What is cladding?

Cladding refers to a covering or coating applied to the exterior of a building or structure. Its primary purpose is to protect the underlying materials from environmental factors such as weather, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. Cladding can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, providing a finished look that can vary in style and materials, including wood, metal, vinyl, or stone.

Additionally, cladding can improve building insulation and energy efficiency when installed with the appropriate materials, but its main definition emphasizes it as an exterior layer rather than insulation itself or structural components. Fastening components and structural frameworks, while essential in construction, serve different functions and do not describe cladding's role in providing an external protective layer or finish to the building's façade.