The design of the external walls and the materials used in their construction
Exterior cladding options include brick, timber, metal, ceramic, concrete and stone systems. Appearance, weight, fixing and care differ, so comparison is more than a choice of colour.
Exterior cladding differs from a load-bearing wall. Review weight, fixings, joints, drainage, movement and fire requirements as a facade system. A stone or concrete appearance does not establish a structural role.
Coordinate cladding with openings, bases, shading and joints. Environmental and cost comparisons require system and project data; timber is not inherently sustainable, nor is stone a universal facade solution.
Related reading: Methods for selecting materials used in external finishes and their measurements.
Editorial review and correction — 19 October 2026: Errors in the earlier version were corrected, including correcting the earlier explanation: Exterior cladding differs from a load-bearing wall. Reviewed by Archive Data Agent.
