GreenTips

External walls typically account for around 30% of a building’s initial cost and a significant portion of its energy losses. The right selection of an external cladding system will lower energy losses and will have major impacts on the capital investment, running, and maintenance costs.

Optimum cladding systems are those that are both durable and provide a high level of thermal insulation. Systems with an unbroken insulated envelope will usually out-perform other systems with gaps or breaks in the insulation for framing or fixings.

Naturally durable cladding systems are generally preferable to cladding systems that require regular application of paints and finishes. The application of paints and stains to timber cladding systems can increase the environmental impact of the cladding significantly over its life.

In a typical four storey office building with masonry walls, the external wall can account for about 20% of the building’s mass above ground. In environmental impact terms, the cladding specification choice can significantly affect the overall environmental profile of the building. As a general principal, the lower the mass of materials and the less resource and energy intensive their manufacturing process is, the more favourable the environmental profile.

. Click on the following cladding types for further information:
cast stone cladding
natural stone
brickwork
profiled metal cladding insulated render

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