Introduction
If you're considering an exterior renovation, you may be wondering about cladding vs siding so you can decide which will best fit your home. Both materials will be used to protect the exterior of buildings and to enhance the look of residential and commercial structures. The terms, however, are not always applied in the same manner in different areas and on various construction work. Knowing the materials, uses, expenses, and installation processes can inform homeowners to make decisions. Accel Distrib's guide covers the distinction between siding and cladding, so you can select an exterior wall system that's right for you.
Cladding vs Siding
There is only a slight distinction between cladding and siding, which is in the way that these terms are used in the construction industry. On the exterior of a residential building, there are wall coverings that are typically installed as siding—usually what is known as siding. Cladding is a more general term used to refer to the materials used to cover surfaces of buildings for protection, aesthetic effect or for other functional purposes. Depending on the project, both can be made from wood, metal, vinyl or composite. So siding can be viewed as one of the exterior cladding materials, but not all exterior cladding systems are referred to as siding.
What Is Exterior Cladding?
Exterior cladding is a protective or decorative layer that is attached to a building's exterior structure. It provides protection to the underlying materials in the building from outside exposure when part of a well-designed wall assembly. Typical materials used for cladding include natural materials such as wood, composite panels, fibre cement, metal, stone and engineered materials. There are some systems that have special installation techniques, supporting parts and space behind the outside surface for ventilation. The application of cladding is vast and includes the cladding of residential homes, commercial buildings and contemporary architectural projects that demand particular finishes and performance properties.
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What Is Exterior Siding?
Exterior siding is a term used for materials used to cover exterior walls to provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish to the building. It is especially prevalent in the United States in single-family homes, townhouses and smaller homes. Vinyl, wood, engineered wood, fibre cement, metal and composite materials are popular siding options. The siding can be installed in different ways depending on the material, for example, in the form of boards that overlap, or in vertical panels. The correct installation will enable the building to cope with the weather conditions and will also enhance the exterior style and maintenance needs of the building.
Key Differences Between Cladding and Siding
Materials and Exterior Appearance
Products of both the cladding and the siding are often made from the same materials, but the range of products and use of them in design may vary. Horizontal boards, traditional lap profiles, and the traditional American residential finishes are commonly used in siding. Other forms of cladding can also feature large architectural panels, stone systems, metal facades and contemporary composite exterior cladding. Some cladding systems are chosen for their unique looks, dimensions or more complex construction designs. Whether or not a product is sold as a cladding or siding product has little to do with the final appearance.
Installation and Building Applications
The installation of siding products is usually done on houses with fastening systems for each material and profile. Depending on the type of cladding system, extra elements like rails, brackets, ventilation cavities, or special attachment methods can be needed. The complexity of installation, however, can vary hugely and some products of cladding can be easy to install. Moisture control, structure support, weather resistance and manufacturer requirements are essential for both methods. An individual homeowner must choose what protection meets the needs of his or her home, not what type of protection it simply makes sense that is best.
Cost and Long-Term Maintenance
The price of cladding vs siding will vary depending on the quality of materials, labour, the level of difficulty and the size of the job. While the high-quality architectural cladding systems may have a higher up-front cost, basic vinyl siding is often less expensive. But some composite or metal cladding materials may be more expensive than the high-end siding materials. There are also differences in maintenance costs; natural wood is typically more demanding in terms of maintenance than many engineered wood options. Initial purchase price is a poor indicator of cost versus installation, cleaning, repairs and life.
Regional Terminology Differences
Siding cladding terms are different in different parts of the United States and on international construction sites. Siding is the typical kind of exterior covering on a home in the USA. Cladding is widely used in the United Kingdom and a few other markets for use on the outside of buildings. Cladding is another term that is commonly used by architectural and commercial construction professionals in the United States. The regional and professional differences are responsible for two similar exterior products being sold with different names.
When Should You Choose Cladding?
In scenarios where homeowners are striving for modern exterior styling, unique textures, or specific architectural features, cladding can be a suitable choice. For projects that are looking for wood-inspired aesthetics that also offer properties that are easy to maintain, composite cladding can be especially attractive. A range of different cladding systems can also be used for different building shapes, wall configurations and design preferences. But the suitability will vary according to the local building, weather, and installation requirements. When buying materials for exterior use, always check if it is allowed to be used in that type of environment.
When Should You Choose Siding?
Siding is a sensible option for homeowners who want familiar or sought-after residential exterior finishes, and easily accessible installation options. Traditional lap siding can be used on suburban homes, renovations, and existing architectural styles. Vinyl and fibre cement products have a range of options that provide varying combinations of value, style and upkeep. Other composite siding choices additionally offer fashionable looks whilst keeping traditional residential profiles. The right choice will depend on your budget, the look you're going for, your environment and your expectations for maintenance.
Conclusion
Homeowners and property developers can pick exterior wall materials with ease by knowing about the difference between cladding and siding. Both siding and cladding are used for exterior finishes on homes, but siding is typically used for exterior finishes on residences. Costs, installation requirements and materials are more important than the terminology used to describe a product. When carefully selected and installed, composite options can provide great alternatives to contemporary exterior designs. At Accel Distrib, we want homeowners to look at exterior wall materials that might be appropriate for their property needs, and select the products that best fit the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cladding the same as siding?
Cladding is a bit of a broad construction term, but another type of exterior cladding is siding.
Which is more expensive, cladding or siding?
The price of premium siding can vary from the price of basic vinyl siding and is dependent on material and installation.
Is composite cladding considered siding?
When applied to the exterior of a residence, yes, exterior composite cladding could be deemed siding.