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form non-structural, external surfaces. This is as opposed to buildings in which the external surfaces are
formed by structural elements, such as masonry walls, or applied surfaces such as render.
Whilst cladding is generally attached to the structure of the building, it typically does not contribute to
its stability. However, cladding does play a structural role, transferring wind loads, impact loads, snow
loads and its own self-weight back to the structural framework.
In particular, wind causes positive and negative pressure on the surface of buildings and cladding must
have sufficient strength and stiffness to resist this load, both in terms of the type of cladding selected
and its connections back to the structure.
Cladding is often prefabricated in panels that are attached to the structural frame of the building, and
some cladding systems can be purchased 'off the shelf'.
Cladding systems may include additional components, such as windows, doors, gutters, roof lights, vents
and so on.
The nature of cladding selected for a particular building will depend on considerations such as:
Durability.
Local context.
Planning requirements.
Appearance.
Availability.
Budget.
Maintenance requirements.
Structural requirements.
Poor design detailing or installation may compromise cladding performance and can result in safety
problems such as cladding collapse or cladding panels pulling away from the structure.
When selecting or designing a suitable cladding, designers should pay particular attention to:
Design detailing.
Control of condensation.
Spread of fire.
Ease of installation.
Cleaning.
Types of cladding
H14 Precast concrete and glass lens / paver rooflights / floor lights / pavement lights / security
panels
Curtain walling
Curtain wall systems are a non-structural cladding system for the external walls of buildings. They are
generally associated with large, multi-storey buildings. Typically curtain wall systems comprise a
lightweight aluminium frame onto which glazed or opaque infill panels can be fixed. These infill panels
are often described as 'glazing' whether or not they are made of glass.
Sandwich panels (sometimes referred to as composite panels or structural insulating panels (SIP))
consist of two layers of a rigid material bonded to either side of a lightweight core, so that the three
components act as a composite.
See Sandwich panel and Metal composite panels for more information.
Patent glazing
The term ‘patent glazing’ refers to a non-load bearing, two-edge support cladding system. Patent glazing
bars provide continuous support along two edges of glazing infill panels (rather than four-edge curtain
walling), and are fixed back to the main structure of the building. This system supports its own weight,
and provides resistance to wind and snow loading, but does not contribute to the stability of the
primary structure of the building.
Rainscreen
Timber cladding
One of the most popular methods of cladding is through the use of timber softwoods, such as western
red cedar. This type of wood is relatively knot-free and has a natural resistance to decay and moisture. It
can be readily stained or painted and altered to create a range of profiles.
Hardwoods can also be used including oak and sweet chestnut. Both of which contain high tannin levels
which can result in leaching and streaking after exposure to the elements. Thermally modified timbers
are also being used such as Kebony, Keywood, Platowood and ThermoWood. These softwoods are
heated to high temperatures which removes moisture and resins, resulting in a stable and durable
material.
Sheets are manufactured in a range of corrugated and other profiles, such as trapezoidal, sinusoidal or
half-round. The profiles are manufactured from sheets fed through banks of forming rollers.
A fabric membrane is 'stretched' to form a three-dimensional surface that may be used to create a roof,
shading, or decorative component. Sometimes described as 'modern tents', fabric structures use very
little material compared to other forms of construction, and are typically translucent, but they provide
little thermal mass or insulation and can have a shorter lifespan than some materials.
Brick slips
Brick slips are thin layers of masonry and are of similar appearance to conventional bricks. They are
available in a variety of styles and colours.
Tile hanging
The traditional method of cladding a property is through the use of tiles. The addition of which can add
character to older properties.
Shakes and shingles are produced from split logs and look similar to timber tiles. Shakes are typically
split from the log using a chisel and mallet whilst shingles are sawn off.
uPVC
One of the cheaper forms of cladding is uPVC with white being the cheapest option. It can have fewer
detailing requirements than timber and requires less maintenance, although it can discolour with age.