Aluminium cladding is a type of cladding made from a thin layer of aluminum coating on the exterior. Some aluminium cladding is structured as a layer of polyethene plastic in between two external aluminium sheets. However, the safest type of aluminum cladding is solid aluminium coated with heat resistant powder. The powder coating will char when exposed to heat, but the aluminium itself will not melt nor burn, greatly reducing fire risk.

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

Aluminum cladding comes in a huge range of types and styles. It can even mimic other natural materials such as timber. Some of the most common finishes for aluminium cladding panels include a smooth texture, timber look, batten and weatherboarding. Aluminium cladding can come in panels or a sheet. There are a variety of colours widely available, though the most common include metallic, woodgrain, copper, rust and concrete.

Aluminium cladding is readily available and affordable across Australia. Aluminium cladding Australia can be easily found in all of the major cities in Australia, as well as many regional areas, and there is a fair amount of distributors will even deliver to rural areas. The Australian cities with a particularly deep pool of aluminium cladding options include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Aluminium cladding is even so common as to be a feature of the Bunning’s catalogue.

Benefits of Aluminium House Cladding

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

One of the main draws of aluminium cladding is its weight. As a lightweight material – weighing significantly less than brick, timber, or weatherboard – Aluminium has an easy installation and transport, as well as a low carbon footprint. This makes it one of the more affordable cladding materials.

Aluminium cladding is also 100% recyclable, making it an incredibly sustainable material with endless application in the construction industry. Aluminium cladding also dramatically improves insulation, which can help minimize the use of energy-wasting temperature control methods in the home such as a heater or air conditioner. Better insulation also means a higher level of soundproofing, helping to protect your privacy and muffle the sound that permeates through your walls from outside.

Aluminium cladding is extremely durable and unlike other metals it will not rust or corrode, even when exposed to the weather or over long periods of time. This is because aluminium has a protective oxide coating that keeps it pristine for many years.

Another benefit to aluminium is that it has a melting temperature of 660°c, making solid aluminium one of the most fire resistant materials available. Because of this, Aluminium cladding works well in areas with high fire risks.

Considerations

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

Deciding on aluminium cladding systems can be a challenge given the sheer amount of different styles available for purchase. Personal preference should play a large part in selecting the type of cladding you will want, because this will significantly impact the overall aesthetic appearance of your home.

Another consideration is where and how much cladding you wish to have installed – would an aluminium façade be enough, or do you want complete coverage from your aluminium cladding? For some help in narrowing down the available options, here are five applications and styles of aluminium that might inspire your exterior renovation.

Aluminium cladding for houses; cost per square metre and more

5. Flat Sheets

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Aluminium flat sheet cladding and wall panels have an industrial elegance that work seamlessly for interior or exterior cladding. They are cheaper than aluminium panels and have an even easier installation process. Aluminium flat sheets are extremely low maintenance, like all aluminium products. They are also coated with powder to improve fire resistance and are non-combustible. You can find some quality flat sheet cladding panels from Decorative Imaging here.

4. Caravan

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

Aluminium cladding is one of the three standard material for cladding caravans. The other two are Aluminium Composite (aluminium with a plastic core of polyethylene), and Fiberglass Sandwich Panel. The reason for Aluminium’s popularity in the world of portable homes is largely due to its lightweight composition, making it a simple addition to any caravan that will not weigh it down and make it less safe or slow to drive.

The durability of aluminium also comes into play here as it can protect the caravan against all manner of weather events without needing a replacement or even an update many years down the track. Aluminium is also a popular choice of metal for the frame of a caravan, given its robust nature. The most popular style of exterior aluminium cladding for a caravan is simple ribbed aluminium, which has been a standard cladding choice for decades and is one of the most affordable materials available.

3. Batten

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Batten is commonly recognized as a strip of solid material – usually wood – often used in close conjunction with other similar strips to create a specific aesthetic or structural effect. Aluminium batten is gaining popularity in the world of interior design for both ceilings and interior feature walls, as its available length (up to 6m), fire proofing (non-combustible), and durability all significantly outpace traditional timber.

Aluminium battens are available from a variety of distributors across the country and you can see more information here. Aluminium battens are versatile and can be made to look smooth, metallic, or more like timber - which brings us to our final style of aluminium cladding options.

2. Weatherboard

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

Weatherboard cladding is easily one of the best applications of aluminium in modern construction. Aluminium panels are perfect for a façade.

Aluminium’s natural durability ensures its resistance to termite damage, rust, and fire. On top of that Aluminium will never rot, crack, warp or otherwise wear from exposure to the elements or temperature variations. It is also easy to install, cost effective, and does not require sanding, painting, oiling or staining.

1. Timber look

aluminium cladding design ideas external weatherboards

Timber look aluminium is possibly the best use of aluminium currently available. Practically indistinguishable from traditional timber, wood-finish aluminium provides all of the aesthetic value and natural beauty that timber provides – and yet with all of the practical benefits of aluminium.

Juliet Taylor

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