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What is Composite Cladding?
Wood plastic composite cladding is a combination of reclaimed wood fibres and repurposed plastic, which would have otherwise been sent to landfill. Composite cladding offers exceptional strength, longevity, and performance that surpasses traditional timber. It is resistant to warping, rotting, splitting, or chipping, making it an ideal choice for the unpredictable British weather. This eco-friendly and low maintenance solution has gained immense popularity among homeowners, commercial developers, and garden room manufacturers for various cladding projects.
What is the difference between composite Slat Wall & Ship Lap Cladding?
Traditional ship lap cladding is generally fitted horizontally, slat wall cladding is fitted vertically, the sizes usually vary a fair bit also slat wall being a shorter board to minimise waste, the composite is the same they are both (WPC) wood plastic composite making them both suitable for external and internal use. Both slat wall cladding and ship lap cladding come in a variety of colours and finishes.
What is the difference between wooden cladding & composite cladding?
The Grass Yard offers excellent composite cladding boards that seamlessly blend the durability of plastic with the organic beauty of wood. Unlike timber cladding, which demands frequent upkeep due to its exposure to weather conditions, our composite cladding remains unaffected by splintering or warping. It boasts enhanced strength and durability, eliminating the need for painting or varnishing.
Why does composite cladding cost more than timber cladding?
Composite cladding incurs higher manufacturing costs due to the intricate processes involved in its creation. Nevertheless, it presents a more sustainable option for the future. Investing in composite material proves to be a prudent decision as it eliminates the need for expenses related to the upkeep, repair, and replacement of wood cladding. Wood cladding, being more prone to deterioration, decay, splitting, and warping, necessitates continuous maintenance and replacement costs.
How long will composite cladding last?
Composite cladding is designed to be robust and long-lasting. It is built to withstand the test of time, requiring minimal upkeep, ensuring its durability for many years to come.
Can the composite cladding boards be collected or is it delivery only?
Yes, we can deliver nationwide however the composite cladding can also be collected.
Do you have a showroom?
Yes we have a showroom with outdoor & shop display and your welcome to pick up free samples when in.
Do you need to use a composite frame to mount the composite cladding?
A composite frame works perfectly well but composite cladding can be mounted onto a treated timber frame just as well.
Will composite cladding or slat wall expand much in the summer?
Our composite cladding products, like all wood-plastic composites, undergo expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations. The rate at which this occurs is determined by the external environment, particularly the temperature. It is crucial to take this into account before installation, as it directly affects the spacing required between boards.
How do I clean & maintain composite slat wall cladding?
The Grass Yard’s complete selection of composite materials is easy clean. All you need is soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush. If you desire a more thorough cleaning, you can utilize a pressure washer on your cladding. Typically, a biannual cleaning is sufficient to maintain the exceptional appearance of your composite cladding year-round. The weather-resistant properties of our products eliminate the need for painting, staining, or sealing the boards.
Is composite cladding resistant to insects?
Composite cladding exhibits resistance against insect attacks, including termites. Termites are particularly attracted to moist environments, as exemplified by decaying wood. However, since composite materials do not rot like wood, termites are deprived of a food source.
Do I need planning permission to add composite cladding or slat wall to my house?
In the majority of instances, the addition of composite slat wall cladding to your residence does not necessitate obtaining planning permission, as long as the materials used possess a comparable appearance to the existing structure. However, there are certain circumstances where you might be required to seek planning permission, such as if your dwelling is classified as a listed building situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty or a national park. It is important to bear in mind that we do not possess the necessary licenses to provide planning or building surveying services. Therefore, we strongly advise consulting a licensed professional for further guidance.
How should my cladding boards be spaced?
To account for the expansion and contraction of materials caused by temperature fluctuations, it is important to leave a gap of at least 7 mm for butt joints when utilizing 3.6 m length boards. In the case of trimmed boards, it is recommended to create an expansion gap that is equivalent to at least 0.2% of the trimmed board's length. When using slat wall cladding a similar size, 7mm should be left top and or bottom to allow for expansion.
How do I secure the composite cladding to the battens?
Pre-drill the screw holes in the cladding boards, ensuring they are 2mm larger than the screw thread to accommodate material expansion. It is important to align these holes with the supporting battens. Utilize screws with a maximum head thickness of 2mm and exercise caution to avoid over-tightening. This method is applicable for both ship lap and slat wall composite cladding.
Is it necessary to have a ventilation cavity behind the cladding?
A minimum cavity size of 38 mm is essential for proper air ventilation and effective drainage of rainwater. This is vital in order to maintain the durability of your cladding and the overall structural integrity of the building. It is essential to leave this air gap when fitting ship lap or slat wall composite cladding.
Can I install cladding without starter fasteners?
Yes Grass Yard composite cladding boards possess sufficient rigidity to be installed without the need for starter fasteners. However, it is crucial to adhere to the pre-drilling and secure screwing guidelines for optimal installation.
How should I cover corners and edges for a professional finish?
Grass Yard trim offers a perfect solution for concealing corners and edges. Adjust it to the desired size, mitre it at a 45-degree angle if necessary, pre-drill, and securely fasten it using our screws that perfectly match the colour.
Do you have composite corner trims for windows and doors?
The Grass Yard offers a comprehensive selection of window and door trim, for both slat wall cladding or ship lap cladding. When installing corner trims for windows and doors, the initial step is to cut the trim to the necessary size. It is important to ensure that all trim lengths are mitred at a 45-degree angle where the trims will meet at the corners. Once the trim has been cut and mitred, proceed to attach it to the exposed corners around the windowsill. It is crucial to fully conceal any exposed edges of the composite cladding panels or boards. To minimize the risk of cracking, it is advisable to pre-drill the trims before fixing them with screws. Securely fix the trims at 300mm intervals using trim screws that match the color of the trim. The same installation method can be applied to any exposed composite cladding edges around doors as well.
Should I seal the ends of composite cladding?
Composite cladding panels and boards, ship lap or slat wall, posses water-resistant properties and are not susceptible to rot. Consequently, there is no necessity to seal the exposed ends after the installation of your composite cladding.
Composite wall cladding provides effective heat and sound insulation for your home. It’s been proven to be more insulating than other cladding materials such as timber, steel, concrete, and aluminium. This will save you money on your energy bills.
Having a better-insulated home will also make your property more energy efficient which will reduce the amount of energy that is wasted. This is another way in which composite cladding is a more eco-friendly option than timber cladding.