Is your building outside looking tired? Are you thinking about a fresh new look? It can be a big choice to make. You can paint it, or you can use cladding. It can be hard to know which one is better. This guide will help you choose the best one for your building.
Did you know that in 2025, the UK facade market is worth over £10 billion (Mordor Intelligence, 2025)? That’s a lot of money! It shows that many people are thinking about the outside of their buildings. Your walls are very important. They protect everything inside from the rain, wind, and sun.
Thinking of refreshing your building exterior? Explore our cladding spraying services in Biggleswade UK for a modern, durable solution. Let’s dive into the guide.
What is the Difference Between Paint and Cladding?
Imagine you want to wear a jacket to stay warm. Paint is like a thin coat of paint.
- Paint is a liquid that you put on the wall. When it dries, it becomes a thin, colored layer. It makes your wall look new and pretty.
Cladding is like putting on a strong, thick jacket.
- Cladding is a new layer of material that goes on top of your wall. It can be made of things like wood, metal, or plastic. It is much thicker than paint. It makes your wall very strong.
Think of it this way: paint adds a new color. Cladding adds a new skin. Both can make your building look good, but they work in different ways.
Problems with Exterior Wall Cladding
Cladding can be very good, but it can also have big problems. Some types of cladding can be very bad. A big problem with some old cladding is that it can catch fire. In the UK, the government has been working to fix this. A report in February 2025 showed that many buildings still have unsafe cladding that needs to be fixed.
Other problems can happen too.
- Water Damage: Sometimes, water can get stuck behind the cladding. This can cause mold and rot. It can hurt the wall underneath.
- Weight: Cladding can also be heavy. If a building is not strong enough, the cladding can cause it to have problems.
It is very important to use the right kind of cladding. It is also important to have a good team put it on.
What Cladding to Avoid
Not all cladding is the same. Some kinds are not good. You should always check that the cladding you use is safe.
- Avoid Old Plastics: Some old types of cladding were made of certain plastics. These are now known to be dangerous.
- Beware of Cheap Materials: You should also be careful with cheap, thin cladding. This kind might not last long. It might break easily and not protect your wall very well.
Always ask what the cladding is made of. Ask if it is safe for fire and water.
Not all cladding is made equal. Let our experts guide you to safe, long-lasting materials. Contact Commercial Spray Paintings to keep your property looking its best year-round.
Which is the Best Cladding for the Exterior?
There are many good types of cladding. The best kind depends on your building and what you need. A very popular kind is fiber cement. It is made of cement and other things. It is very strong and does not catch fire easily.
Other good types include:
- Fiber Cement: Very strong. Does not burn easily. Not a lot of care is needed.
- Wood: Looks natural and pretty. Can be from a green source. But it needs a lot of care and can rot.
- Metal: Very light. Lasts a long time. Looks clean and modern. But it can get dents easily.
- Vinyl (Plastic): Very cheap and easy to put on walls. But it can get damaged by the sun and may not last long.
The best cladding for your building is one that is safe and strong. It should be able to handle the weather where you are. It is best to talk to an expert. They can help you pick the right one.
Is Cladding High Maintenance?
Some cladding needs a lot of work to stay in good shape. This is called high maintenance.
- High Maintenance: Wood cladding is an example. You have to clean it and put a new coat of sealant on it often to keep it from rotting.
- Low Maintenance: Other types of cladding, like fiber cement, are low maintenance. You just need to clean them once in a while.
Paint is a little different. A painted wall needs to be cleaned and repainted every few years. If you do not, the paint will chip and peel. This can make your building look old and tired.
Conclusion:
Choosing between cladding and paint is a big decision. Think about what is most important to you. Do you want something that looks great for a long time? Or do you want to spend less money now and repaint later?
Both cladding and paint are good choices. But cladding can be a very smart choice for a business. It can make your building look new and clean for many years. It can also save you money on your power bills. It is a big choice that can help your business a lot.
Ready to make a choice? Contact Commercial Spray Painting today for a free site survey and quotation. As experts in both paint and cladding, we’ll help you choose the perfect solution for your building.
FAQs
Q.1: How long does cladding last?
Good cladding can last for 20, 30, or even 50 years. It depends on the material and if you take care of it.
Q.2: Is cladding good for keeping a building warm?
Yes! Most cladding has a special layer for keeping heat in. This can help you save money on your heating bills.
Q.3: Can I put cladding on an old wall?
Yes. Cladding is often used to make old buildings look new and to make them stronger. But you must make sure the old wall is strong enough first.
Q.4: Is the cladding fire-safe?
Some cladding is very safe. Some old cladding is not. Always ask if the cladding has a fire rating. Make sure it follows all the new rules.
