If you're looking to improve the appearance and functionality of your home’s exterior or interior, hiring a hipages cladding installer is a great investment. With their expertise for installing various cladding materials, our professionals will enhance your property’s insulation, weather resistance and overall aesthetic. Here’s what you can expect from a local cladding installer.

What is cladding?

Cladding involves applying a layer of material to the walls of your building. The purpose of cladding is to protect your home from the elements – whether that’s rain, wind or sunshine. Cladding can also provide thermal and sound insulation, and even fire resistance.

There are various types of cladding materials your hipages cladding installer may prefer to use, including stone, vinyl, wood, steel and composite materials. Each material has its own unique benefits, such as durability, aesthetic appeal and maintenance, so it’s important to speak to your professional about which one will suit your project.

What does a cladding installer do?

A cladding installer is a professional who specialises in installing cladding to the walls of buildings. On hipages you’ll find a range of experts who have the skills, expertise and knowledge to properly install different types of cladding materials to ensure your property is well protected against the elements.

Cladding installers will assess your building and discuss the best type of cladding to use. They will also advise you about the various other options available, which will help you choose the most appropriate cladding material that meets their needs and budget.

Once the cladding material is chosen, your tradie will then carefully install the cladding. This process involves:

• Accurately measuring and cutting the cladding material to fit the wall surface
• Securing the cladding in place
• Ensuring the cladding is properly sealed to prevent water from getting in

Your cladding installer will not only ensure that the cladding meets current building codes, Australian Standards and fire and safety regulations – they will also provide advice on how to maintain and care for your cladding so that it lasts for years to come.

Installing cladding can have many benefits for the structure of your home, including:

• Protecting it from the elements
• Enhancing its visual appearance
• Improving thermal and sound insulation
• Reducing maintenance over the long term

What are the different types of cladding?

Your hipages cladding installer will discuss all the different types of cladding to suit your budget and the personality of your home. Common cladding materials include:

• Stone
• uPVC
• Wood
• Steel

Stone cladding

Stone cladding can enhance the appearance of a home or office building, but natural stone such as marble and granite are often more expensive than the alternatives. In businesses, stone cladding can be used in lobbies and reception areas, while marble cladding is popular in luxury bathrooms.

uPVC cladding

Regarded as the most economical type of cladding, uPVC is a low-maintenance and highly durable cladding. A wide range of colour options are available to complement any style of home.

Wood cladding

Timber cladding, like stone, can be used for the exterior or interior of a home. Because timber is a living resource, each panel range will have unique characteristics, size and thickness. The cladding ends of each timber panel also require pre-treatment against moisture, or else the panels may lift and warp. Popular types of timber for cladding include pine, spruce, cedar and larch.

Steel cladding

Stronger and longer-lasting than uPVC, steel cladding has full insulation on the back of the panels, making it an ideal choice for warm Australian climates. This metal cladding is manufactured in long lengths to limit the appearance of unsightly joints and is available in plain designs as well as embossed wood-grain finish.

Most of these cladding materials can be applied by a hipages cladding installer both externally and internally. You can also choose full or partial cover, as you may only want to clad areas that are exposed to the elements, such as exterior walls, garages and porches.

How much does a cladding installer cost?

Cladding installers may charge by the square metre or per hour. According to ArchiPro, you can expect to pay between $55–$80 per hour, depending on where you live and the specifics of the project.

Cladding costs vary depending on the material. Not including installation, you may be quoted around:

• $3.25–$11.75 per linear metre for timber cladding
• $14–$36.50 per square metre for aluminium or steel cladding
• $30–$100 per square metre for vinyl/uPVC cladding
• $100–$150 per square metre for stone veneer

For advice about saving money on your project, read our guide to cladding on a budget.

What are the benefits of hiring a cladding installer?

Hiring a hipages cladding installer provides numerous benefits, including:

Professional installation: Your cladding installer will have the skills to install cladding correctly and in compliance with Australian building codes and regulations.

Time-saving: Professional installers can complete the job quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.

Cost-effective: With their knowledge of the industry, a cladding installer can help you select the most cost-effective cladding materials to ensure the installation is done right the first time.

Increased property value: Installing high-quality cladding can enhance the visual appeal and value of your property.

Long-lasting results: Getting a professional cladding installer will ensure the cladding lasts for many years to come, providing you with long-term protection and savings on maintenance costs.

What to ask when hiring a cladding installer

When comparing quotes from local cladding installers near you, make sure to ask questions like:

• Are you licensed in this state?
• Is your work covered by insurance?
• Can you provide references or examples of previous cladding work?
• Does your quote include everything or will there be hidden costs?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.