structure and is
extremely easy to maintain as well. Being lightweight and durable, the possibilities of cladding
profiles are far and numerous; it can make your mundane and dull exteriors walls, beautiful and long
lasting or even liven up your interiors as highlight wall on the inside while resisting chipping,
flaking and blistering. Metal cladding helps add depth and texture and it’s available in several types
of metals, colours, and can be further customized to cater to your exact needs and requirements.

o Weather tight and secure, it will stand the test of time and is the right choice for protecting your
interior and exterior walls. Besides, metal cladding is energy efficient which not only helps reduce
your carbon imprint but also help reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills. Furthermore, Metal
is also recyclable thus helping reduce your overall impact on the environment as well.

Types Of Metal Cladding

o Metal cladding is extremely sturdy and durable and has a very long lifespan depending on the metal
cladding types. Walls can be finished with a wide array of metals and techniques which provide
excellent resistance and coverage against weather conditions while being completely resistant to
abrasions, UV rays and staining.

o Today, Metal wall cladding is one of the most preferred cladding materials for newer homes. They
not only improve the value and appearance of your interiors or exteriors but are also lightweight,
fireproof and waterproof whilst also providing excellent acoustic performance.

o Types of metal cladding range for interior and exterior cladding are:

 Zinc Cladding
 Copper Cladding
 Galvanised Steel Cladding
 Aluminium Cladding
  Brass Cladding
 Bronze Cladding
 Titanium Cladding
o Metal cladding can be painted too and is available in a wide range of textures and patterns to
replicate the look of different materials. With the right maintenance, it can increase the service life of
any structure while also proving to be one of the best investments you can make to improve the
value of your house. Metal cladding generally has a long lifespan varying from metal to metal. For
instance, Zinc and stainless steel can easily last up to 60-80 years, while copper cladding can have a
life in excess of 100 years in normal environments.

Metal cladding process

o Cladding refers to a process where a particular metal is bonded electrically, mechanically or through
some other high pressure and temperature process onto another surface to provide a dual layer of
protection against weather elements. Stronger and less malleable metals like aluminium, steel and
titanium can be directly latched onto the frame without any support. Other metals like copper, Brass,
Zinc etc aren’t strong enough to be hung independently and need support by way of ply boards or
other frames so that it can be bound or fastened on it and hung separately. These panels can be either
welded together or laid across like tiles.

o Cladding can be applied on either or both sides of the frame or board and then smeared a layer of
coating to prevent corrosion and rusting. For instance, steel is galvanised or powder coated while
aluminium is anodised. These processes apply a layer of protective coat onto the metal to make it
sturdier and robust enough to withstand the elements of nature. Metal cladding your exteriors or
interiors not only improve its functionality as well as its appearance but also enables you and your
family have a versatile and sophisticated space in which to spend time together.

Jamb Cladding
Cladding of the jamb in a door or window with cladding materials which include vinyl , extruded
plastic products etc. is called jamb cladding.

A jamb is a vertical member forming the sides of a door and window frame. A door and window
are set between two jambs at the sides of the cut out in the internal or external wall and set
together with a lintel on the top. All doors and windows shut securely between two jambs.

The advanced door jamb system comprises of a door stop along with the jamb cladding It may
also include a weather strip to ensure a weather-tight seal of a door when the door is closed into
the frame.

1. Stone cladding
Stone cladding helps create a natural stone look while bringing in a touch of style and elegance to
your walls. Perfect for both interior and exteriors, stone cladding uses thin layers of natural or faux
 stone to lend your home a brilliant earthy and rustic look. Stone cladding panels are extremely easy
to install, virtually maintenance free and gracefully ages with time.

2.

Wood cladding
Wood cladding helps create a stunning façade and is a great way to protect your home from the
elements. Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, it helps create a highly distinctive character as
nothing beats the look of real wood while blending well with any decor. Exterior cladding is
individually placed and protects the structural integrity of your house while also enhancing the
exterior appearance by several notches. Extremely durable and highly energy efficient owing to its
insulation properties, wood cladding helps to make your home a tranquil haven.

Wood Plastic Composite

Wood Plastic Composite is a hybrid material composed of naturalwood and plastic fiber. Saw dust
from fiber fillers like pulp, peanut hulls, and bamboo are mixed with new or waste plastic powder,
from materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene.

The main features of WPC:

 It is recyclable
 It is absolutely maintenance-free and hence no expence on maintenance account - cost
saved!
 Painting can be done on your option
 Coating can be done as per your option
  Its natural appearance like wood gives it the added advantage of being used in all places
even where wood is unheard of. For example, avenues such as exterior cladding of building,
near river beds, hill tops, etc.
Other advantages include:
 Flexibility in design.
 Light weight
 Natural look
 High strength
 Low costs
 Acoustic advantages
 Insulation properties

Advantages and disadvantages

WPCs do not corrode and are highly resistant to rot, decay, and Marine Borer attack, though they do
absorb water into the wood fibers embedded within the material. They have good workability and
can be shaped using conventional woodworking tools. WPCs are often considered a sustainable
material because they can be made using recycled plastics and the waste products of the wood
industry. Although these materials continue the lifespan of used and discarded materials, they have
their own considerable half life; the polymers and adhesives added make wood-plastic composite
difficult to recycle again after use. They can however be recycled easily in a new wood-plastic
composite, much like concrete.

