House Cladding Cost

Installing insulation should be done with care as it is necessary to allow a gap for air circulation to ensure that there is no condensation problem following installation.

New Fascia & Soffits

Having new uPVC cladding is likely to highlight any other roofline features that may need repair, repainting or replacing. If they are made from timber, it will be possible to repaint your fascia and soffits, which will improve the appearance without the need to replace them.

The cost to paint the fascia and soffits for an average semi-detached house will cost in the region of £800. However, if they are made from uPVC, then you may need to replace them.

Replacing the fascia and soffits on your home will cost approximately £1500 for a semi-detached house with a hipped roof and good access.

As a less expensive option, you may wish to just cap your fascia and soffits, which simply means putting new on top of old without taking the existing out. The cost of this work will vary depending on the size of the property, but for a semi-detached house, the average price will be around £750.

Guttering

As with fascia and soffits, the installation of new uPVC cladding may show up your guttering if it is not in optimum condition. Fitting new guttering will cost around £500 for an average-sized semi-detached house.

Of course, your guttering may just need to be cleaned and the average cost to clean guttering is around £125.

Labour Costs and Time Frames

When budgeting for the cost of labour to fit uPVC cladding to your home, it will be necessary to consider the size of the area to be clad.

This will also have an impact on the amount of time that the work will take. For example, the entire exterior of a house will take a lot longer than a gable end or a porch and cost more.

Cost to Fit uPVC Cladding

A professional uPVC cladding installation company will include the cost of labour in the price quoted to you.

Normally there would be at least two people required to carry out the work, and the cost would be approximately £250-£300 per day for both.

How Long Does It Take?

To cover a gable with uPVC cladding will take no more than a day while cladding half a house would take approximately 1-2 days and a whole house, depending on size, 2-3 days. The way the cladding is installed may increase the installation time, for example, if the cladding is being fitted diagonally rather than horizontally or vertically.

If the work involves removing old cladding that is being replaced, then the process will take longer, and the cost of labour will also increase. Of course, this is something you could do yourself to reduce the time that the fitters are on-site and reduce your labour costs.

What is uPVC Wall Cladding?

External wall cladding protects the structural walls of a house from the weather, it can incorporate insulation to improve the energy performance of the property, and it contributes to the external appearance. uPVC cladding consists of lengths of un-plasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), which is a type of rigid plastic.

There are two main profiles or shapes of uPVC cladding commonly available: shiplap and V-joint, which both come in a range of colours and woodgrain effect options.

It can be applied to the exterior of a house via a framework of timber battens fixed to the walls. The choice of uPVC cladding means that once it is installed, it requires very little maintenance.

Unlike timber cladding which will require regular protection from the effects of the weather uPVC will not degrade or rot and will look good with just being washed down occasionally.

It will provide a layer of protection for the external walls by repelling water, and good quality uPVC cladding will contain UV-resistant titanium-dioxide, which means that sunlight will have minimal impact and the colour should not fade.

uPVC cladding can be used on house renovations, new builds or as a refurbishment of the exterior of your home to give a fresh look. There are a variety of styles and colours, so there is a choice for most types of home.

It can be used as a feature, for example, just on a gable wall or combined with other materials such as brick or render to blend into its surroundings.

Cost Affecting Factors of Fitting uPVC Wall Cladding

There are many things to consider when you decide to install cladding on the exterior of your home, and the uPVC cladding cost will depend on several factors.

Size of Area to be Clad

The size of the area to be clad will have a significant impact on the cost of the project. Just cladding a gable end or a porch will not be as expensive as covering half or all of a house.

Each board of shiplap cladding at 150mm wide and 5 metre lengths will cover an area of 0.75 square metres while V-joint cladding is usually 100mm wide but also comes in 5 metre lengths and will cover 0.5 square metre.

Therefore, the uPVC cladding cost per square metre will be an important consideration.

Property Location

The location of your property within the UK will also affect the price that you pay as prices will be higher in London and the southeast than in the rest of the country.

Similarly, if your property is in a remote or very rural area, the costs may be increased.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding will be used by most uPVC cladding installers, and this cost will be integrated into the price that you will pay.

