A Quick Guide to Exterior Wall Cladding Materials
Exterior wall cladding has evolved greatly in the last few decades. Far from the days of simple wood, brick, and clay exterior cladding, there are now a multitude of options that homeowners can choose from to both provide an aesthetic appearance they find attractive and protect their home from the outside elements.
From metal composite material to vinyl siding, precast concrete, synthetic cedar shakes, and more, the number of options is nearly endless. If you're considering new cladding for your home, let’s explore some of the most popular choices and see which one might be the best fit for you.
Exterior Wall Cladding Materials to Consider
When it comes to protecting your home and enhancing its curb appeal, choosing the right exterior wall cladding material is essential. With a wide range of options available, from affordable vinyl to durable synthetic cedar shakes, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each material to make the best decision for your home.
1. Vinyl
Vinyl siding remains one of the most popular choices of exterior cladding materials because of its stylistic options, lightweight structure, ease of installation, and low cost. While it’s often chosen for its affordability, vinyl does have some downsides.
Vinyl can be vulnerable to impact damage and high winds, making it less durable in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it’s not as energy-efficient as other materials, so it might not help much with insulation. While it’s a budget-friendly choice, vinyl siding doesn’t add much value to your home if you’re looking for a long-term investment.
2. Thermally Modified Wood
Thermally modified wood is treated to reduce moisture intrusion, giving it a rustic appearance and making it less prone to rot compared to untreated wood. While it has a distinct look, it can be more expensive than traditional wood and doesn’t offer the same bending strength, which can lead to cracking over time.
Although thermally modified wood requires less maintenance, fire resistance is a major concern, especially in areas prone to wildfires. It’s more flammable than other options, even though some manufacturers may apply fire retardants.
3. Metal Composite Material
Metal composite material, or MCM for short, is metal composite sheeting that is used for exterior cladding. This metal can be produced and installed quickly, and comes in a wide array of potential designs, able to conform to even the most complex architectural layouts. It is naturally resistant to almost all deteriorating factors as well.
The downside of MCM is that if not properly sealed, it can allow water to get beneath it, leading to heavy rotting, mold, and deterioration that can go unseen until it’s too late. MCM is also very easily scratched and dented, and these blemishes can be difficult to repair. It’s also one of the more expensive cladding materials.
4. Ceramic
Ceramic is made by superheating earthen elements like clay, tungsten, silica and others to produce a rock hard material that can be used for anything from pottery to exterior wall cladding. Ceramic exterior wall cladding has become a recent trend thanks to advances that have made it durable enough to withstand the rigors of serving as cladding.
Some of the benefits of ceramic are high durability, resistance to any type of moisture intrusion and resulting effects, low maintenance requirements, and a natural insulating ability.
The insulative ability is hard to take advantage of in cold weather areas, though, because ceramic becomes very fragile in cold weather. Easily cracking and breaking apart even relatively small impacts, ceramic is completely unsuitable for cold weather. It’s also very expensive compared to other materials.
5. Synthetic Cedar Shakes
If you want all the aesthetic beauty of real wood without the hassle of frequent maintenance, synthetic cedar shakes are an excellent choice. They replicate the appearance of natural wood and come in a wide range of colors and styles, making them an ideal option for homeowners who want a classic, wood-like look.
Unlike real wood, synthetic cedar shakes—like the ones offered by CeDUR—are invulnerable to common issues like rot, mold, warping, and insect damage. They are designed to withstand high impacts, extreme weather conditions, and even fires, offering the highest fire and impact resistance ratings available. This makes them not only a beautiful choice but also an extremely durable and practical one.
With CeDUR, you get the added benefit of nearly zero maintenance. A simple spray-down every now and then is enough to keep them looking fresh and clean. With an expected lifespan of over 50 years, CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shakes are a long-term investment that adds value to your home, all while offering superior protection against the elements.
Why CeDUR Shake is the Best Exterior Cladding Option
When you consider the factors that matter most—durability, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and aesthetics—it’s clear that CeDUR synthetic cedar shakes stand out. You can achieve the look of real wood without worrying about common issues like rot, fire damage, or high upkeep costs.
With CeDUR, you're not just choosing a beautiful exterior cladding material; you’re making a smart investment in your home’s future.
Ready to enhance your home's exterior with a durable, low-maintenance solution? Discover why homeowners trust CeDUR Shake for unbeatable performance and timeless beauty.
Contact us today for more information!