CLADDING SYSTEMS

Description: Profiled or flat steel sheets, often zinc-coated with protective finishes (e.g., polyester paint, PVC plastisol, or galvanised). 

Key Features: 

• A1 fire-rated, non-combustible. 
• Box, corrugated, or sinusoidal profiles (e.g., 32/1000, 34/1000). 
• Thickness: 0.5-0.7mm, with lengths up to 12m. 
• CE EN 14782 compliant for structural and weatherproofing performance. 
• Recyclable, with high corrosion resistance.

Applications: Agricultural buildings, industrial warehouses, commercial sheds, some domestic projects. 

Advantages: Cost-effective, durable, fire-safe, quick installation. 

Limitations: Industrial aesthetic, requires insulation for thermal performance.

  Description: Lightweight aluminium panels, cassettes, or extrusions, often used in rainscreen or curtain wall configurations. 

Key Features: 

• A1 or A2 fire-rated, fully non-combustible. 
• Available in hook-on, secret-fixed, or overlapping cassette designs. 
• Powder-coated, anodised, or metallic finishes for aesthetic flexibility. 
• Lengths up to 6m, reducing joints and improving weatherproofing. 
• Recyclable, with high corrosion resistance.

Applications: High-rise buildings, commercial offices, public sector projects, recladding post-Grenfell. 

Advantages: Lightweight, fire-safe, durable, modern aesthetic, low maintenance.

Limitations: Higher cost than uPVC or composite, thermal conductivity requires insulation.

Description: Thin slices of clay brick (12-28mm) or panelised systems with brick slips embedded in a backing material (e.g., polyurethane or cement board), mimicking traditional brickwork. 

Key Features: 

• A1 fire-rated, non-combustible. 
• Mechanically fixed or bonded, with mortar joints for authentic appearance. 
• Available in hundreds of brick finishes (e.g., smooth, textured, glazed). 
• Insulated panel options for enhanced thermal performance. 
• Lifespan: 60+ years.

Applications: Low-rise residential, commercial buildings, refurbishments, buildings under 11m (some systems suitable for higher with testing). 

Advantages: Traditional aesthetic, fire-safe, durable, low maintenance.

Limitations: Installation can be labour-intensive, heavier than composite systems.

Description: Panels or planks made from cement, sand, cellulose fibres, and water, often with through-coloured or painted finishes. 

Key Features: 

• Non-combustible, A1 or A2 fire-rated (BS EN 13501-1). 
• Woodgrain, smooth, or textured surfaces, available in various colours. 
• Mechanically fixed or bonded to substructures. 
• High durability, resistant to rot, insects, and weathering. 
• Lifespan: 30-50 years.

Applications: Domestic, commercial, and public sector buildings, suitable for all heights. 

Advantages: Fire-safe, low maintenance, cost-effective, versatile aesthetics. 

Limitations: Heavier than composite or uPVC, requires robust substructure support.

Description: Compact panels made from layers of kraft paper impregnated with thermosetting resins, pressed under high pressure and heat, often used in rainscreen systems. 

Key Features: 

• A2-s1,d0 fire-rated options available. 
• Through-coloured or decorative surfaces (e.g., wood, stone, metallic effects). 
• Mechanically fixed to substructures, with ventilated cavities. 
• UV-resistant, weatherproof, and impact-resistant. 
• Lifespan: 30-50 years.

Applications: Commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, high-rise facades. 

Advantages: Vibrant aesthetics, durable, fire-safe, low maintenance. 

Limitations: Higher initial cost, requires skilled installation.

Description: Solid or composite panels made from polyester resins reinforced with glass fibres, often used in rainscreen or facade applications. 

Key Features: 

• A2 or B fire-rated (depending on resin formulation). 
• Smooth, textured, or bespoke finishes, available in various colours. 
• Lightweight, impact-resistant, and corrosion-proof. 
• Compliant with BS 5544 and BS 6206 for structural integrity. 
• Lifespan: 30-40 years.

Applications: Commercial facades, balconies, industrial buildings, coastal environments. 

Advantages: Lightweight, durable, resistant to harsh weather, low maintenance. 

Limitations: Higher cost than uPVC, fire performance varies by product.

