The versatility of PVC wall cladding means it can be used on a huge variety of projects from a feature wall on part of an existing building, an exterior finish for a new extension or part of a loft conversion. Cladding is rapidly becoming one of the quickest and simplest ways to totally transform the look of your home.

Step one: Get ideas and inspiration

Looking at what others have achieved is a great way of researching options for your cladding project. Websites and social media are the first stop for all of us. Instagram and Pinterest are fantastic sources of inspiration, create mood boards and virtual scrapbooks of ideas.

Top tip: It’s also worth checking out manufacturers websites, they often feature a gallery of product images and in many cases are only too happy to receive photos of their products to share with others.
FREEFOAM GALLERY: https://www.mycladding.com/gallery

Step two: Research your material options

Modern manufacturing techniques mean that traditional building materials are constantly being refined and cladding is no exception. Exterior wood cladding has long been a traditional external covering for properties in the UK — particularly in coastal regions including Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

Timber creates an attractive and desirable finish, but many are put off by the time consuming and cost of ongoing maintenance required to ensure it remains weatherproof. PVC is the low maintenance and low lifetime cost option, and for many years has become a standard material for windows replacing old and tired wood frames. The same trend has now become common for cladding with PVC exterior wall cladding boards being used to replace wood boarding.

Available in a variety of finishes from smooth white to embossed wood effect or a ‘foiled’ woodgrain finish, PVC can mirror traditional weatherboard and shiplap designs. For many years white was the only option but now manufactures have developed cladding ranges in a wide variety of colours from traditional browns and cream to more contemporary greys and blues.

STEP THREE: Try before you buy

 Many manufacturers now have sophisticated digital tools that superimpose products on to your home, such as flooring, paint, tiles, etc. Cladding is no different. Try Freefoam’s clever cladding visualiser to see how cladding looks like on YOUR home.

Get a high quality image all ready to add to your social media.

https://www.mycladding.com/visualiser

STEP FOUR: Order a sample

Choosing home improvement products is not easy. Colours vary and styles differ so it’s essential to be able to see exactly what you are buying. The light and aspect of your property can affect the eventual look so it’s important to view anything new in the location where it will be fitted.

Luckily manufactures understand that consumers need help. Dulux revolutionised the marketing 30 years ago with tester pots, and similar offerings are now a standard part of the buying process.

Top tip: Visit company websites to order samples, you’ll be surprised at what you can get for free!

ORDER CLADDING SAMPLE

https://www.mycladding.com/cladding-sample-request