If you live in a house built after World War II, chances are the exterior walls are made of fibro. The lack of building materials back then was a decisive factor in the popularity of fibro in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the fibro covering your house has begun to decay over the years and is truly showing its age. Before you decide on what will replace this exterior covering, you should know that most of it contain asbestos; a substance that causes significant damages to the respiratory system. Asbestos is dangerous only when its fibers are exposed and frayed, so consult the experts before you begin your fibro house renovation. You might need to hire a professional team to remove the asbestos-filled finish to ensure everyone’s safety.
There are many options to choose from when you decide to remove or cover up your fibro siding. If you intend on removing the old stuff, let the professionals do it, as the process will require personal protective equipment to avoid asbestos contamination. Covering the fibro or encasing it in Palliside might be a better option, especially if you are renovating on a budget. Other options available in the cladding systems include wood, metal, plastic (vinyl), and masonry. Any of these finishes help to insulate your house, protecting it from vermin and the elements. Some finishes are even fire-resistant, an advantage to consider during these global warming years. The suggested finishes can generally be installed over the top of your current house covering, attaching them directly to the structure or on a layer of battens affixed to the walls.
Changing the exterior finish of your house will give it a second life, increasing its value significantly. Following the advice suggested in a Guide to cladding, look at the house finishes in your neighborhood. You want to use a durable, environmentally friendly material that will not stick out like a sore thumb on your street. As with any renovation project, ensure you have the required permit or license before you begin your renovation.
When considering the top cladding ideas, remember that this is an easy solution to give a new life to your house. The price is generally reasonable, most materials are durable, and installation is fairly easy. Exterior cladding is attached either directly to the wall of the house or on a frame. It provides additional insulation to your house and gives you the chance to pick the color you want on your walls. Another neat aspect of cladding is that you can cover only portions of the house, leaving other sections in different material like stone or bricks.
Regardless of the covering you will install on your house, consider checking the warranties the manufacturer offers and where you will purchase your finishing material. You might take advantage of discounts or sales, helping you complete this project early and on budget. If you are a handy person, you might even save a few dollars by installing the new cladding yourself.
