If you are considering an extension or even a full blown new build then there will no doubt be a million thoughts running through your head; how big should it be, what should the layout be like, what should I use the new space for and last but certainly not least, what should it look like?! There are heaps of design decisions to be made inside, but also don’t forget about what the exterior of your property is going to look like?

The actual design of your property is one thing, for example where will the windows and doors be, how big will they be, what will the roof look like etc? But it is also worth considering what the actual exterior finish of the house will be. Just because your current house is made out of bricks, does your extension have to be brick built too? There are a number of different options for the exterior cladding of your house, so have a look at some of the most popular cladding options below.

Bricks or brick slips

Probably the most common form of exterior cladding is traditional brickwork, however it may be worth considering brick slips, which are thin slices of brick (usually 20mm-25mm) that can be used as a lightweight alternative. Brick slips are usually attached to a backing panel with adhesive and then traditional mortar is inserted into the gaps.

Timber

Wooden cladding has long been a popular choice in rural areas where wood was the most abundant natural resource, but it is now becoming more and more popular as a modern design statement. There are numerous options for timber cladding, depending on the type of wood and level of treatment that you choose. For example untreated softwoods can have a relatively low initial purchase price, but bear in mind they will need regular weatherproofing to keep them in good condition, whereas treated hardwoods will cost more initially but will be significantly more durable.

Render

This is a type of weatherproof plaster that is applied to your exterior walls to form a smooth or textured finish. Again there are many different types of render which will vary in price, these can be pre-coloured or may require painting and can have varying thermal insulation properties. There are also different types of render which will be more suitable for different types of properties, for example the traditional lime render is best for older properties, whereas modern silicone-based renders are flexible, breathable and low-maintenance.

For more information about choosing the right type of exterior cladding for your home, contact the friendly Bolton builders at Wisecraft Ltd today.