Roof and wall cladding is an extra layer of protection for the outside of any building. When looking for cladding, you can find a massive range of colours, materials and durability levels.
However, choosing cladding for your roof can be challenging as you weigh up different options.. The right cladding can significantly improve your ventilation.
Continue reading for our complete guide to choosing roof cladding and the best roof cladding types for ventilation.
Our Complete Step-by-step Guide to Choose Roof Cladding
Before choosing roof cladding, you need to decide what you need it for; you also need to ensure that it meets your building code and Australian standards (especially for new buildings).
Here are the key elements to consider before choosing roof cladding.
The Aesthetics and Architectural Style
The design of cladding is critical because you will not want roof cladding (and roofing sheets) on your house that you find aesthetically unappealing.
You should research a range of colour options and materials before buying; choose a colour that pairs well with the hotter temperatures in Australia.
If you are unable to choose cladding that you find attractive, you can consult architects to share some ideas for inspiration.
The Durability of the Cladding
Any cladding you choose should be durable enough to withstand different weather events and last for a suitable period.
Whatever cladding type you choose, you need to purchase a thoroughly tested product to know it is durable.
The Maintenance Process for the Cladding
Roof cladding will be on your roof after you install it (or have a professional install it), so it’s challenging to maintain. Cladding maintenance can include trimming branches that touch it and cleaning off any stains or dirt so it remains presentable and lasts longer.
Therefore, you need to determine the maintenance process for the roof cladding you choose; if you want low-maintenance cladding, you should select UPVC.
The Ventilation and Insulation Levels
If you want low or high heat levels in your home, you must consider cladding with high-quality ventilation and insulation.
Ventilation is essential for an Australian residential property because of the hot weather, so you should find out the ventilation properties of the cladding before purchasing it.
For example, we have a roofing product specialising in ventilation; RapidRidge offers excellent ventilation built into the entire roof.
What Roof Cladding Types are the Best for Ventilation?
Now you know why ventilation is a critical element to consider before buying cladding, you need to know what roof cladding types are best for it.
Here are some popular roof cladding types along with some information on their effectiveness for ventilation purposes.
Metal Roofing Types Like Steel Roofing
Metal roofing (like steel) is durable, giving it a long life. They are also light, so they are easy to carry and install.
Additionally, metal roofing types (steel) can be effective for ventilation if you hire an installer to place the steel (or other metal) roof in effectively; it is inadvisable to attempt this yourself as you risk poor installation and therefore poor ventilation.
UPVC
UPVC has multiple benefits, including an appealing appearance and an easy maintenance process. It is also suitable for ventilation because it can provide an even spread of heating or cooling in the house.
However, you must ensure you have it manufactured and installed correctly, so it is effective for ventilation; do not do it yourself.
Brick Cladding
Although brick cladding is durable and can effectively insulate a house, it provides so much warmth that you need to invest more money into higher-quality ventilation (especially for an Australian home).
Composite Cladding
While an expensive option, composite cladding is easier to maintain than timber and has a longer life. It is also more effective for ventilation because of its built-in resistance to hot and cold weather.
However, timber is better if you cannot afford composite cladding.
Timber Cladding
Timber is a versatile and durable cladding option that will easily last over a long period. It can also insulate the house if you get a professional to correctly apply the installation process.
Because of its insulative properties, it also pairs well with ventilation; ensure that you have it installed using the correct method.
Concrete Cladding
Concrete cladding is a far more modern approach than other cladding types (steel, for example), but it has excellent properties that make it effective for ventilation.
However, it depends on the type of concrete cladding. For example, if you have fibre cement cladding installation, it will drastically improve the breathability of your home, meaning that you can invest less in ventilation systems.
Can You Use the Same Cladding You Use for Wall Cladding for Your Roof?
To prioritise ventilation, use the same cladding type for the roof and wall cladding.
However, if you prefer to use a different type for both, you should still use a cladding type that is effective for ventilation—for example, using concrete for the roof and timber for the walling.
How Do You Choose Roof Cladding to Fit Your Ventilation Purposes?
Many roof cladding types can improve the ventilation in your home, so deciding between them is not easy.
Therefore, you need to determine what else you want from roof cladding to make the correct decision. For example, if you want roof cladding that will last a long time, you should consider timber.
When you make all your considerations, you will find suitable roof cladding for your home.