Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding Enhances the Aesthetic Appeal of a Building
Introduction:
Made from other materials, Wall cladding and siding is a decorative material used to makes the appearance of a house, building, or, walls beautiful. Providing an artistic outlook, apart from decorating the place, wall cladding and siding and be used for both interior and exterior. Moreover, it can also assist in enhancing the structural integrity of the building while catering purposes like insulation and waterproofing.
Primarily used to stop the wind and rain from entering the building, cladding and siding is the ‘skin’ of the building used as an extra layer to safeguard the areas around chimneys, roofs, windows, and doors from thermal insulation and weather resistance. Cladding and siding can be produced from a wide range of materials. These materials can include:
- Aluminium
- Wood
- Blends of Cement
- Recycled Polystyrene
- Wheat/rice straw fibres
Index
1. Purpose of Cladding and Siding
2. Types of Cladding and Siding
3. More about Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding
4. Advantages of Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding
5. Categories of Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding
6. What to Expect from Fibre Cement Cladding
8. The Overview of Cladding and Siding Market 2020
9. How Does A Multi-Head CNC Router Seamlessly Cut Large Cladding and Siding Materials?
10. Opt for the Best Tool and Programming for Cutting Cladding and Siding Materials
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1. Purpose of Cladding and Siding
Although the main purpose of cladding and siding is to provide an artistic and stylish appearance to the place it is being applied; still, the underlying, perhaps the main, purpose of cladding and siding it to cover the entire building. The best example of this is the bathroom or a coffee shop. The walls of a bathroom can be panelled while the interior of the coffee shop can be induced to provide a brick-wall effect to the cafe, hence, creating an impression on the visitor.
Besides, cladding and siding cal also is customized to pique or add interest, vibrancy, atmosphere, or something extra to add uniqueness to the area it is being used in. For instance, to create a differentiating factor between the office and the member’s lounge, one can use a comforting kind of pattern to contrast the two spaces.
2. Types of Cladding and Siding
Since cladding and siding is not a particular substance. It comprises multiple materials and the makeup of the applied cladding and siding depends on the dealer and the person choosing it. Depending upon the common choices, here are a few substances that are used in the making of cladding and siding:
● Metal
Perhaps, one of the most popular choices within the cladding and siding industry. Given the fact that metals are pretty versatile, durable, and can be installed easily allow the cladding and siding dealers to present this option to their customers. Besides, using metal also allows them to satisfy structural and functional purposes.
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● Composites
Composites possess the capability to emulate the most expensive cladding and sidings like that of asphalt or brick effect. Besides, it also prevents any kind of blockage on the structure it is being applied to. Also, it is beneficial for those buildings that are not capable of carrying the bulky weight of the actual stone.
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● Masonry
Useful for aligning a particular building with the aesthetics of its neighbors, Masonry is often seen as a stone facade applied to the exterior or interior of the building. This is done to simulate the look of an exposed wall.
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● Timber
If you are a fan of durable finish and profoundly attractive features, then timber cladding and siding is the right selection for you. Biodegradable as you like, timber like that of green oak will naturally age with time to provide a silver-grey outlook to your building. Besides, applying this will save your maintenance cost for the next 100 years!
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● Tiles
Hard to maintain, this cladding, as the name suggests, lends an outlook that is long-lasting and energy-efficient.
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● uPVC
Demanding very little maintenance, this cladding and siding is not only cost-effective but also a perfect layer of protection against severe and unrelenting weather conditions.
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● Stone Cladding and Siding
Lending a good aesthetic appeal to the building, this cladding and siding is best known for providing heat and sound insulation. Moreover, it is very durable and needs almost no maintenance.
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● Glass Cladding
The main purpose of this cladding and siding is to provide an artistic, modern, and stylish look to the building( on the outside).
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● Aluminum Cladding and Siding
Possibly, the most popular choice in terms of metal. Aluminum is an able ally of many construction companies. Apart from adding to the aesthetic appeal of the building, aluminum also lends a protective coating around the building. Further, using this is a cost-effective option because of its unmatched durability, weather-resistant, and immunity to rust and corrosion.
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– Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding
As mentioned in the types, composite cladding and siding have the capability of imitating the best and expensive cladding and siding of the market. However, did you ever thought how is that even possible?
The answer to this question lies in the composition of this cladding. Also known as the fiber cement cladding and siding, this immaculate cladding is made up of fibers of sand, cellulose, and cement. Although this cladding comes in different shapes and sizes, yet, the most in-demand structure of this cladding is its sheet form. The sheet form is a horizontal board that is used to cover the exterior of a building or a house.