If you are carrying out the work yourself, you will need to decide if you are going to have professional scaffolding put up or work from a scaffold tower or ladder. This decision will often be determined by the area that is being clad.

If the whole exterior of a house is being covered with uPVC cladding, then professionally erected scaffolding is a safer option, but if the area is small like a porch or gable, then a scaffold tower or even a ladder could be used.

Access

Ease of access to the area being fitted with uPVC cladding will also affect the price.

An awkward or difficult to reach area will involve more labour and therefore may incur more costs.

Choice of Cladding

The type of cladding that you choose will have an impact as there are different profiles such as shiplap and V-joint as well as plain white or coloured, woodgrain effect.

The cheapest option is the plain white uPVC cladding which can look aesthetically pleasing if done properly.

Of course, you may decide to mimic timber cladding with a low maintenance option such as wood grain uPVC which will cost more than plain white but creates a more upscale look.

What Does Fitting uPVC Wall Cladding Entail?

The first consideration with an external uPVC cladding installation will be what look you wish to achieve and which direction it will be installed. Most types of uPVC cladding can be fitted horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

There are two different profiles of uPVC cladding, shiplap and V-joint. Both use a tongue and groove connection system with shiplap having a longer lip than V-joint.

Which style you choose will also determine how much cladding is needed as shiplap boards cover 0.75 square metres while V-joint covers just 0.5 square metres.

To ensure that it is accurate enough, cladding measurements should be taken of the area to be covered, and a 10% allowance made for cuts and wastage.

• Most sub-surfaces that uPVC cladding is fitted to will require the addition of preservative-treated timber battens.
  These are fixed to the external walls to accept the fixings for the cladding trims and boards.
• The vertical timber battens are normally 25mm x 38mm to allow for adequate ventilation behind the cladding.
• These battens are placed at 600mm centres, and all the battens should be checked with a level to ensure consistent evenness of the boards.
• Once the battens are fitted, the fixing trims are nailed into place to accept the boards. Stainless steel cladding pins are most commonly used for this.
• The trims at top and bottom are normally a variation of a universal channel, or U channel with the corner trims accepting boards at a 90°angle.
  Edge and drip trims are installed around windows.
• Starter trim is used at the bottom of the installation, and this provides a neat finish.
• Starting at the bottom, the first board is installed with a 5mm expansion gap allowed at each end.
• Boards are nailed first in the centre and then at each end.
• The installation is done from the bottom to the top with regular checks that the boards are being fitted level.
• The overlap of the subsequent boards hides the fixings of the preceding board, so the nails are never visible.
• At the top of the installation, it may not be possible to fit a complete board, and this may need to be cut to fit.
• Most uPVC cladding boards come in 5 metre lengths. If the area covered is longer than 5 metres, then a joint trim is used to butt lengths together.
• When all the boards have been fitted, a cover trim is used to hide the edges at the top and corners.

Quotes for uPVC cladding do not normally include any additional insulation or backing felt, so if you require extra insulation to improve the thermal properties of the external walls, then this would normally be quoted separately.

Most new uPVC cladding boards on the market are white, and although there is a wide choice of colours available today, white is much cheaper and therefore much more common.

DIY Fitting uPVC Wall Cladding

An external uPVC cladding installation can be done as a DIY project with some planning and the correct tools.

First, you need to decide which type of profile you want and whether you want to install it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

As with any DIY or home improvement project, it is important to work carefully to avoid injury. Having the right tools to do the job will also reduce the risks of personal injury or accidents.

Tools Required

The following is a recommended list of tools for installing uPVC cladding as a DIY project:

• Measuring tape
• Level
• Pencil for marking
• Fine tooth saw
• Hammer
• Stainless steel cladding nails

Dangers of DIY uPVC Cladding Installation

Any DIY project can be dangerous but particularly work that is done at height should be approached with caution.

If you are working from a ladder or scaffold tower, then you should have another person with you to hold the ladder or to pass tools and materials to you safely on a tower or platform. Using a saw or power tools can result in cuts if used incorrectly or without full attention and crush injuries can occur from heavy equipment or materials trapping fingers or limbs.

Working carefully and attentively should reduce the risk of accidents or injuries, but it will never be completely eliminated, so any DIY work should be undertaken with care.

