Cladding has been in the news a lot recently; particularly since the fire in the UK that cost so many lives; 72 in total.
But this doesn’t mean that cladding has lost its popularity. You simply need to choose one that is tested against fire. In fact, timber cladding has become one of the most popular options for any home at the moment.
In case you were not aware you can get cladding in a huge array of types and colors. There are generally installed as external cladding panels and made from wood, metal, vinyl, brick or a host of other options.
The style you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of property you own. After all, metal cladding on a house built in the 1800’s may have quite the right look.
Once you’ve chosen the type you’ll need to consider the color you want your home to be:
Dirt
This may seem like an unusual starting point but the fact is that cladding does get dirty and will need to be pressure washed regularly.
Dirt and grime come from the pollutants in the air and traffic. To help your home look good all year round you may wish to consider going for a dark neutral color; this will reduce the visibility of dirt on your property.
Check Your Neighbors
Take a look at what colors your neighbors have used. If they are all mixed then you can choose any color you like. However, if they are all similar colors you’ll need to check the local planning regulations.
There may be a restriction on the colors you can use.
If not and you wish to go for a brighter color than your neighbors you may wish to talk to them first. It doesn’t mean you can’t clad your home the color you want; it will just prepare you and them for any issues afterwards.
Consider Multi-Color
It is possible to use two different colors. For instance older houses can look very attractive with a terracotta style cladding on the top half and a paler cladding on the bottom.
You should be able to get a digital mock-up of your home to help you envision the finished result. This will help to ensure you make the right decision.
Consider The Long Term
If you plan to sell you need to stick to neutral colors; if you don’t then it is likely that potential buyers will be put off your home.
However, even if you don’t plan to sell you need to consider whether the bright yellow you desire will still look so appealing in a few years. Cladding can last in excess of 10 years; you don’t want to change it after a couple just because the color is wrong.
Consider The Material
Before you make your final decision you need to consider what type of cladding you have opted for. Colors can add to the cost of the cladding and not all cladding can be made in the full range of color. Make sure you know what colors are available before you make your decision!
