A guide to cladding installation: what you need to know

Whether you're upgrading a home exterior, adding a feature wall, or finishing a commercial facade, cladding installation rewards careful preparation and good execution. Done well, a cladded surface looks striking and performs for decades. Done poorly, it can trap moisture, shift over time, and become a costly problem to correct.

This guide walks through the key considerations for cladding installation. The focus is on composite cladding systems, which have become the material of choice for South African residential and commercial projects.

Choosing the right material

Before you can think about cladding installation, you need to select the right material for your project. Composite cladding, such as the shiplap cladding range from Acacia Composites, resists the demands of South African conditions: intense UV, moisture, and temperature variation. Unlike natural timber, composite cladding won't rot, warp, or require annual repainting.

Composite cladding typically comes in shiplap, tongue-and-groove, or batten profiles. Each creates a different visual effect with slightly different installation requirements. For instance, shiplap profiles overlap horizontally, creating a shadow line that adds depth to the facade. Tongue-and-groove boards, on the other hand, interlock for a tighter, flush finish. Understanding the profile before you start helps you plan fixings, spacing, and material quantities more accurately.

Preparing for cladding installation

Above all, preparation is the most important phase of any cladding installation project. Even the best material will underperform if the surface beneath it is not correctly prepared.

Assessing the substrate

First, assess the wall surface where the cladding will be fixed. Furthermore, the substrate must be structurally sound, dry, and free from rot, corrosion, or significant movement. For masonry walls, check for cracks and ensure the surface is stable. For timber-framed walls, confirm the frame is level and plumb, and that noggins and studs provide adequate fixing points.

Installing a breather membrane

For most cladding installation projects, a breathable membrane should go directly over the substrate before the boards go up. This layer allows any moisture that penetrates the cladding to escape outward. Consequently, it prevents moisture from accumulating behind the boards and causing structural damage. It also adds a useful layer of thermal insulation and wind resistance.

Setting up the batten framework

Composite cladding boards fix to a system of horizontal or vertical battens secured to the wall. These battens create the primary fixing surface and an air gap between the cladding and the substrate. Additionally, this air gap is critical for ventilation and moisture management. Fix battens at regular intervals to the manufacturer's specification, typically 400mm to 600mm centres depending on the board profile.

How the process works

Once the substrate is prepared and the batten framework is in place, the actual cladding installation can begin. The process varies slightly by profile and fixing system. However, the general sequence is consistent.

Starting from the base of the wall

Cladding installation always starts at the bottom of the wall and works upward. The first board is the most critical: it sets the level and angle for every course above it. Therefore, use a spirit level to confirm the first board is perfectly horizontal before fixing. Indeed, any deviation at this stage will compound with each board that follows.

Fixing methods

Composite cladding boards can be fixed using three main methods, depending on the board profile and manufacturer's recommendation:

• Face-fixed screws: the most straightforward approach, though fixing heads remain visible on the board surface.

• Secret fixings: fasteners sit between boards and are hidden from view. As a result, they produce a cleaner visual finish and reduce the risk of water ingress.

• Clip systems: purpose-made clips slot onto the board edge, combining hidden fixings with faster installation.

  
  

In addition, use stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant fixings to prevent rust staining on the board surface. The South African Bureau of Standards provides technical guidance on corrosion resistance for exterior fixings.

Accounting for thermal movement

Notably, composite materials expand and contract with temperature changes. During cladding installation, leave adequate expansion gaps at board ends and around windows, doors, and other penetrations. The manufacturer's technical data sheet specifies the required gaps for your product. Ignoring thermal movement allowances is one of the most common installation errors. Consequently, boards can buckle or fixings can loosen over time.

Finishing and detailing

The finishing details of a cladding installation are what separate a professional result from an amateur one. Specifically, corner trims, window reveals, and soffit returns all need careful attention to keep moisture out. Most composite cladding systems include purpose-made trim profiles that integrate with the boards. Working with a matched system therefore makes this step straightforward.

For feature walls, screening, or privacy elements, also consider our louvres and battens range, which complements composite cladding beautifully and extends the visual language of the facade into other areas of the design.

Talk to us about your cladding project

Acacia Composites supplies premium composite cladding systems for residential and commercial applications across South Africa. Whether you're planning a full exterior reclad or adding a feature wall, we can help you select the right product and provide the technical guidance you need for a successful installation. Contact our team to discuss your project.