Personal Protection Equipment

Safety equipment recommended for DIY installation of uPVC cladding:

• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Safety boots

uPVC cladding installation can be done under permitted development and as such does not need to be signed off by a professional as it does not fall under Building Regulations.

If you are replacing old cladding with new, then you could remove this yourself and pay a professional to fit the new cladding.

This would save you some of the labour cost, which can be between £250-£300 for a team of two people.

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Choosing uPVC Wall Cladding

The two most common profiles used in external uPVC cladding installations are shiplap and V-joint or tongue and groove.

The names refer to the way the boards fit together.

This can also have an impact on their respective strength, structural integrity and of course, appearance.

Shiplap Cladding Costs

The term 'shiplap' refers to any kind of board or cladding that is laid so that one overlaps the one below.

It is a very effective way of weatherproofing, and the technique may have originated in shipbuilding.

uPVC shiplap cladding boards are usually around 150mm wide and come in 5 metre lengths. They are available in white as well as several other colours and also in different effects such as woodgrain or render.

Installing this type of cladding is relatively straightforward and easy as the boards fit together by a clip system so could be done as a DIY project.

They are lightweight yet very durable and require little maintenance to keep them in good condition. uPVC shiplap cladding can be used to cover large external wall areas and provide effective wet weather resistance as well as a degree of thermal enhancement.

The average shiplap uPVC cladding cost per square metre is £25-£45.

Pros of uPVC shiplap cladding:

• ✔ Longer lip provides better protection against moisture and rain.
• ✔ Better for areas where the weather is harsh.
• ✔ Aesthetically improves the exterior of a property.

Cons of uPVC shiplap cladding:

• ✖ Guaranteed for only 10-20 years.
• ✖ Colours of some poorer quality products may fade in strong sunlight.
• ✖ Top-quality can be as expensive as timber cladding.

V-joint Cladding Costs

V-joint cladding is also called tongue and groove cladding and is fitted together to give a tight join between the boards.

The protrusion or 'tongue' on one board slots into the channel or 'groove' in another board making a weather-resistant connection.

The typical size of V-joint uPVC cladding is around 100mm, and it normally comes in 5 metre lengths. The boards are easy to install as they are quite light, although they are robust and provide a good level of protection for the exterior of a house.

V-joint cladding is available in a variety of colours and can be formed with a woodgrain or textured render effect to mimic more natural products. It is relatively simple to install and can be done as a DIY project.

The boards are lightweight, making them easy to handle and the installation process is not complicated. This type of external cladding is more suited to smaller areas such as gable ends or as a design feature on the outside of a property.

The average V-joint uPVC cladding cost per square metre is £30-£60.

Pros of V-joint cladding:

• ✔ Gives a neat finish as boards are locked close together.
• ✔ Protects against the elements and is a good insulator.
• ✔ Strength of the join between boards makes it a sturdy option.

Cons of V-joint cladding:

• ✖ Poorer quality material may allow gaps due to shrinkage or warping
• ✖ Hard to remove and replace a single piece if damaged.
• ✖ Best suited to coverage of smaller areas such as gable ends.

Alternatives to uPVC Wall Cladding

There are several alternatives to the uPVC cladding that you could consider.

The most common is timber cladding which is available in different types of timber which are suitable for external exposure.

Timber Cladding

Timber cladding has become very popular in recent times, and one of the most popular choices is cedar. This is one of the types of timber which are most suitable for external cladding due to their natural ability to resist moisture and insect attack.

Larch, oak and Douglas fir are some of the other popular choices due to their durability. Installation of timber cladding is potentially trickier than uPVC as if it is not done correctly the timber can deteriorate and rot.

For this reason and the fact that the timber boards will be heavier and more difficult to handle this may be a job for a professional installer rather than a DIY effort.

Timber cladding provides a beautiful finish to the exterior of a home, and it also gives a layer of weather protection. However, it will require regular and proper maintenance to keep it looking good and providing protection to the external walls.

Pros of timber cladding:

• ✔ Natural and beautiful appearance.
• ✔ Looks good for contemporary or traditional settings.
• ✔ A sustainable product with a long lifespan.

Cons of timber cladding:

• ✖ Will probably require professional installation to ensure longevity and quality.
• ✖ One of the most expensive options for external cladding.
• ✖ Needs regular maintenance to keep it looking good and functioning as protection.

