How to Install Composite Wall Cladding?
Upgrading your home with exterior wall cladding is a smart choice. Not only will you benefit from the protection offered by exterior wall cladding, but you will also be able to completely change the appearance of your home without any effort. Composite cladding is an attractive and durable solution that enhances the beauty and protection of exterior walls.
EVODEK composite cladding is easy to install with a simple mounting system. However, correct composite cladding installation is essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Different manufacturers will have specific installation instructions, so always refer to the manufacturer’s composite cladding installation guide when installing. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you step-by-step through the installation of composite exterior cladding, covering common issues during the installation process. Let’s get the project started.
Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Installation
Before you start installing composite cladding, there are a few key things you need to consider to ensure the cladding is installed correctly.
Firstly, your building must not exceed a maximum height of 11 meters and the facade needs to be installed at least 1 meter from the boundary. Alternatively, you can install it in a separate garden room or outbuilding. Often, you do not need planning permission to install exterior wall cladding. This is because permitted development rights cover exterior wall cladding. However, if your building falls into one of the following categories, planning permission may be required to complete the project:
- Protected buildings
- Conservation areas
- Parks
- Natural areas
If you are unsure of your building type, it is best to consult your local authority to avoid wasting time and money on your project. Check out our composite cladding installation guide for more information.
Before installing composite cladding, determine the desired cladding style and design. Do you want horizontal or vertical, and do you want the cladding to cover the whole house or part of the building? Check out some ideas and inspiration online or just browse our composite cladding designs and ideas.
Because composite cladding is so lightweight, it is easy to handle and install. Especially when compared to fiber cement or brick cladding. Composite cladding is designed to be easy to install, so you can do it yourself. However, you need to make sure that you carefully follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer so that it is installed correctly and provides full protection. Unless you are experienced and confident enough, it is best to get a professional craftsman to install it properly.
Because of the colorants that are mixed during the manufacturing process of composite cladding, the color is consistent throughout the sheet. So even if the cladding develops minor chips or scratches, you usually won’t notice them. We recommend that you store your composite cladding panels indoors out of direct sunlight and cover them with a cover. Ensure that the cladding storage area is free of any debris and lay it as flat as possible to avoid scratches or damage. Do not drag or slide the cladding boards when lifting them as this may damage and bend the boards.
Superb Color Retention Composite Wall Cladding EC-01
EVODEK has a lot of different kinds of composite wall covering that can give your home the look you want while also protecting it.
How to Install Composite Cladding?
Working Tools
One of the advantages of installing composite wall cladding is that you don’t need a lot of tools to do the job. Here are all the tools you may need for your project:
- Hand drill
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Levels
- Personal protective equipment (masks, goggles, protective footwear)
Step 1: Sub-Frame
The slats are to be installed as a sub-frame to the external wall of the building so that the cladding can be fixed more easily. The depth of the slats should be 35 mm to ensure that there is a ventilation distance between the composite cladding and the wall to prevent the cladding from rotting. Start by screwing the slats to the wall, making sure they are placed vertically and 175mm from the bottom of the brick wall and no more than 500mm apart. If there is a window in the wall, a small piece of slat will need to be screwed in order to fix the trim head to the window. Remember to double-check the measurements, the accurate installation of the sub-frame is critical to the overall project.
Step 2: Window Trim
Next, secure the window frame and window head trim to the slats. This should be done before installing the composite wall cladding for accurate installation. Cut the package composite cladding panel to window size. Tighten the window frame trim to the panel with screws, then seat the corners and secure them to the wood compression strips.
Step 3: Starting Bar
Use 25mm stainless steel screws to fix the starter bars to the bottom of the cladding. You will also need to screw in the internal and external corner trims, header trims, and header and footer trims for a strong fixing.
Step 4: Installing the Composite Cladding Panels
The composite cladding panels can now be installed. Place the first cladding panel on the starter bar and secure it to the top with stainless steel screws. With the first panel in place, remove the second cladding panel and secure it to the slats. Repeat this step until all cladding panels are installed.
Step 5: Skylight Roof Side
The skylight side should be a minimum of 25mm from the pitched roof, next, fix the skylight starter bar to the bottom of the batten. You can now install the ventilation headers, starter bars, end closers, or corner trims. You can also fix all the wall cladding panels.
Step 6: Final Inspection
After completing the installation of the composite cladding, you need to check it again to make sure that it is installed correctly. Double-check that the ends of the composite cladding leave enough space for the panels to expand and contract. Also, make sure that the composite cladding leaves enough room for ventilation.
Advantages of Using Composite Cladding
Lower Maintenance Costs
One of the biggest advantages of all composite materials is that they require very little maintenance. All you have to do is clean them occasionally, which is easy with a pressure washer or with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Composite wall cladding does not need to be stained, treated, or painted. It is naturally rot-resistant and durable and will keep performing without the need for tedious maintenance. Composite material also has good insect resistance, as insects will not feed on the plastic components of the material.
Aesthetics
Another advantage of composite cladding is its aesthetics. Thanks to the mix of wood and plastic, composite cladding not only has the look of solid wood but also a modern design. EVODEK offers a wide range of colors, which means that it is easy to find the right style for your building. If you choose our composite decking at the same time, you can select the matching composite cladding color. However composite cladding panels may show slight fading within the first few months of their use, this is a normal process and will soon stop. If you want to further reduce the appearance of fading, you can choose a lighter color; lighter cladding fades are not as noticeable.
Additional Protection
Like capped composite decking, composite cladding also has a protective layer. The protective layer on the surface makes it more durable and protects it from extreme environments. Composite is the ideal material for cladding because of its high level of durability. The combination of wood and plastic prevents moisture from penetrating the interior of the cladding, which effectively prevents water absorption and rotting of building walls. A layer of composite cladding will give you peace of mind that your home will be protected from moisture and rot.
Increase Property Value
Composite cladding is a larger investment, so it’s important to consider the return on investment as well. There is no doubt that composite cladding can increase the value of a property. As we have already mentioned, composite wall cladding can increase the curb appeal of a property. This will be more attractive to potential buyers and lead to an increase in its value. Stylish and beautiful, composite cladding can cover up faded walls and make your building look brand new. If you are thinking of selling your home, it would be a good decision to consider installing composite cladding. And because composite siding is lower maintenance, it is preferred by buyers over wood cladding. Buyers will find that composite cladding requires very little maintenance and can save them money.
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