Composite cladding or composite facings are panels of one or more materials, adhered to one another with adhesive and used as the external surface of a building to improve its aesthetic or fire performance. The term is primarily applied to buildings but can also be used for other items such as tennis racquets and skateboards.

Composite cladding is constructing cladding panels using a combination of materials. The meetings are often produced with two skins: one skin as a decorative panel and the other as a supporting panel. The supportive panel is used to provide physical strength to the exterior surface of the building during installation, while it can be supplied by metal, wood, or plastic materials.

Composite Cladding –

A composite cladding panel usually consists of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bonded with the high-performance polymer matrix material. These composite cladding systems were used in hospitals, schools, and other public buildings. More recently, composites have been developed for use in residential applications. Consideration of thermal performance must be taken into account when choosing a material. The composite cladding has become increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional steel and concrete construction due to its environmental credentials, aesthetic appearance, and longevity.

Composite cladding is a relatively new material, and there are several different types of composite cladding materials. It was initially used in commercial buildings and then later used in residential at the beginning of the 21st century. The life cycle of composite cladding is from five to ten years, making it an expensive building material. The composite cladding material can also be recycled in ground fill or made into compost. Safety should always be your number one priority when installing composite cladding. If you take these steps, you’re sure to have a safe and successful installation.

Steps to Stay Safe –

• Wear protective gloves, glasses, and long sleeves to avoid getting composite shards in your skin or eyes.
• Never use anything but the highest quality composite material for an installation.
• Clean your hands before touching the cladding so that oils from your fingers do not affect the surface.
• Keep pets out of the work area because they may inadvertently scratch or chew on your cladding during installation.
• Don’t use any sandpaper or other sharp material to shape your cladding.
• If you have to use a saw, make sure that it is intended for cutting plastic.
• Ensure that you understand if the cladding you’re using is simple or complex to install.
• Ensure that your workplace is lit well enough to see what you’re doing and has appropriate ventilation for fumes.
• Don’t use any torch or open flames while installing your cladding.
• If you have to drill holes in the cladding, make sure that you don’t go through to the other side.
• When using a nail gun, ensure that you are using proper nails and that it is padded so that the pin does not damage your work area.
• Wear appropriate ear protection when using a power tool like a grinder or a drill.
• Ensure that you understand the cladding that you’re using and read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before installation.

The above guidelines should be helpful when installing composite cladding. Because of its fire-resistant properties, composite cladding has become an increasingly popular alternative to conventional steel and concrete construction. Fire resistance is the most important reason to use composite cladding because of its flammability, making it especially useful in fire-prone areas. It was first used as a cladding material for exterior furniture and building facades. Still, due to its durability and recyclability, it has gained popularity in many different construction areas. Composite cladding is very durable and can last for more than a decade.