Fibre Cement Cladding

Fibre cement cladding is an engineered mixture of sand, cement and cellulose fibre that is moisture, insect, and fire-resistant. It will not rot and will not shrink or split so is extremely durable.

As a cladding, it offers both decorative and protective properties and is available in coloured and textured finishes. Fibre cement cladding can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally.

It is relatively easy to install, albeit labour intensive, and there are tools that can be used so that the installation can be carried out by one person. This type of cladding can be used in conjunction with other materials to create a bespoke effect that can be either classic or contemporary.

Pros of fibre cement cladding:

• ✔ Resistant to fire, pest, and moisture damage.
• ✔ Will not shrink or crack with temperature changes.
• ✔ Relatively easy to install.

Cons of fibre cement cladding:

• ✖ Can look industrial on a domestic property.
• ✖ Any cut edges have to be sealed prior to fitting.
• ✖ Specialist tools required for cutting and trimming.

Brick

Brick cladding is formed by attaching brick slips to a backboard with a strong epoxy adhesive, and these are then fitted to the exterior of a building. The fixings on the panels are then hidden when the bricks are pointed, meaning that the look is very authentic, but the process is relatively quick.

This type of cladding can be done as a DIY job, and any size of brick slip can be attached to the backing board, making it an easily customisable option. There are GRP (glass reinforced plastic) brick slip panels available too, but these are more temporary and suitable for structures that require a lightweight cladding such as a film set or in a theme park.

Pros of brick cladding:

• ✔ Can achieve the look of a brick-built building but is quicker and less labour intensive.
• ✔ It is possible to install this type of cladding as a DIY project.
• ✔ Any size of brick slip can be added to the backing board, making it bespoke.

Cons of brick cladding:

• ✖ Close examination will show that the facade is cladding rather than full brickwork.
• ✖ If one brick slip is damaged it may be necessary to remove the whole panel.
• ✖ May not last as long as genuine brickwork.

Stone

Stone cladding encompasses a wide variety of styles, designs and textures which can be used externally or internally. There are as many types of stone cladding as there are types of stone so depending on what look you are hoping to achieve there is likely to be a stone cladding option to suit your project.

It can be used as a feature on just one wall or as a complete facade for an entire building. Stone cladding can be installed by anyone with competent DIY skills and does not have to be professionally fitted.

There are some areas where stone cladding is not suitable for example around a swimming pool or where there is running water as the stone may become discoloured. Applying stone cladding will not increase the strength of the wall it is applied to and should not be considered a reinforcing agent.

Pros of stone cladding:

• ✔ Does not require professional installation and can be done as a DIY project.
• ✔ Gives a building character and a solid appearance.
• ✔ Can be applied to most wall surfaces.

Cons of stone cladding:

• ✖ Requires substantial preparation for some wall surfaces prior to installation.
• ✖ Some stone cladding may need to be sealed regularly to protect it.
• ✖ Salt deposits can appear on the stone surface as moisture evaporates through it.

Render

Render is the most commonly used external wall covering for protection and decoration and has been around for a long time. There are several different types of render so which you choose will depend on the needs of the building, the location, and your budget.

Mineral render is a mixture of cement, lime, and polymers. It is a breathable external wall covering and as such is one of the quickest drying when applied.

Although it is a durable product it does require painting to protect it. Silicone render is an effective waterproof render and is often pre-coloured meaning that it will not require painting after application.

As it repels water it also repels dirt which means that it has an element of self-cleaning. Acrylic render is quite durable but not as waterproof as silicone render.

That said it will resist cracking and comes in various colour options which maintain their vibrancy longer than surface paints. Render can be applied as a smooth or textured coat according to personal preference.

Most renders need painting after application, adding to the overall cost.

Pros of render:

• ✔ Pre-coloured versions remove the need for post application painting of the wall.
• ✔ Silicone render is hardwearing, water resistant and self-cleaning.
• ✔ Render protects underlying brickwork from the weather.

Cons of render:

• ✖ Cannot be effectively applied as a DIY job and requires professional application.
• ✖ Often seen as an old fashioned option for external walls.

