More and more UK homeowners are using cladding to refresh the look of their properties and add an extra layer of insulating protection. Composite cladding is a popular choice for several reasons – one of them being its longer lifespan.
So how long does composite cladding last compared to the more traditional timber, and do you need to do anything to improve its longevity or keep it looking fresh? You’ll find all the answers here.
What We'll Cover
How Long Does Composite Cladding Last?
When installed correctly and maintained regularly, composite cladding can last for up to 25 years.
Our Coastline composite cladding owes its long-lasting looks and performance to its patented composite structure, with non-permeable outer layer that resists fading, staining, warping, water and weather damage, and mould and rot.
Our range has a weatherproof finish which we guarantee for 10 years.
The reason why composite cladding lasts so long - in most cases longer than other types of cladding material - is because of what’s in it and how it is made.
What is Composite Cladding Composed of?
Composite is a man-made material, often made from a mixture of plastic composites and reclaimed wood fibres and then extruded or moulded into shape. An incredibly useful building material, it can mimic the appearance of wood while being lighter and more durable. So it works really well for cladding!
Our patented Coastline range of composite cladding is sustainably made from recycled materials – a mix of polymer resins, inorganic minerals and acrylic colourants, extruded into five-metre lengths with excellent dimensional strength and stability. It’s designed to be fast and easy to install, with a simple interlocking mechanism that fixes to standard timber battens.
With no wood fibres or any other organic material included, it will never absorb moisture, never rot and never attract insects that could damage its fabric. This is what helps it to last for such a long time, especially in comparison to other cladding materials.
Does Composite Cladding Last Longer than Timber?
The short answer here is yes – composite generally lasts longer than timber cladding.
The main factor affecting the longevity of your cladding is how well it can stand up to the weather conditions. In Britain, where we have frequent high winds, hot and cold temperatures and rather a lot of rain, it’s a big consideration.
As a natural, porous material, wood needs a lot of extra care to help it stay waterproof, with frequent treating, painting and sealing required to protect against damp, mould or insect infestations. It’s also prone to staining and warping.
Composite cladding is more stable and hardwearing, and needs very little upkeep to keep it looking its best. Our unique composite material is incredibly resilient, with minimal contraction or expansion even in the most changeable weather. It’s non-porous, meaning it’s less likely to rot or be damaged by fungus, mould or insects.
Does Composite Cladding Fade?
Fading is a big problem for timber cladding, which needs a fresh coat of paint or stain every few years to maintain the colour. But is composite cladding prone to fading
Composite cladding made with reclaimed wood fibres can sometimes fade, as the natural wood oils can begin to wash out with exposure to sun and rain. Even so, this is usually only a slight colour difference, and is less noticeable if you opt for a lighter colour.
Eurocell’s Forma cladding, which is made from recycled high-density polyethylene plastic and reclaimed wood fibres, is guaranteed stain and fade resistant, with a protective outer layer to give UV stability. Similarly, our Coastline composite cladding resists UV light and has colourants baked into the board for long-lasting depth of colour.
Can You Improve the Longevity of Composite Cladding?
Composite cladding is incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t require staining, sealing or painting like timber and it’s cheap and easy to clean. Over 10 years, it will cost you almost nothing in maintenance.
That said, one of the best things you can do to ensure long-lasting performance is to ensure it’s installed correctly, by a professional tradesperson who has experience in fitting composite cladding. Because they’ll have the right skills and tools for the job, they’ll be able to complete the installation to a high standard without any damage.
Other than that, maintaining composite cladding is simply a case of cleaning it as and when you notice it’s starting to look less than pristine. The key is to not use anything too abrasive. We recommend using a soft-bristled brush to sweep away dirt, cobwebs or other debris, then wiping down with a mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid or a household degreaser.
When you’re done, give it a rinse with a hose pipe or pressure washer (set to low pressure!) to remove all the solution and prevent soap stains. It’s best to save the cleaning for a dry day, and to work in small sections to avoid the solution from drying.
Why Choose Composite Cladding?
Hopefully we’ve given you plenty to think about – and plenty of reasons to choose composite cladding for your home makeover project. It’s sustainable, durable, easy to maintain and could last for decades, enhancing the look of your home and potentially increasing its value.
Take a look at https://www.eurocell.co.uk/composite-cladding or download our brochure.