3. More about Fiber Cement Cladding and Siding
Ranging from 2400-3000mm in length, 900-1200mm in width, and 4.5-8mm in thickness, the sheets of fiber cement cladding and siding are mostly divided into low-density and high-density boards.
While low-density boards tend to showcase rough edges upon cutting, the same cannot be said for its counterpart which provides more cleaner and smoother edges upon cutting. Also, the thermal resistance and sound transmission differ in the two categories.
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4. Advantages of Fibre Cement Cladding and Siding
Over other materials, this composite cladding and siding have its fair share of advantages over other variants of claddings:
● Lends protection against:
○ Rots
○ Termites
● Not affected by adverse weather conditions
● Strong resistance against fire damage and warping
● Protection against water damage
● Easy to apply
● Low maintenance required
● Environment-friendly
5. Categories of Fiber Cement Cladding and Siding
There is no hiding the advantages of this segment among the interior and exterior designers. And, perhaps, this is the reason why fiber cement cladding and siding is becoming more synonymous with designing. Nevertheless, following the pattern, here are a few categories of fiber cement siding and cladding that you must consider having in your house:
1. Shakes and Shingles:
Shakes and shingles of fiber cement cladding and siding can harness facaes of various shapes and sizes. On outside, considering the wear and tear it experiences, this category has the capability to impart and intimidate wood’s appearance. Coming both in individual pieces and panels, one can notice different shapes like that of straight, thatched and wavy edges.
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2. Shiplap Siding:
Butted against each other, Shiplap fiber cement siding, unlike horizontal lap siding, is installed using a groove and tongue system. Using this system, one can be assured of smooth and clean surface, a feature commonly sported by contemporary homes.
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3. Horizontal Lap Siding:
Perhaps, this is the most common example of fiber cement cladding and siding in residential arena. Also known as the dutch lap siding, this cladding features even and lond pieces that are more thicker at the bottom as compared to its top. And, this is the reason why it is installed from the bottom up while overlapping the previous siding.
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4. Vertical Siding:
If you are a fan of rustic look then this fiber cement siding is for. Vertical siding is something that lends rustic batten or a cleaner look while showcasing minimal lines.
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5. Soffit:
Coming both in the vented and the non-vented style, this category of cladding allows for a better and controlled airflow through the building.
6. What to Expect from Fiber Cement Cladding
Here are a few things that you must expect regarding the performance of fibre cement cladding and siding:
1. Protection from Moisture:
Though fibre cement is not a good water-resistant, manufacturers have developed various techniques and methods that allow them to manufacture fibre cement cladding that can strengthen building’s water-resistant envelope.
2. Thermal Insulation:
With the help of thermal breakage products, fibre cement cladding and siding can offer better thermal resistance as compared to its counterparts.
7. What about Aesthetics?
Another, probably the most important, sector of discussion. Fiber Cement Cladding’s main purpose is to add to the aesthetic appeal of the building. Nevertheless, here are a few sectors that can help you assess your aesthetic appeal of your fibre cladding and siding:
1. Colour:
Aesthetically speaking, the biggest benefit of getting fibre cement cladding and siding is that the user can pick from a variety of colours. Moreover, one can also get their paints and colours customized the way in the pre-painting process. Thus, implying, one can design the way they want it to be.
2. Corners:
This is a challenge that has troubled many architects in the past. However, thanks to innovation, this challenge has been refined to ease. Implying that with the help of highly-developed cutters like that of CNC machine, one can produce flawless and smooth corners regardless of the material they are using, and, fiber cement cladding and siding is no exception to this.
8. The Overview of Cladding and Siding Market 2020
Given its characteristics and advantages, it is convenient to consider that cladding and siding is becoming a go-to option for many builders. Thus, this leads to an increase in demand for various variants of cladding and siding, which, eventually, expands its market.
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To back the same, by 2016, the market was concluded at USD 70.89 billion at the end of the year. Moreover, the market is, now, projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% by 2025. With the increase in population and construction, of both residential and office spaces, the market is being driven with an idea of automated production and installation. This can only be backed with the possibility of using a CNC machine which is not only enhancing the rate of production but also fostering the growth of the industry.
Also, the wide availability of raw materials like aluminum, PVC, stones, steel, etc, at a reasonable price is contributing to the increase in the production levels. Moreover, consumers’ smartness and education are also helping the clause of these products. With consumers more interested than ever, they are demanding materials are light, easy to apply, and durable protective materials. To couple with this, they want the materials to be biodegradable and environmental-friendly solutions that can contribute to their wellness in the imminent future.