Description: Extruded or pressed ceramic/porcelain tiles or panels, typically used in rainscreen systems for high-end facades. 

Key Features: 

• A1 fire-rated, non-combustible. 
• Wide range of finishes (e.g., glazed, matte, textured, natural stone look). 
• Mechanically fixed or bonded, with high impact resistance. 
• UV-stable, frost-resistant, and low water absorption. 
• Lifespan: 50+ years.

Applications: Commercial offices, public buildings, high-rise projects, architectural facades. 

Advantages: Premium aesthetic, fire-safe, extremely durable, low maintenance. 

Limitations: High cost, heavy, requires robust substructure.

Description: Precast panels made from cement, sand, and glass fibres, offering bespoke shapes and textures for architectural facades. 

Key Features: 

• A1 fire-rated, non-combustible. 
• Custom moulded for complex geometries or textured finishes (e.g., brick, stone). 
• Lightweight compared to traditional concrete, but heavier than aluminium. 
• Mechanically fixed to substructures, with high strength-to-weight ratio. 
• Lifespan: 50+ years.

Applications: Public buildings, cultural projects, high-rise recladding, bespoke architectural designs. 

Advantages: Fire-safe, durable, highly customisable, weather-resistant. 

Limitations: Expensive, requires specialist design and installation.

Description: Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride panels or planks, typically in shiplap or tongue-and-groove profiles. 

Key Features: 

• Lightweight, clip-together or screw-fixed installation. 
• Smooth or embossed finishes, limited colour options (e.g., white, cream, grey). 
• Fire ratings typically C or D, not suitable for high-rise buildings (>11m). 
• UV-resistant coatings, but prone to fading or cracking over time. 
• Lifespan: 15-25 years with warranties.

Applications: Residential properties, budget-conscious projects, low-rise structures. 

Advantages: Low cost, easy to install, low maintenance. 

Limitations: Poor fire performance, less durable than fibre cement or aluminium, limited aesthetic options.

Description: Natural or treated timber planks, panels, or shingles, often sourced from sustainable forests (e.g., FSC-certified cedar, larch, or oak). 

Key Features: 

• Fire ratings vary (D-s2,d0 unless treated; A2 possible with fire-retardant coatings). 
• Profiles include shiplap, tongue-and-groove, or board-on-board. 
• Natural, stained, or painted finishes, with regular maintenance required. 
• Lifespan: 20-50 years (depends on species and maintenance).

Applications: Residential homes, eco-friendly projects, low-rise commercial buildings. 

Advantages: Warm, natural aesthetic, sustainable if sourced responsibly, good thermal properties.

Limitations: High maintenance (staining/sealing every 3-5 years), flammable unless treated, not suitable for high-rise without enhancements.

Description: Panels or boards made from a blend of recycled wood fibres (typically 50-60%) and recycled plastics (e.g., polyethylene, 40-50%), often with additives for UV resistance and durability. 

Key Features: 

• Low maintenance, no painting or staining required. 
• Woodgrain or smooth finishes, available in multiple colours. 
• Tongue-and-groove or clip-together installation for ease of use. 
• Fire ratings typically B or C (check for A2-s1,d0 compliance for high-rise buildings). 
• Lifespan: 15-25 years with warranties.

Applications: Residential homes, garden rooms, commercial facades, low-rise buildings. 

Advantages: Eco-friendly (recycled materials), weather-resistant, lightweight. 

Limitations: Lower fire resistance compared to A1/A2 materials, not suitable for high-rise without enhanced ratings.

Description: A ventilated facade system with an outer cladding layer (made from any material above, e.g., aluminium, HPL, ceramic) and a cavity behind, fixed to a substructure. 

Key Features: 

• Fire ratings depend on material (A1/A2 common for high-rise compliance). 
• Ventilated cavity improves moisture management and thermal efficiency. 
• Substructure typically aluminium or steel, with insulation and cavity barriers. 
• Secret-fixed, hook-on, or face-fixed installation methods. 
• Lifespan: Varies by material (30-60 years).

Applications: High-rise buildings, commercial offices, public sector projects, recladding. 

Advantages: Enhances thermal performance, fire-safe with A1/A2 materials, versatile aesthetics. 

Limitations: Complex installation, higher cost due to substructure and insulation requirements.