One advantage over wood is the ability of the material to be molded to meet almost any desired
shape. A WPC member can be bent and fixed to form strong arching curves. Another major selling
point of these materials is their lack of need for paint. They are manufactured in a variety of colors,
but are widely available in grays and earth tones. Despite up to 70 percent cellulose content
(although 50/50 is more common), the mechanical behavior of WPCs is most similar to neat
polymers. Neat polymers are polymerized without added solvents. This means that WPCs have a
lower strength and stiffness than wood, and they experience time and temperature-dependent
behavior. The wood particles are susceptible to fungal attack, though not as much so as solid wood,
and the polymer component is vulnerable to UV degradation. It is possible that the strength and
stiffness may be reduced by moisture absorption and freeze-thaw cycling, though testing is still
being conducted in this area. Some WPC formulations are sensitive to staining from a variety of
agents.
3.
uPVC cladding

uPVC cladding
uPVC cladding helps add a different dimension to your home and requires absolutely zero
maintenance. This basically translates to no time-consuming painting or cumbersome repairs. Ideal
for both internal and external walls, uPVC cladding not only suits every kind of home but also not
prone to severe damage by weather elements. Besides being economical, it’s quite easy to add
insulation as well, can be fully customized and comes in a range of colours.

4.
Tile cladding
 Tile cladding
A fairly new entrant to the cladding world, tile cladding is an extremely versatile cladding option
and comes in the form of a panel or tile suited for both exteriors and interiors of your house. Long
lasting and easy to maintain, these can transform your house to a contemporary abode. You can play
with either sleek modern designs or opt for a natural textured look. Incredibly durable and long
lasting, you can even combine tiles that are of different shapes and sizes to give your house a truly
unique and suave look. Moreover, these tiles also act as great insulators thus proving to be energy
efficient as well.

5.
Glass cladding

Glass cladding
Glass claddings help transform your building exteriors and offer a gamut of customization and
design options. Glass always impresses and this cladding is available in wide range of tempered,
laminated, curved and enamelled options while being cost effective and economical. Furthermore,
glass creates a remarkably modern and contemporary look while offering enormous freedom in
shape, design, composition and size, making it optimally suited for modern cladding applications.
6.
Aluminium composite panel (ACP)

Aluminium composite panel (ACP)

Aluminium composite cladding system or ACP is made from lightweight aluminium and is
frequently used for external cladding as it’s very rigid and strong despite its light weight. Moreover,
being aluminium being weather and UV resistant facilitates for a bevy of customization options
including colours, prints, patterns and shading. Available in varying thickness levels; it enables
quick installation while also being versatile enough to be used for fascias, canopies, partitions and
even false ceilings.

7.
Aluminium cladding

Aluminium cladding
Aluminium is an extremely popular choice for cladding and is used extensively for cladding
purposes. Aluminium cladding with its top-notch recyclability and minimal maintenance doesn’t rust
 or corrode like other metals which help preserve its original design and texture for years at a stretch
for proven lifetime performance Aluminum is protected through galvanising, powder coating or
anodizing which is totally integrated into the metal to provide all-around protection. Different
colours and varying patterns can easily be imprinted on this layer thus providing new and infinite
texture and design possibilities for building exteriors without affecting it’s UV resistance.

8.
Ceramic cladding

Ceramic cladding
Ceramic cladding solutions have been around for ages and been a popular choice for architects
around the world for decorative purposes. Being lightweight, it requires very little maintenance
while possessing a superior resistance to chemical and atmospheric attacks from pollution, acid rain
and smog. It’s innovative design and durability also facilitate greater versatility in terms of tile size
and arrangements.

9.
Porcelain cladding
Porcelain cladding
Porcelain cladding is widely used as a mean for external cladding because of its exceptional
properties. Scratch & abrasion resistant with a surface tougher than granite or steel, its durable,
tough and extremely strong and does not accumulate surface dirt. Additionally its, non-porous and
impervious to chemicals while also being freeze & thermal shock resistant which makes it the ideal
material for creating cost-effective, low-maintenance, hard-wearing surfaces.

Different Applications of Wall Cladding

Wall cladding is quite popular these days both in residential and commercial structures and is
primarily used for protection and aesthetic purposes, with some materials having more of one
trait than the other. Today, there are several options in wall cladding materials which cater to the
whims and fancies of one and all. Available in a multitude of designs, textures and materials,
they help bring your interiors, exteriors and bathroom to life by lending a vibrant and elegant
look to the otherwise dull walls. It can be attached directly to the frame or to an intermediate
layer of battens or spacers thus providing a decorative layer to the exterior or internal walls.

