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5 Common Cladding Issues and How to Fix Them
Common cladding issues include cracking and structural damage, water ingress and moisture-related problems. We explore ways to fix cladding.
Cladding is used as a protective barrier to help maintain the exterior walls of a building, however, it’s prone to certain problems. Depending on the type of material and without regular maintenance, cladding can fade and become mouldy or damaged. We explore several common cladding issues, along with some practical guidance on how to fix them.
As well as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a building, cladding on a house or commercial property provides insulation and weather resistance. But as cladding is exposed to the elements, it’s vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Over time, if the cladding isn’t well- maintained, or effective repair methods are not used, this could put the building at risk.
1. Cracking and Structural Damage
When cladding has been installed, there needs to be adequate ventilation and allowance for thermal movement. There are different types of cladding solutions, offering varying levels of durability and insulative properties. Common materials used for cladding include metal, vinyl, composite materials and wood, which are impacted differently by UV rays in terms of material expansion.
When wall cladding becomes dirty or damaged, this can lead to poor ventilation, which could lead to mould and mildew inside the building. Also, after a number of years, material fatigue can occur, which can result in fading, cracking or rust patches forming on metal facades.
2. Water Ingress and Moisture-Related Issues
When rainfall penetrates damaged exterior cladding, water can become trapped within the building envelope. Water leaks can lead to mould and mildew forming inside the building, as well as building decay. Warm/cold bridging issues can also occur between the external wall and the façade. If moisture-related issues are left unchecked, this could result in a structural risk to the property. Therefore, it’s important to address any gaps in the cladding.
3. Fading and Weathering: Aesthetic and Functional Challenges
As cladding is continually exposed to UV rays, weather conditions and pollution, this can affect its visual appearance. Along with ageing, the cladding can lose both its aesthetic appeal and material strength. Tired or worn areas of cladding are more prone to stains and discolouration from air pollution, which can become harder to clean. Faded cladding could also have an impact on the building’s kerb appeal, lowering the overall value of the property.
4. Insulation and Thermal Performance Problems
One of the key functions of cladding is to provide an insulative layer, acting as a shield from UV rays. During the warmer months, cladding can reduce the amount of heat absorbed through the building walls. In the colder months, it helps to prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Therefore, cladding failures can have a direct impact on energy efficiency and heating costs for the building if remedial action isn’t taken in a timely manner.
5. Hidden Structural and Material Failures
Certain cladding issues can be less obvious, such as hidden corrosion or micro-cracking across the façade. Corrosion can occur for a variety of reasons, from air pollution to water penetration, or it can be just down to ageing. It can also lead to corroded steel beams within the structure of the building. When corrosion is left unchecked, it can spread across metal beams or cladding, which could affect the structural integrity of the facade or the building.
How to Fix Cladding Issues
Regular maintenance and cleaning of external wall cladding will save on significant repair costs and avoid the need for expensive replacements. It will also extend the lifespan of the exterior façade. When it comes to addressing cladding issues, regular and close inspectionsshould be carried out as part of your maintenance programme. This will enable you to spot and fix minor issues promptly before they become major problems in the long run.
First, you will need to identify any damaged areas. If you have a leak, carry out a hose test to see if it’s causing any water ingress. This will enable you to check the water tightness of the building envelope.
Once you have assessed and diagnosed the issue, the repair solution will depend on the type of cladding material. Patch cracks and reseal gaps against water ingress, using the correct material or sealant for the cladding substrate. Consider using an advanced coating specially designed for wall cladding that offers high resistance to UV and weather conditions.
Giromax® coatings offer a premium solution for cladding issues, offering durability, weather resistance, and improved thermal performance. Giromax® Wallcoat for Industrial Wall Cladding will enable you to refurbish your cladding, protecting it from further damage, while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Available in a semi-matt finish and a variety of colours, this advanced formula is also easy to apply using a roller, spray equipment or paintbrush.
For more information on coatings for cladding or roofing systems, call 01455 558969 or email: sales.orders@giromax.co.uk
Sources:
(Technical Services Managers case study blogs)
https://symclean.co.uk/common-cladding-problems-and-how-to-prevent-them/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cladding-remediation https://kingcontractservices.co.uk/5-common-problems-with-building-facades-and-how-to-avoid-them/ https://acsstainless.co.uk/blog/navigating-re-cladding-addressing-defective-materials-and-how-to- replace-in-uk-buildings/ https://www.tradeinsulations.co.uk/insulation/application/wall-insulation/external-wall- insulation/?srsltid=AfmBOooEJ3knzQhbIYMuM0v7tn_rBYXXw4DLxVDC636acl-4wLWBQvdF
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5 Common Cladding Issues and How to Fix Them
Managing Director
Cladding is used as a protective barrier to help maintain the exterior walls of a building, however, it’s prone to certain problems. Depending on the type of material and without regular maintenance, cladding can fade and become mouldy or damaged. We explore several common cladding issues, along with some practical guidance on how to fix them.
As well as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a building, cladding on a house or commercial property provides insulation and weather resistance. But as cladding is exposed to the elements, it’s vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Over time, if the cladding isn’t well- maintained, or effective repair methods are not used, this could put the building at risk.
