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Durable and decorative, cladding is a brilliant way to protect your home's exterior without compromising its aesthetics

- HOLLY REANEY

Channelling coastal and country vibes, cladding is a popular and affordable way to update the exterior of your home. It can cover render or brickwork, elevate an understated façade, or help an extension blend in with the rest of the house. It also bolsters a property's insulation. 'Cladding adds another cavity to the exterior of your home so it helps with noise insulation and improves the building's thermal properties,' says Simon Cresswell, director of The Gutter & Cladding Company.

Q What is the best material to clad a home with?

A There are several materials available and the right choice will depend on the look you want to achieve. Cladding options range from paintable render and timber to metal, uPVC and stone.

'Consider choosing a material that holds extra benefits. Fibre cement is very popular because it ticks all the boxes. It does not rot, rust, warp or crack; has excellent fire classification; uses fewer raw materials and less energy and generates less waste than some traditional building materials," says Lisa Grosse, brand manager at Cedral UK. 'Request samples of your cladding material and expose them to different natural light, such as sun and evening light, to ensure you are happy before you commit."