Earlier, customization options were limited to a coat of paint on the exterior walls or wallpaper
or tiles on the interior rooms or bathrooms. However, today cladding has completely
revolutionized the industry by offering options made of wood, metal, uPVC, aluminium and so
on each of which has its own distinct benefits and drawbacks. These panels are placed right on
top of a building’s exterior frame or the interior walls which make efforts such as painting or
applying finishes redundant. Moreover, the use of cladding can drastically help reduce
maintenance costs while providing a wide range of benefits like weatherproofing, insulation
while dramatically increasing the aesthetics. Allow me to elaborate on the different applications
of wall cladding viz. Exterior wall Cladding, Interior Wall Cladding & Bathroom Wall Cladding
and their advantages.
1.
Exterior Wall Cladding

Exterior Wall Cladding

o External wall cladding basically comprises of applying a material over the original material to
provide an additional layer of protection against weather elements while also adding value and style
to a property. It is used to complement the architectural style of the building while also offering
additional protection from weather elements like rain, wind and snow. Its unique design,
sustainability and functionality, results in adding insulation to the structure while also minimizing
sound transmission through the walls.

o During summer, external cladding options like stone, and other high-quality exterior cladding
products absorb heat from the sun, keeping the indoor temperature constant thus drastically reducing
both your energy costs and carbon footprint. As well as improving the thermal insulation of your
house, the external cladding can also improve the noise insulation of your house by absorbing sound
waves and blocking out traffic and other unpleasant sounds. Moreover, the external cladding is
extremely durable that will protect your home and add both comfort and convenience. It also
provides a great deal of customization options in the form of textures, shades and hues that really
meet the preferences and style of your home. By combining the longevity and toughness, external
wall cladding offers protection against the elements and environmental changes and damage while
also providing effective protection against stains, scratches and fading for decades.
2.
Interior Wall Cladding

Interior Wall Cladding

o Wallpapers and paints for livening up the walls of your internal rooms are passé. When it comes to
the interiors of your house, it’s a reflection of your taste and personality. Internal wall cladding
offers a host of materials and style choices to choose from which lend a creative touch to your space,
and are sure to brighten up your décor and add warmth and character like never before. With several
materials ranging from wood, ceramic, porcelain and stone to choose from, internal wall cladding
helps add both aesthetics and functionality to your house or office. Internal wall cladding is an ideal
way to add value to your existing property or just a way to make your house look posh, clean and
sophisticated and help stand out from the drab.

3. Moreover, they are extremely low on maintenance and can be simply wiped clean with a piece of
damp cloth. Additionally, it also facilitates insulation to keep the overall temperature of your room
always ideal thus making them energy compliant as well.

Bathroom Wall Cladding

 Bathroom Wall Cladding

o Having your bathroom modeled just the way you envisioned it, makes all the difference, as in all
likelihood, it’s your first stop in the morning and the last stop before hitting the bed. By combining
simplicity with functionality, bathroom wall cladding helps add a glamorous touch to your bathroom
and help bring the dull lifeless walls to life.

o Although bathrooms are tucked away in the corner of the house, they are as important as any other
room because you and your family will spend a great deal of time in it. Be it stone cladding, timber
cladding, or porcelain cladding, a bathroom makeover can instantly transform a drab and boring
toilet into something modern and help revitalize your spirits. Moreover, these panels are 100% water
resistant, which means you need not worry about damp walls as they are completely moisture and
damp proof. Additionally being moisture proof, they also help ward off insects and moulds thus
ensuring highest levels of hygiene. Whether you’re striving to dramatically renovate your bathroom
or just want a small improvement, bathroom wall cladding is the way to go.

4.
Kitchen Cladding

Kitchen Cladding

o When it comes to your kitchen, the first and foremost factor which is given topmost priority is
hygiene. This is where your food is produced and cooked and it’s paramount that you maintain a
hygienic and clean environment. A good effective kitchen cladding takes care of all that and much
more. Besides giving your kitchen an attractive and modern look, kitchen wall cladding also
promotes hygiene and cleanliness. Unlike traditional walls or tiles which are not only difficult to
clean but also notorious for allowing grime, grout and grease to stick and accumulate, cleaning
kitchen wall cladding is far easier as it can be just wiped down leaving no nooks and crannies for
bacteria to cling on to.
o Kitchen wall cladding is also extremely robust and sturdy and can withstand abuse unlike traditional
ceramic or plastered walls. Because of the sheer variety of equipment and utensils in constant use in
the kitchen, walls and tiles are susceptible to impact which may leave a dent, crack or kink which
may be difficult to repair or may need to be replaced entirely. Moreover, the crack looks unpleasant
while leaving it susceptible to water seeping into the nooks and crevices. This leads to the formation
of ungainly molds and micro-bacterial growth. However, kitchen wall cladding is made up of state-
of-the-art quality materials which are constructed to withstand the toughest damage dished out to
them. Even if something accidentally rams against your wall cladding, you won’t notice a thing.