Other innovative ideas paired with the advancement in technology are another reason why cladding and siding are contributing more to the net growth avenues of both the CNC industry and construction industry. Considering the residential population, people now want walls that can look attractive and create an artistic vision with their vertical gardens. Hence, the increase in the demand for green panels.
● Product Insights
Materials that are highly durable and promote energy savings are going to be the center of attraction for many consumers. This is where terracotta comes into the picture. The market was already at 25% in 2016 and is predicted to outperform others by 2025. Terracotta, apart from the above-mentioned qualities, also enhances the thermal performance of the building. Besides, being a mortar-free product also makes it a favorite among the consumers belonging to the section of extreme weather conditions.
Keeping a close eye on the terracotta, fiber cement cladding and siding is creating a class of its own. With a predicted CAGR of 5.6% in the coming years, this cladding variant is the fastest-growing product. As indicated by the percentage and popularity of fiber cement cladding and siding, the panels from this range are expected to showcase a growth, in the years to follow, which will be significantly higher than its counterparts.
Conventionally reliable, PVC cladding and siding panel’s low-maintenance has found its share of lovers. With its solutions matching the requirements of waterproof decks and attractive living space, PVC cladding and siding is something that is best for those who reside in places experiencing harsh weather conditions. Moreover, as per the recent trend, the innovations have paved the way for a more durable combination of wood and plastic. This combination is engineered in factories with the help of CNC machines and is made to offer stability, adamant, and load-bearing solutions for better sustainability.
An inflammable and scratch-resistant material, ceramic is also one of those materials that have seen a rise in its demands in the cladding and siding industry. As home-owners seek more eco-friendly, sustainable, and safe options, the builders are fostering upon the prospect of making effective use of cladding and siding made from ceramic. Moreover, its resistance to extreme weather, low maintenance, and easy to clean which aids hygienic surroundings also makes it a homeowner’s favorite.
Apart from these, other materials used for cladding and siding like timber, weatherboards, glass, stone/brick show slow-growth despite their appealing and aesthetical benefits.
● Application Insights
When things centre around the application of the cladding and siding, then it is fair to say that the growth is predicted from all the sectors.
Considering the residential sector, the market marked an all-time high in 2016 with its 29.4% market share. Besides, carrying forward the same momentum, the cladding and siding market in the residential sector is expected to sport a CAGR of 5.9% in the imminent future. When considering emerging economies, like that of Asia-Pacific and Latin America, the market for cladding and siding is showing positive signs of growth in the residential sector.
Moreover, a revitalization of the housing market in North America has also contributed to the growth and popularity of cladding and siding. With a thought to provide sustainable and protective solutions, the builders are keeping a sizeable part of their budget ready for the production of cladding and siding of their consumer’s choice.
Coming to the commercial application of cladding and siding, the increase in the number of retail stores, malls, entertainment lounges, and other complexes has added to the increase in the market share of cladding and siding. Countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Singapore are active members contributing to the increase in the market share of cladding and siding.
The potential of investors transforms start-ups into unicorns and this metamorphosis promotes the development and expansion of office spaces. Besides, the need to create a corporate headquarter in every active nation also creates a good scope for builders to play more with the concept of innovating something with cladding and siding. The need to build high architectural standards pumps more cash into the cladding section and, thus, paving way for a bright future.
● Regional Insights
The increasing popularity and sales of cladding and siding in different Asian-Pacific countries are a few reasons why builders should be excited about the use of this material. Anyhow, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to show more rapid growth in this sector by 2020. Despite the deceleration of economic growth in many countries, infrastructure is one sector that will not slow down. Since regional governments are ramping up the production for a better future, the prospect of growth for cladding and siding is going to be the driving force of the economy. To assert the same, the healthy growth of construction in the South-Asian countries accounts for the stability that is being enjoyed by the Asian market.
In North America, the revitalization of the housing market has increased its chances in terms of emerging as the next region for the growth of the cladding and siding market. A predicted CAGR of over 5% by 2025 is proof of the same. The use of BIM technology, production of prefabricated buildings, and other trends are expected to shape the construction industry into a more dynamic prospect for the cladding and siding market.
● Competitive Insights
Characterized by large and small players, the cladding and siding industry has found itself to be rapidly growing and getting more advanced, in terms of technology. Besides, the entry of big and established brands is also a big boost for its overall growth. Moreover, the existing companies are joining hands to collaborate and engage in the R&D to find more innovative and sustainable solutions for the production of cladding and siding.
Also, the growing focus on all-round provides and the increasing importance on viable eco-friendly products has forced the companies to mend their ways and think on alternate lines.
