One important aspect of any building is the exterior cladding of your house.
As a homeowner, maintaining the exterior of your house is critical to ensuring the safety and comfort for your family, friends or tenants. By staying proactive and addressing issues promptly, you can protect your home and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is in good condition. However in some cases you may not have been able to, or have inherited a property where the maintenance wasn’t managed well. This guide is for you.
Cladding has a primary function which is to keep the weather out (weather tightness). Secondary functions include enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home and thermal performance.
Cladding materials in New Zealand only need to last 15 years, looking deep into each cladding supplier and installation warranties and very quickly you see they require a reasonable amount of maintenance to last those 15 years.
So, how do you know when it's time to consider recladding your house? In this blog post, we'll discuss the signs that indicate it may be time for a re-clad.
1. Visible Damage:
One of the most obvious signs that you may need to reclad your house is visible damage to the existing cladding. This may include cracks, warping, rotting, or peeling paint. These issues not only detract from the appearance of your home but can also be signs that the integrity of the cladding is compromised.
2. Moisture and Mold:
If you notice moisture seeping into your walls or mold growth on the interior or exterior of your house, it could be a sign that your cladding is no longer providing adequate protection. Moisture infiltrating the cladding itself can lead to serious issues to the structure which may include rot, rusty steel members and fixings, mold growth inside your walls, and eventually structural damage.
3. Energy Efficiency:
Poorly performing cladding will impact the insulation efficiency of your home. If you notice an increase in your energy bills or if certain rooms in your house are consistently difficult to heat or cool, it could be a sign that your cladding is no longer protecting the insulation and it has got wet and sagged. This will cause issues managing the temperatures within your home effectively.
4. Fading or Discoloration:
Over time, New Zealand’s harsh UV conditions can cause your cladding paint system to fade or become discoloured. Not only does this affect the appearance of your home, but it can also indicate that the cladding needs repainting or in some cases replacement.
5. Adding Value:
Houses built in the 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s were often built with direct fixed claddings without the ability for moisture to escape from behind the cladding. Many of these claddings also relied heavily on sealants rather than mechanical flashings. Valuers and Builders writing reports will always note the cladding type is high risk and reduce the value of the house by the cost to replace the cladding.
6. Age of the Cladding:
Finally, consider the age of your existing cladding. Most cladding materials have a much shorter lifespan than you might expect, and if your cladding is reaching the end of its expected lifespan, it is time to start thinking about re-cladding your house to avoid potential issues in the future.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to start exploring the option of re-cladding.
Re-cladding your house can be a significant investment, but done properly will add value to your home, improve its thermal efficiency, and ensure long-term durability.
We at HWA are experts in residential Re-Clad projects, if you are considering Re-Cladding your home have a read of our Investment Guide for Re-Clad projects and see if we’re a good fit for you.
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