Wall Panel Materials Guide: Comparison of 4 Cladding

Timber Cladding

There is no doubt that wood is easily one of the most popular and versatile building products, and it has been used in clad houses for many years.

However, it requires a relatively high level of maintenance, as it needs to be handled repeatedly to resist some external influences. Even then, you can’t guarantee that your wood cladding won’t rot or mold.

What’s more，The long distance transportation of timber also leads to more carbon emissions.Needless to say that the constant treatment with other resources such as colour or resin also requires a lot of resources that aren’t necessarily eco-friendly.

Lastly, wood just doesn’t last as long as composite cladding can. While composite can stay with you for almost 50 years, you will likely have to replace your wood cladding after about 20 years time.

Therefore, wood is suitable for people with a relatively small budget and low quality requirements for buildings.

Brick Cladding

When it comes to exterior cladding projects, brick and mortar are the most commonly used materials, and you won’t have to look hard to find contractors who are familiar with installing such exterior cladding options. In fact, you can even DIY this option.

Bricks last a lifetime and usually don’t need to be painted, which is a big advantage. But they may not always be as aesthetically pleasing or versatile as composite cladding.

Although brick is often derived from nature, such as clay, this does not necessarily mean that it is environmentally friendly. Making bricks from clay in kilns requires a lot of energy, which ultimately greatly increases the carbon footprint of these materials.And bricks are not as strong as people think, and will be damaged by wind and rain.

In addition, bricks are difficult to recycle

UPVC Cladding

PVC is a versatile exterior cladding because it can be finished like a lot of wood. Similar to composite exterior cladding, it is essentially maintenance-free and occasionally requires cleaning.

Over time, UPVC cladding can experience fading or discoloration due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. While advancements have been made to improve UV resistance, some level of color change might still occur.

UPVC can expand and contract with temperature changes. In regions with significant temperature fluctuations, this expansion and contraction might lead to warping or gaps between panels, potentially affecting the overall appearance and performance.

Sometimes UPVC recovery is relatively difficult; On top of that, it fades after installation and can also deform if exposed to extreme weather. Therefore, it is not as durable as composite materials.

WPC Cladding

WPC cladding, which stands for Wood Plastic Composite cladding, is a versatile and sustainable building material used for enhancing the exterior aesthetics and durability of structures. It is a type of external covering that offers a combination of natural wood aesthetics and the benefits of modern plastics, making it a popular choice for construction and architectural projects.

Key Features:

1. Composition: WPC cladding is composed of a blend of wood fibers or sawdust and thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC. This combination results in a material that combines the visual appeal of wood with the durability of plastic.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: WPC cladding provides a natural wood-like appearance, texture, and grain, which adds an attractive and warm aesthetic to buildings. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing for customization to suit different architectural styles.
3. Durability: WPC cladding offers improved resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation compared to natural wood. It is also more resistant to moisture and environmental factors, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
4. Low Maintenance: Like UPVC cladding, WPC cladding requires minimal maintenance. It does not require painting, staining, or sealing. Regular cleaning with soap and water can help maintain its appearance.
5. Insulation: WPC cladding can have inherent insulation properties, contributing to better thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings. This can lead to reduced heating and cooling costs.
6. Environmental Benefits: WPC cladding is considered environmentally friendly as it utilizes recycled wood fibers and plastic materials. This reduces the demand for virgin wood and decreases plastic waste.
7. Easy Installation: WPC cladding is relatively lightweight and can be installed using standard tools and techniques. It often comes in interlocking panels or boards, simplifying the installation process.
8. Versatility: WPC cladding can be used for various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It can be applied to entire facades or used as accents to create visually appealing designs.

Applications:

WPC cladding finds applications in:

• Residential homes
• Commercial buildings
• Resorts and hotels
• Retail spaces
• Educational institutions
• Public facilities

WPC cladding is a sustainable and visually appealing external covering for buildings, offering the charm of natural wood along with the benefits of modern plastics. Its combination of durability, aesthetics, and environmental considerations makes it a versatile choice for architects, builders, and homeowners looking for an attractive and eco-friendly cladding solution.

Through the comparison of the above four types of wall panels, it is obvious that WPC wall panels are the best choice. Contact Aludream and we will provide you with the best wholesale price for WPC.