Freefoam is championing the transformative power of cladding.
One surprising outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the boom in the housing and home improvement markets. Having gazed at the same four walls for months on end, people are spending their money on moving to get more space and improving their existing homes. According to the Renovation Nation Report by mortgage comparison site money.co.uk, between March and September 2020, British homeowners spent an impressive £55 billion updating and transforming their properties.
The rise of cladding
Driven by the New England colonial design trend, external PVC cladding is an example of a product that can substantially change a property’s façade. While windows and doors improve the look of a property, the difference that cladding can make is on a much larger scale, and the results can be spectacular, particularly when done in tandem with other home improvements. Another benefit of PVC cladding is that it’s long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. When cladding is fitted with an insulating layer in between the external wall, it improves energy performance – so much so the BRE has given PVC weatherboarding installations with an insulation layer an A+ rating. Light and durable, PVC cladding is also straightforward to install as it doesn’t require any surface preparation or treatment. That means fewer site visits, less time for scaffold hire and less time on the job for tradesmen.
Here are some examples of how builders and home improvement companies can use cladding to transform their clients’ properties.
Cover Pebble Dash
Exterior pebble dash is commonly seen throughout the UK. But over the years it can become discoloured and even break down to become unsightly and even cause damp problems. Some people opt to paint over old pebble dash but this is a short-term solution that can also be costly and time consuming.
The owners of the below property in Cornwall wanted to upgrade their three-storey house, which was covered in a grey pebble dash that had become stained and discoloured over the years. Located on a sloping site, the back of the house was very high, bumping up the cost of repainting the pebble dash. So, their installer recommended Freefoam’s ‘Colonial Blue’ Fortex cladding on the top storey and to render the lower half of the house with a cream colour, to great effect.
Create an attractive feature facade over brickwork
Whilst brick is incredibly hard wearing, it can also look bland and unappealing. Cladding is a great way of boosting kerb appeal with an attractive feature façade. Available in a range of colours, it lets homeowners match or complement windows and doors.
Freefoam ‘Misty Grey’ Fortex weatherboard cladding was recently used on the brick front elevation of this detached property in Cheshire. The refurbishment also included a render finish, with the grey cladding matching the new garage door to transform the property.
Replacing hanging tiles
In the 1960s, 70s and 80s hanging tiles on the front elevation of a property were a popular design. Fifty years later trends have changed. Tiles have become cracked and discoloured, and they can be expensive to replace.
This detached property in Brightlingsea had dark brown hanging clay tiles fitted to the first floor elevation right up to the gable. The tiles were removed, wooden battens fitted and Fortex Weatherboard cladding in ‘Storm Grey’ was installed. With the addition of grey windows and doors, this home has had a complete make over, creating a smart, contemporary look.
Freefoam is a leading independent manufacturer of roofline, rainwater and cladding solutions. The company’s extensive cladding range, including Fortex and X-Wood, come in a choice of attractive colours with up to a 10-year product guarantee.
Discover more Freefoam cladding solutions at https://freefoam.com/professional