9. How Does A Multi-Head CNC Router Seamlessly Cut Large Cladding and Siding Materials?
The use of saw, notches, turret punches, and guillotines was the conventional way for crafting and designing beautiful, but not accurate, cladding and slides. Besides, the process was laborious and demanded a lot of time and effort.
Nevertheless, globalization and technological advancement ensured that the process of producing cladding and siding material went under a big makeover. Making the manufacturer’s opinion, of making a finding efficient and reliable machine, the centre of the discussion, machine maker introduced the concept of CNC machine into the market. Though synonymous with kitchen cabinets, a CNC router possesses the capability of cutting almost anything under the same. Moreover, this machine ensures that the cutting process is efficient and accurate.
Therefore, when cladding and siding manufacturers laid their hands on this machine they were astonished by the increased amount of their work. With an easy-to-use use software, quick to learn codes and feeds they were elated with their work. Besides they were able to process all types of cladding and siding materials, at a faster pace and on a more consistent level!
Before the advent of this machine, the consistency and reliability of the output were the major issues that bugged the whole industry. However, with CNC machine makers like OMNI CNC into the system, things changed for the good. They delivered a CNC Router that can handle the full sheet of the cladding material as a single piece.
Routers like Pneumatic Tool Change CNC Router made the designing process very easy. The manufacturing process only required the worker to maintain the tool path by saving the position of cutters. Furthermore, it made the process faster by supporting a system of spindles integrated to control the multi-head CNC routers from 2 to 8 pieces. The spindles worked in tandem just like a normal CNC router with an auto tool changer.
Also, the Pneumatic Tool Change CNC Router supports manufacturers to arrange different paths for different spindles/cutters. If coding is done properly, the machine will ensure that according to the instruction each cutter fulfills the function and follows the other sequentially.
The biggest benefit that manufacturers have noticed is that, while using the Pneumatic Tool Change CNC Router, the process has taken place at a rapid pace, the cutter change too takes places at a very high speed which barely accounts to 2 seconds, and the other spindle/cutter can be seen warming up for its process when the first is about to complete it’s designated task. Also, this CNC router is easy to maintain, replace, and there is no tool altering problem.
Apart from the Pneumatic Tool Change CNC Router, one can also use Synchronized Multi-Spindle CNC Router. However, this type of CNC router is usually suggested to manufacturers who mainly do batch work. This router is very competent and can complete at least 2 work pieces at a go. Apart from that, it supports almost 12 spindles which imply that the manufacturer can work on 12 work pieces at a time.
This type of router needs a z-plate to operate. Also, the thick and wide features allow the machine to stay strong and eliminate vibrations whenever a spindle/cutter hits or cuts a hard material. Thus, ensuring processing accuracy.
It is imperative to make the most of the provided material to reduce the overheads and to minimize the waste material. However, considering the number of projects one can receive one can understand that the conventional method is not the answer to keep the above aspect intact. This is where a multi-head CNC router comes into the picture and makes things easy and efficient.
10. Opt for the Best Tool and Programming for Cutting Cladding and Siding Materials
As with any other material, it is important to understand that the CNC router, despite its astonishing applications, has its limitations. And, these should be taken into consideration while selecting the router for the work. Besides, it becomes important to consider the best tool and programming to match the parameters required to produce the desired cladding and siding production.
So, to help you out, here are a few guidelines that should be followed for best output:
● Tooling:
Understanding the requirement of the material and the tool that can work on it is very important. For instance, the tool used for cutting composite cladding and siding is not the same as that of fiber cement cladding. The fact that both the cladding and siding has their set of unique properties, it becomes imperative to decide which tool to use for which material because an error in selection can impact the router in a sever manner.
Also, while performing cladding and siding, one should consider using up-cut routing tools to ensure that they have an adequate vacuum system to catch the chips and dust coming out from edges. In case you need to make mounting holes in the cladding and siding pieces, you should use drilling tools at the end of the process.
● Feeds and Speeds:
Right feeds and speeds may vary greatly depending on the material being performed. Some routers may cut at a speed of 600 inches per minute or higher while others may go down a tad slower than the mentioned speed. Hence, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the machine and going through the software program operator for choosing the correct setting.
● Cycle Time:
Wrong feeds and speeds for cladding and siding can impact the whole processing cycle by making it slower. Besides, the CNC router will face unexpected passes and will require constant monitoring. And, in case, if the first pass is not “clean” then your work may require additional and grooving cycle. Further, if it didn’t cut this then the post-routing will require you to operate manually. Thus, decreasing the quality and accuracy of your work.
The path of quality you choose for your work depends a lot on your ability to map the requirement of the material to a suitable router. Apart from that, your usage of the right tools, its feeds and speeds, and comprehension of other related factors will decide the level of your production.
