A homeowner’s cladding buying guide

March 7, 2022

When it’s time to invest in new cladding, there are several key decisions that homeowners have to make. Thankfully, we’re here to guide you through each step of the process. Together, we can determine the exact right cladding replacement for your property.

What material of cladding should I choose?

Here at Roofline Solutions, we offer cladding in a range of materials, all of which combine functionality with style and exceptional thermal performance.

Smooth uPVC cladding

• High-performance plastic material which is resistant to the problems facing timber, such as rotting and warping
• Maintains its colour, even after years of exposure to harsh weather and the sun’s UV rays
• Only requires minimal maintenance to last for many years

Embossed uPVC cladding

• Achieves all the benefits of smooth uPVC cladding, but has a uniquely textured, timber-effect finish
• Gives your home’s exterior all the aesthetics of authentic timber without requiring excessive upkeep

Coastline® Composite Cladding

• Exceptionally strong cladding material, made by fusing together several high-performance materials under high-pressure conditions
• Next-level resistance against heavy weather, making it an ideal cladding solution for any home
• Breath-taking aesthetics, available in a range of six New England colours
• Premium woodgrain embossed effect finish
• Made from sustainably sourced materials and fully recyclable

Discover 7 more benefits of adding Coastline composite cladding to your home here.

What is the difference between shiplap and open V cladding?

Both terms refer to shapes of individual cladding panels, which are joined together to create the house’s overall cladding. The difference is only small, but it has a big effect on the appearance of your home.

A shiplap panel has a longer curve leading up to the panel’s tongue, otherwise known as scalloped. When joined together, this creates a visual effect where there are smooth dips in the cladding’s exterior. Whilst being an aesthetic feature, this style also performs the function of effectively diverting water away from the home.

Open V cladding still performs this weather-resisting function exceptionally. The key difference is that the dips are much more angular and minimal. Homeowners who are interested in more modern aesthetics may be more inclined to choose open V cladding.

What is Featheredge cladding?

Featheredge, also known as weatherboarding, is a traditional means of cladding homes. The cladding boards are cut on the diagonal, then they are overlapped in a similar fashion to roof tiles.

What is tongue and groove cladding?

‘Tongue and groove’ is a term you may hear a lot from cladding installers. Many people assume that it’s a separate aesthetic style of cladding altogether. However, ‘tongue and groove’ refers to the way cladding panels fit together.

Each panel, shiplap, open V or featheredge, has one board that features a slot (the groove), and another board at the opposite end that has a protruding section (the tongue). The tongue of one panel fits into the groove of another, creating a strong and robust wall of cladding that will protect your home from the elements.

What colour cladding should I choose?

Now that you’ve decided the style of your cladding, you can select the colour. All our cladding is available in a range of colours, which will maintain their pristine shine even after extended periods of UV radiation. Popular shades for uPVC cladding include:

• White
• Cream
• Grey
• Rosewood

Meanwhile, the most popular shades for Coastline™ composite cladding are:

• Moondust grey
• Pigeon blue

To help decide which colour is right for you, read our blog on the most popular cladding colours amongst our customers.

Does new cladding require planning permission?

In most cases, you won’t require planning permission to have new cladding installed. As they are considered an aesthetic change, and they don’t take up any additional space, they come under the bracket of ‘permitted development work’. As a homeowner, you are within your rights to undergo these changes without applying for planning permission.

However, you may need to apply for planning permission if you live in a:

• Listed building
• Conservation area
• National Park
• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

How to clean your cladding

Once your replacement cladding is installed, very little maintenance is required to keep it looking good as new. All that’s needed is the occasional wipe down with warm, soapy water. Use a sponge to scrub away any dirt before leaving the cladding to dry naturally.

However, it’s important to note that many cladded areas are at a dangerous height, and any maintenance should be carried out with upmost care.

For more information on any of our cladding products, please do not hesitate to contact us.