The Evolution of the Simple Weatherboard Cladding

Weatherboards have long been a fixture on Australia’s housing landscape and as time has passed the simple, obvious weatherboard cladding has evolved into a cladding system that can offer people so much more than just weatherboards.

As baby-boomers my parents were skeptical about looking into weatherboard cladding when they were renovating their home to sell. I explained that a friend of mine had recently used cladding and the results had been amazing. The range of weatherboard cladding systems available today is extensive and the ranges of styles and colours on offer are massive. This was enough to convince my parents to at least “check it out”.

We headed to Mitten Vinyl (www.MittenVinyl.com.au) to get a better idea and understanding of the modern weatherboard cladding systems. The visit exceeded all our expectations as the experienced and knowledgeable staff showed us around and informed us on all the benefits of the cladding systems they have available. They also answered all of our questions about the weathering factor of weatherboards, the costs involved and the selling benefits of cladding. We found out that weatherboard cladding is: extremely durable and can withstand a lifetime of weather; cost effective and much cheaper than many other alternative building materials; and it can turn a battered home into a marketable piece of real estate by adding an aesthetically pleasing exterior that makes a home look new.

After a few looks and a quick chat my parents could see the benefits of using weatherboard cladding on their home and quickly began picking their favourite colours and styles. It is now a year later and although the house sold 6 months ago we still often drive by it and admire the work done by Mitten Vinyl.

If you’re thinking of brightening up your home or looking for insulation options then call Mitten Vinyl today and they’ll be able to help – Ph: 1300 66 55 43. You won’t be disappointed.

House Cladding for the Do It Yourself Expert

Are you a DIY expert looking for your next project? Have you unblocked your own sink? Or built your own house fencing? Or maybe you’ve done your own renovations? But have you done your own house cladding?

With the rise of DIY amongst Australian’s Mitten Vinyl has recognised a market for their DIY house cladding packs. House cladding is a great material to use on your home, especially if you are looking to increase the value of your house in a budget conscious way. Other materials can become costly, especially brick, so why not consider the alternatives.

The variety of house cladding materials will make it hard to pick as there are many aesthetically pleasing cladding systems that will match your wants and your home. If you are looking for a DIY project that combines cost saving and good looks then this could be your next project.

If you’re still not convinced that a house cladding system is for you then consider its other benefit – house cladding is a superior insulator. That means your house will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter – a great selling point if you want to sell your home or a great reason to stay. Insulation not only makes you more comfortable but saves you money on energy bills.

At Mitten Vinyl they understand that even the best “DIYer” can get it wrong which is why they offer all their new and existing customers the follower additional services:

- Obligation free measure and quotes

- Supply only quotes base on your plans especially for the DIY customer

- Local experienced and qualified tradesmen in your area who may be able to help

- A range of colour samples are supplied to assist you with your decision making

- Expert installation instructions and tips – check out some of these here http://www.mittenvinyl.com.au/html/td_installation_tips.htm

- A match up service which means we can identify and obtain most of your original styles of cladding for repairs or renovations. Only need a small amount? No problem.

- We can also arrange repairs and patching for you

If you want to start your next DIY project then let Mitten Vinyl help you. Call their helpful and experienced staff today on Ph: 1300 66 55 43 or find out more about their house cladding range at their website at www.MittenVinly.com.au.

Which Cladding Materials Are Best For You?

When it comes to picking cladding materials for your home you will be spoilt for choice when you choose Mitten Vinyl, an Australian based, family owned and operated cladding company. There are many cladding materials to choose from and it is important that you find the best one for you, your home, your budget and your requirements.

The many cladding materials offered by Mitten Vinyl include:

Cambridge Cladding Materials: Cambridge cladding materials offer you a subtle woodgrain pattern and low gloss texture that comes with a foam backing that gives your home not only an aesthetically pleasing exterior but a strong and insulation creating material that will help your homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Cambridge cladding materials are also extremely resistant to bowing and buckling thanks to the new roll-over nail hem. This Australian manufactured cladding material is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and high winds (up to 250kph). Cambridge cladding materials come with a lifetime warranty and are available in 10 colours.

