What Is Cladding? Definition, Benefits, and Popular Options

Your home's siding acts as the primary defense against the high costs of hail, wind, and storm damage repair. If you're in the process of upgrading your siding, you'll likely come across several confusing industry terms, such as cladding. So, what is cladding exactly? And how does cladding compare to siding and even veneer? Let's review the ins and outs of cladding, including when to hire a professional to install it.

What Is Cladding?

Cladding refers to a non-weight-bearing, multi-layered system of exterior home materials. Unlike traditional siding, cladding does not attach directly to the home's walls, but instead sits on top of several layers that control insulation, moisture, and airflow. Cladding can also play an aesthetic role, offering a durable yet attractive layer to freshen up exterior home designs.

Cladding may include types of siding or veneer, such as stone or brick, but never acts alone. The multiple layers of any type of cladding is a recently popular method for wind mitigation, home efficiency, pest problems, and overall longevity. Cladding may be easier to clean, repair, or replace than siding due to its multi-layered design.

How Much Does Cladding Cost?

While cladding falls on the higher end of the cost to replace siding, it typically offers a longer lifespan and can increase a home's value. You'll pay anywhere from $8 to $14 per square foot for EIFS, and between $11 and $18 per square foot for the cost of stone veneer, and as high as $30 per square foot for high-end stone or wood options.

5 Benefits of Cladding

Home builders may recommend cladding for homes in tricky regions such as those with heavy storms, extreme temperatures, or a susceptibility to termites. Here are the main cladding perks to consider.

Weather Resistant

Homebuilders choose cladding because it holds up well against hail, fallen branches, or even the occasional rogue baseball from a backyard game. When properly installed and sealed, cladding also keeps moisture from infiltrating into the walls of your home, lowering the chances of mold and wood rot.

Keep in mind  that some popular cladding varieties—such as EIFS—can trap water or condensation between the layers due to a lack of ventilation, leading to moisture issues over time.

Thermal Insulation

Cladding typically has a higher R-value—or insulation value—than popular types of traditional siding. Cladding can both protect a home from extreme high and low temperatures and stabilize the temperature in a home created by the HVAC. 

Fire Resistance

Depending on the type of cladding and construction, homeowners who live in wildfire-prone regions may choose cladding with a Class A fire rating. However, as with any type of siding, this highly depends on the material. 

Pest Resistance

Placing several layers of material between your walls and the outside means greater protection from the cost of termite control and other pests. Stone, metal, or fiber cement cladding all offer a strong barrier against pests, particularly for older wooden homes prone to damage.

Appearance

Homeowners may choose to upgrade the look of their homes with lasting results. Modern cladding options are easier to clean and maintain and come in a wide range of unique looks. Similar to stone veneer, cladding includes an exterior layer that gives the appearance of a classic stone or brick home but doesn't require major reconstruction.

Common Types of Cladding

So what are your cladding options? The unique layering of cladding allows for nearly infinite variations of the design depending on your home's needs. However, the exterior layer of cladding often falls into one of the following categories.

EIFS

The popular cladding EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, features a synthetic stucco layer on top of a water-resistant coat and barrier with a drainage plane and insulation board. While its popularity since the 1990s continues to dwindle due to water damage issues, it is still a top, long-lasting cladding option.

Stone and Brick

Stone and brick cladding can transform the look and durability of a facade. When combined with layers of insulation and a water drainage plane, homeowners get the best of both worlds—classic strength combined with modern efficiency and moisture control.

Fiber Cement

Similar to other composite siding and cladding, fiber cement combines cellulose, cement, and sand to create a highly dense and durable home exterior option. Fiber cement has the ability to imitate a wide range of siding varieties in shingle, board, or panel form.

Wood

Homes hoping to maintain a sleek or rustic appearance who don't want to lose the protection of modern siding can opt for wood cladding. A top layer of cedar, teak, oak, or ash pairs with a breathable membrane, insulation, and a moisture barrier for ultimate protection.