Benefits of uPVC Wall Cladding

There are many benefits to installing uPVC cladding on the exterior of a property from instantly transforming the look to protecting the structure of your home.

Home Improvement

The instant change in appearance to the exterior of your house that uPVC cladding will achieve can enhance the look of your home in a very short period of time.

The ease of installation for uPVC cladding means that within a couple of days your home can be transformed and given an impressive uplift.

uPVC cladding can be used to replace rotten timber cladding or to cover up unsightly render or poor brickwork, simultaneously giving your house a refreshing makeover.

Low Maintenance

uPVC cladding requires little maintenance due to its resilience and durability. Once installed the most that it will need is occasional washing down with a diluted detergent solution to remove dirt and grime.

Timber cladding is prone to rot and insect attack and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good, so uPVC is a good alternative.

Protection

By fitting uPVC cladding you are protecting your walls from the worst effects of the weather. As a durable and robust material uPVC will resist the damage from heavy and prolonged rain, harsh frosts, and strong sunlight.

Uncovered brickwork will suffer from the impact of adverse weather and temperature changes so installing cladding will help to preserve it especially the pointing which is prone to cracking.

Appearance

There is a wide range of colours and textures available in uPVC cladding so it is possible to choose a product which will alter the look of your home completely. This is a quick and inexpensive way to change the appearance of the property whilst also protecting the external facade.

Cost of removing uPVC Wall Cladding

Cladding is one of those aspects of a property that you either like or dislike. If you purchase a property which has uPVC cladding you may want to remove it completely or replace it with new uPVC or timber cladding.

Cost to Remove uPVC Cladding

The cost to remove cladding will be around £150-£250 per day. This work could be done by one person but most often there will be a team of two and this means the job will be completed quicker.

Of course, you could remove the uPVC cladding yourself and save the cost of hiring someone to do it for you. The process is relatively simple, but you should be aware that working at height can be dangerous, and it is recommended that you have another person helping if only for safety reasons.

Disposing of old uPVC cladding may pose a problem as most local authority recycling centres do not have the facility to accept them. There are specialist companies which operate solely in the market of recycling materials that cannot be disposed of in recycling centres, but some will charge for their service.

The prices will vary, and it is a good idea to get a quotation before you commit to using the services of one of these companies. Other companies will actually pay you for your old uPVC, so it is worth researching your options locally.

Timeframe to Remove uPVC Cladding

Depending on the amount of cladding to be removed, it should take 1-2 days provided that it is a straightforward job.

The task of removing something such as uPVC cladding is always easier than installing it however care should be taken if the existing cladding is to be replaced with new cladding as you may want to maintain the framework of timber battens in order to affix the new cladding.

FAQs

How to Find & Hire a uPVC Wall Cladding Fitter

While it is possible to fit uPVC cladding yourself many people prefer to hire a professional and experienced fitter to do the work. Some are not confident enough in their DIY capabilities or not comfortable working at height.

There are, of course, those who are elderly or physically not able to do the work themselves, and in these circumstances, it will be necessary to hire a professional fitter.

Cost to Hire a uPVC Cladding Fitter

The cost to hire someone to fix uPVC cladding to your house will depend on the size of the property, the amount of cladding to be fitted and the area that you live in.

The cost to install uPVC white shiplap cladding to an area of approximately 50 square metres is around £1500-£2000 while to fit coloured V-joint uPVC cladding to an area of 150 square metres will cost in the region of £8000-£9000.

How to Find a uPVC Cladding Fitter

The best route to finding a competent and reputable contractor to work on your home will be through recommendation.

If you know people who have had similar projects carried out on their property then you could ask about the service they received, the quality of the workmanship and the treatment of their home while tradesmen were working on it. These are all useful pieces of information, but of course, you also want to find out about the qualifications and experience which you can ask a contractor directly about. The kind of trade that would normally do this work include roofers and general builders.

Insurance

Anyone working on your home, especially if they're going to be working at height should have insurance in place such as public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Public liability insurance as the name implies is designed to protect members of the public from any illness or damage caused by the tradesman's actions.

Professional indemnity covers claims made by the client of the tradesman against negligence or mistakes in the work carried out.

Sources

https://www.nationalplastics.co.uk/external-cladding.html