Sentry Cladding Materials: Sentry cladding materials combine functionality, beauty and energy efficiency to give you home everything it deserves. This type of cladding material has acrylic foam back that provides insulation that can reduce your homes heat loss by up to 20%. The use of roll over nail hems means that sentry cladding materials are highly resistance to winds (up to 285kph). This variety of cladding materials is available in 8 colours, is resistance to insects and mould, come with a 25 year anti fade guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

InsulPlank Cladding Materials: InsulPlank cladding materials are unique in that they blend engineering design with distinct beauty to create a foam back exterior cladding material that provides savings and comfort. This year round insulator can reduce your homes heat loss by up to 20%. The InsulPlank cladding materials are also mould and insect resistant and create a textured, straight face, deep profile, which gives your home an authentic timber appearance. Available in 6 colours the InsulPlank cladding materials come with a lifetime warranty and are manufactured to Australian cladding standards.

Cedarline Cladding Materials: Cedarline cladding materials have a foam backing for strength and insulation, a roll-over nail hem for rigidity and resistance to bowing, and a virtually maintenance free modern exterior. Cedarline cladding appears as a just painted, low gloss wood grain texture which is great for matching existing features on your home. This variety of cladding material is available in 7 colours and a lifetime warranty. If you want cladding materials that will stand up to the extremes of the elements and daily life then you need to consider Cedarline cladding materials.

Vertical Cladding Materials: vertical cladding materials are available in two forms – Board and Battern and Standard. Standard cladding materials are great for walls, gables and under eaves. They never need painting and will stand up to the harshest weather conditions. Standard vertical cladding materials come with a lifetime warranty and are available in 10 colours. Board and Battern vertical cladding materials will give your home a more contemporary look as the vertical materials can blend with existing brickwork, stone and timber constructions. The materials are tough and thick making them highly resistant to impact. This low gloss grain textured cladding material is virtually maintenance free, great for hard to reach areas of your home and comes with a lifetime warranty. Available in 8 colours.

Brick Cladding Materials: available in two varieties brick cladding materials can give you home a real brick appearance, without the cost, time and effort. Slim Brick cladding materials can insulate and update you home as real bricks are used and locked in with steel rails. This variety of brick cladding is great if building an extension or second storey, and no load bearing is required. Increase to value of your home without the cost of normal bricks with Slim Brick. Dura Brick, the second brick cladding option, is a lightweight imitation brick panel that is easy to install, suitable for inside or outside and ideal for bagged, semi-rendered or painted finishes. The type of cladding material is also popular for shopfittings, trade exhibitions, displays and studios.

Although there are many cladding materials to choose from you know that you will be able to find the perfect option for you and your home. To organise a quote or find out more information about your chosen cladding material contact Mitten Vinyl who will be happy to help – Ph: 1300 66 55 43. To get a better idea of what each cladding material looks like go to their website at www.MittenVinyl.com.au.

Could Cladding Compliment Your Home?

When you think of cladding you most probably think of that old weatherboard house that looks like it’s been through more hail storms than any other house on the block. Well that is the cladding of old, because the cladding of today is a contemporary, aesthetically pleasing and insulating system that would improve the look and feel of any home.

The term cladding is defined as the act or process of bonding one material to another for the purpose of protection, which is exactly what house cladding does by offering a protective barrier against the often unpredictable weather conditions. The cladding itself is a multilayered material that is most commonly made of wood, plastic or vinyl, metal, masonry (e.g. bricks or stones) or composite materials. The multiple layers in cladding work together to provide a durable system.

Cladding is not just made for its durability but is also fire-resistant, recyclable, resistant to rot, resistant to bugs and requires minimal maintenance. Cladding is also highly aesthetically pleasing and can add considerable value to your home whilst being cost effective in its installation.

The environmental consideration of cladding is also interesting, especially if you are concerned about the green benefits of your home. During the manufacturing process of cladding no waste is generated due to the highly efficient processes involved. Any scraps that are created during this process are recycled immediately. It is also interesting to know that the manufacturing of vinyl cladding takes less than half the fuel and energy that it takes to manufacture bricks. Because cladding is a lightweight material the energy needed during the transportation phase is also reduced.

The energy that you will be most concerned about is your energy bills. Cladding can also reduce these as it acts as an insulator on your home, which means you will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer and won’t need to rely on those fans and heaters as much.

So if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly addition to your home that will also bring beauty, durability and value then look no further than a cladding system. At Mitten Vinyl they offer an extensive range of cladding styles, types and colours to ensure you find one that is perfect for your home. Call them today on Ph: 1300 66 55 43. To see some examples of the cladding ranges on offer visit their website at www.MittenVinyl.com.au.