Cladding:
Installing

Having cladding done to your property after you have installed double glazing

Cladding should prove a most worthwhile and cost-effective home improvement as it can enhance appearance and reduce maintenance time and cost considerably by alleviating the need for repainting, as well as improving insulation. Roofline work and cladding are a job for the skilled and experienced tradesman, and although in the minority there are a few firms around employing less than able fitters producing less than satisfactory workmanship.

I suggest three written estimates are obtained first off, followed by a close visual inspection of at least one job previously completed by the firms you are considering employing before you make a commitment to buy. Don't just look to see if the demonstration property 'looks nice': you need to be looking at the detail, like joints and corners.

For more information about becoming just a bit more 'streetwise' about buying see Buyer Beware.

It is very often assumed that the ONLY way to do the job properly is a full strip. I do not completely agree, as I have found that there are times when it may be better to clad over. Before I get a flood of e-mails asking me 'when to/when not to', there are no generalisations; the best way can only be ascertained with a survey of each individual property.

Cladding maintenance:
Cellular PVC has a consistent finish and is almost maintenance-free. An occasional wash down with a non-scratch mild detergent and water will restore an 'as new' appearance, removing surface grime, particularly in polluted atmospheres. No solvents or abrasive cleansers should be used. I have used car shampoo with great effect, but I am not sure all the constituents of all the makes of car wash shampoo are OK. If PVC has really grubby marks I find Swarfega rubbed on and rinsed off is just the job!

Fixing cladding:
Correct fixings and fixing procedures must be followed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Where have you heard that before? Right - all the time, BUT it is imperative to learn and understand the correct way of doing cladding if you want it to stand the test of time. Particular attention must be given to tolerances to allow the material to expand and contract with changes in temperature, and for this it is most important to allow a 5mm gap (call it a tight quarter of an inch) for thermal expansion at joints and plank ends.

For anyone interested in cladding in Essex, either cash and carry, supply only, for the full range of cladding, trims and guttering, etc., or a full installation job, then I heartily recommend a visit to the website of the longest established (continuous trading since 1984) cladding company in the County: http://www.duraclad.co.uk 

Note: Care should be taken when handling these products at or below freezing point, as low temperatures tend to make them brittle.