what is cladding

Cladding is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer. It is used in construction to provide a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, and to improve the appearance of buildings. Cladding can be made of a wide range of materials including wood, metal, brick, vinyl, and composite materials that can include aluminum, wood, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene, wheat/rice straw fibers. There are many different types of cladding systems available, ranging from traditional-looking brickwork or rendered systems to more modern-looking metallic rainscreen systems or curtain walls made from glass. Cladding systems can be complicated constructions with voids, breather membranes, cavity barriers, etc., but the two main cladding materials are the thermal insulation and the front façade panel. Rainscreen cladding is a form of weather cladding designed to protect against the elements, but also offers thermal insulation. Cladding may also be a control element for noise, either entering or escaping. Cladding can become a fire risk by design or material.