Building cladding is the outer layer of a building that protects it from external elements and can add insulation. It can be made of various materials and installed using similar techniques. Masonry cladding is installed using a curtain wall system.
Building cladding is the outer skin, or envelope of a building, and includes all moisture barriers and cladding materials used to cover the exterior of the structure. The coating can have both a decorative and a functional purpose. It is used to complement the architectural style of the building while offering protection from rain, wind, snow and other external elements. Building cladding can also add insulation to the structure by minimizing sound transmission through the walls. While the term siding is used extensively in Europe and Australia, these exterior finishing materials are generally known as siding in North America.
Before the exterior cladding can be installed, the structural framing of the building must be completed. This typically involves using wood or steel studs to frame the exterior walls. These walls are then covered with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to help protect against wind and other forces. Some buildings may be constructed of masonry or concrete rather than wood or steel and do not require plywood or OSB siding.
Once the structure is framed or masonry walls erected, building cladding can be installed on the exterior surfaces. First a moisture or vapor barrier is installed to protect against moisture penetration and minimize the risk of rot or mold. This moisture barrier usually consists of sheets of construction paper or plastic that are nailed or stapled to the walls. After this barrier is in place, building cladding or siding materials can be installed over the top.
While there are many different materials available for this purpose, most are installed using similar techniques. Wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement boards or shingles are nailed in overlapping rows starting at the bottom of the wall and working your way up. These cladding products are typically installed using a blind nail technique, meaning that the fasteners in each row are covered by the row above. This helps protect nails or screws from rust or corrosion, which helps extend the life of the entire assembly.
Masonry building cladding is often installed using a curtain wall system. A curtain wall is self-supporting and is separated from the structure by several inches to create an air gap between the building and the exterior cladding. This air cavity helps keep moisture out of the house by allowing it to drain to the base of the wall and out through planned channels, known as “tear holes.” Masonry cladding can be made of brick or natural stone and is often called masonry cladding.
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