The right selection of cladding materials can have a remarkably positive impact on property valuation – and the varying outcomes for different cladding products can be stark. Moreover, the choice of cladding material also affects payable insurance premiums.
How does the external cladding material influence the value of a property?
Key Points
- Chosen wisely, exterior cladding can significantly boost property value for both homes and commercial buildings and should be considered an investment.
- The right cladding systems can improve street appeal, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, energy efficiency, weather protection and, when DtS non-combustible cladding is used, fire safety.
- Non-combustible cladding materials must now be used for all new builds and renovations in Australia that have external cladding. For commercial, industrial, and high-rise residential buildings, this must be a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) non-combustible cladding product.
What is Exterior Cladding?
Exterior cladding is a popular architectural solution that covers the external walls of a house or a commercial, industrial, or high-rise residential building. Acting as a “skin” for the structure, and depending on the specific cladding material used, it can deliver an array of benefits, including:
- Enhanced street appeal
- Durability and structural protection
- Weather resistance
- Improved thermal and acoustic insulation
- Higher energy efficiency
- Improved fire safety performance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Sustainability
How Does Cladding Affect Property Valuation?
For homes, commercial, and industrial premises, exterior cladding is a crucial factor in the ultimate quality and performance of the building. For building owners who invest in superior cladding materials that are visually versatile, fire-safety compliant, durable, sustainable, and energy efficient, the outcome delivers further in terms of boosting the value of the property.
A property with attractive, well-maintained cladding will stand out, appeal to prospective buyers, and command a higher sale price than similar properties that have dated, unattractive, or unsafe exteriors. This benefit derives from the ability of a great cladding material to elevate the property’s curb appeal, enhance its aesthetics, and provide critical protection for the building against Australia’s harsh climate and weather extremes. The right product will also boost the fire safety performance of the building and help protect it and its occupants in case of a fire.
How Does Cladding Affect Insurance Premiums?
Cladding protects a building against harsh weather and can offer enhanced protection against weathering, ageing, and damage caused by wind, rain, hail, coastal conditions, UV, pollution, and extreme temperatures.
A home with non-combustible cladding or a commercial/industrial/high-rise apartment building with DtS non-combustible cladding also performs much better in a fire; these materials will not ignite or spread flames, thereby giving occupants more time to evacuate and firefighters more time to gain control of a fire before it spreads. Non-combustible cladding is favoured by insurance companies and reflected in the premiums charged.
The type of cladding used is imperative, and older buildings with non-compliant combustible cladding (e.g. aluminium composite panels with combustible cores) may be difficult, if not impossible, to insure; if insurance is granted, premiums will likely be exceedingly high.
Non-Combustible Aluminium Cladding – Your Superior Choice
Mitsubishi ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, exclusively available in Australia at Network Architectural, offers exceptional non-combustible cladding solutions that deliver outstanding outcomes, including the enhancement of resale values and reduced insurance premiums. ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is the gold-standard DtS non-combustible aluminium cladding product designed for Australian commercial and industrial applications (including high-rise residential towers).
ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is a world-class product designed specifically for the Australian market. It is manufactured from thin aluminium sheets which sandwich a non-combustible mineral fibre core.
ALPOLIC™ NC/A1:
- is extremely durable and versatile
- is thin and lightweight
- is relatively quick and easy to install
- performs exceptionally well in all weather conditions
- is non-combustible, NCC-compliant, and Deemed-to-Satisfy
- requires no ongoing maintenance or cleaning
- comes in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns
- is sustainable and 100% recyclable
- comes with a manufacturer’s 20-year full replacement warranty
Alternatively, the ALPOLIC™/fr range is designed for houses and buildings under 18 metres high.
Summing Up…
While there is indeed a plethora of options when it comes to the exterior of your building, cladding is a fantastic idea for all of the abovementioned reasons. Furthermore, choosing premium DtS non-combustible aluminium cladding delivers in myriad ways – not least of which is boosting the appeal, safety, and future resale value of the property. It is unarguably a wise investment. See more