Recladding involves removing and replacing the existing building cladding (the outer layer of the building’s exterior walls) with an alternative cladding material.
Some of the common benefits of recladding the building are as follows:
Enhanced Building Performance
Recladding presents an opportunity to upgrade a building’s energy efficiency and overall performance. The building can achieve improved thermal performance by using modern materials like better insulation properties, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills.
Increased Property Value
Upgrading the exterior performance and functionality through recladding can significantly increase its property value. Potential buyers and tenants are more likely to be attracted to a building with an updated and visually appealing facade, allowing you to command a premium in the market.
Improved Indoor Comfort
Effective recladding can improve comfort by reducing drafts, moisture infiltration, and temperature fluctuations. This leads to a more pleasant living or working environment for occupants throughout the year.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Recladding allows building owners to refresh the building’s appearance, adapt it to changing design trends, or restore its architectural style. Aesthetically pleasing buildings can create a positive impression, making them stand out in the neighbourhood or commercial district.
Better Weather Resistance
Recladding with weather-resistant materials helps protect the building from the elements, preventing water ingress and potential damage to the underlying structure. This extends the lifespan of the building and reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
Compliance and Safety
Recladding with modern materials can ensure that the building complies with current safety standards and building codes. It can also eliminate non-compliant and potentially hazardous cladding materials, mitigating the risks of fire incidents.
Recladding a building can be a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure a successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Here are the major materials that can be used for recladding:
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACPs)
ACPs are a pretty common material used for recladding because of their lightweight nature, ease of installation, and versatility in design. These panels include two thin aluminium sheets sandwiched around a core that can be made from various materials like polyethylene, mineral, or a honeycomb structure. They offer excellent thermal performance and weather resistance, making them a preferred option for modern recladding projects.
Ceramic Cladding
Ceramic materials have been used in construction for centuries, and they continue to be an attractive option for recladding due to their timeless appeal and durability. Ceramic cladding provides a unique, natural aesthetic that complements both contemporary and traditional architectural styles. Additionally, ceramics are resistant to fire, moisture and UV rays, making them a reliable choice for long-lasting cladding projects.
Weatherboard Recladding
Weatherboard recladding, often made from timber, fibre cement, or PVC, offers a classic and charming appearance to buildings. Timber weatherboards, in particular, have a warm and inviting look that can enhance the overall character of a structure. However, proper maintenance and periodic repainting may be necessary to ensure the longevity of weatherboard recladding.
Fibre Cement Cladding
Fibre cement cladding is known for its high durability and resistance to fire, water, and pests. It can mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone, providing a cost-effective alternative for achieving a desired aesthetic without the associated maintenance concerns.
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding, such as zinc, copper, or steel, offers a contemporary and sleek appearance that can add a touch of modernity to buildings. Metal cladding is durable and requires minimal maintenance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a low-maintenance recladding solution.
Now, we will delve deep into certain factors which are to be kept in mind while recladding a building. So, let’s read further.
Key considerations regarding recladding
Recladding can be a complex procedure as one must be aware of compliant requirements and architectural necessities. Therefore, professional advice and guidance for house recladding in Auckland plays a pivotal role. Alongside this, some other key factors are listed below:
1. Laws and compliance codes
It is important to understand the building compliance regulations and how they may affect the recladding of the building.
The Building Act 2004 has stipulated certain requirements and best practices in this particular regard. Regulations that may apply to recladding systems are compact nature and thermal performance. Fire compliance is a necessity as well.
Certain materials are banned for cladding purposes due to stringent fire compliance mechanisms and hence cannot be used.
2. Building Inspection for recladding
An expert should do an independent inspection of the building for signs of problems such as leakage. It will apprise you of any risks related to the same.
3. Materials for recladding process
One of the most important decisions during recladding is the choice of the material.
Mineral or honeycomb core ACPs and ceramic materials are ideal choices for re-cladding. However, these choices are not only to be compliant with building regulations but also aesthetic sensibilities.
Other factors, such as weatherproofing, will also play a decisive role.
4. Environmental impact of the recladding project
Sustainable disposal of the cladding material is important as old cladding material usually ends up in landfills–resulting in wastage as well as resource depletion. Environment-conscious processes while disposal enables the recycling of precious metals, contributing to the circular economy and emission reduction.
5. Leaky houses and recladding
It is advisable to opt for recladding–especially in Auckland, where houses are susceptible to leakage. It can be done to the complete structure or on a targeted basis. However, if you are selling the house, then it might not be suitable to reclad as the cost of recladding will be higher than the increase in the value of the house after such recladding.
6. Cost of recladding
It is dependent on the amount of combustible cladding which is included in the facade of the specific building. The size and the location of the building, as well as the materials which are chosen, will play a role.
Wrapping Up
Recladding–for aesthetics, strength and functionality! Especially in a place like Auckland, recladding is your saviour from leakage and damage, giving you a beautiful home.
Hopefully, this was helpful. If you have any queries, feel free to contact us; we’d love to hear from you.