Exterior wall cladding is an external facade material that primarily functions to protect buildings from the environment. It provides insulation, fire resistance and provides an aesthetic exterior. Lightweight cladding is growing in popularity, and many designers and construction companies like Solutions Built choose to use it for its highly versatile qualities. Light cladding has 70% of market share for multi-residential complexes, overtaking brickwork with explosive growth. Here’s why you should consider using lightweight cladding for your next construction project.

Types of Lightweight Cladding

Plywood sheeting, aluminium, fibre cement, and vinyl are all types of lightweight cladding with their own unique benefits. Solutions Built have many years of experience constructing commercial and residential properties using Hebel and Logicwall; two lightweight exterior cladding solutions that are Australian made, easy to install and are highly regarded for their versatility.

Hebel

Hebel by CSR is made from aerated autoclaved content (AAC) that uses a tongue and groove panel system for exterior cladding. Fortified by reinforced steel with an anti-corrosion coating, Hebel panels are strong, durable and affordable. Hebel only requires small lifting equipment to install and comes in a variety of modern and minimalistic styles.

Logicwall

Logicwall by AFS is a permanent formwork walling system made from fibre cement and galvanised steel. AFS offers Logicwall panels in a range of dimensions that can be installed by hand. The product is widely favoured across the commercial construction sector for a broad range of architectural and engineering uses. Logicwall is a load-bearing solution for structures up to 30 floors.

Benefits of Lightweight Cladding

Cost Efficient

Lightweight cladding options are far cheaper than their masonry or blockwork counterparts. The initial outlay for materials is cheaper, and the installation process doesn’t require heavy machinery, which saves on labour costs. Utilising a product like Hebel also minimises on-site risk for incident or injury.

Quicker to Install

Light cladding significantly minimises labour and handling making it preferential for meeting tight project deadlines. Panels can be ordered to design specifications to ensure there’s no on-site waste or clean-up required.

Eco-friendly

Lightweight cladding provides efficient thermal insulation, reducing the amount of energy needed to regulate the temperature inside the building. It also has reduced carbon emissions in the manufacturing stage, otherwise referred to as low embodied energy. It’s made from readily available resources, has a long lifespan thanks to its durable properties, and is easily recycled. If eco-friendly considerations are top of mind for your next project, you should consider using lightweight cladding.

Flexible Design

Light cladding offers the best of both form and function, creating an opportunity for architects and engineers to create structures that are cutting-edge in terms of design. Sheet metal, timber, and fibre cement panels can be combined in various stains, finishes and colours to create a timeless composite aesthetic.

Noise Reduction

If you value privacy and tranquility, light cladding is an ideal choice to minimise noise transmission. Greatly reduce the sound of traffic and other noise pollution from entering your building with absorbent cladding materials that are far more effective than brick.

Fire resistance

Lightweight cladding can be found in non-combustible and fire resistant materials. Hebel can meet or exceed requirements for all Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs), making it ideal for construction in bushfire zones.

Weather Resistance

Cladding protects the building from strong winds, heavy rain, snow and hail. A strong hydrophobic coating will keep the lightweight exterior looking pristine and make it easier to keep clean.

Smaller Footprint

Light cladding requires a smaller cavity between the cladding and the wall that protects the building from the elements and traps warm air for insulation properties. A smaller wall cavity also means that your design can take advantage of more floor space.

Low Maintenance

Not only are repairs for lightweight cladding more affordable than conventional masonry, but they also require little to no maintenance if they’re varnished appropriately after being installed.

Easy To Repair

Compared to polystyrene and traditional cement substrates, lightweight cladding like Hebel is fast, cost effective and simple to repair. Hebel offers adhesive patches and tape to simplify the process even further, hiding any signs of previous damage.

Contact Solutions Built For Your Lightweight Cladding Needs

If you’ve decided to utilise lightweight exterior cladding for your next project, please get in touch with us. We have years of experience building high quality walls with lightweight cladding to design specifications for both residential and commercial building projects.