- Asked 7/32
- 2079 Asoj · 6 marks
- 2077 Chaitra · 4 marks
- 2074 Bhadra · 4 marks
- 2068 Baisakh (old course) · 2+6 marks
- 2066 Jestha (old course) · 2.5 marks
- 2064 Jestha (old course) · 4 marks
- 2062 Poush (old course)
Cladding: types and functions
Short answer
Cladding is a non‑load‑bearing covering fixed to a wall or frame for protection and appearance. Types include stone, tile, brick, timber, metal, glass, concrete/GRC, ceramic and PVC/fibre cement. Functions: weather protection, improved aesthetics, thermal/sound insulation, fire resistance, structural protection and low maintenance.
Define cladding and its different types with their purposes (functions).
Cladding is a non-load-bearing covering or skin of material (stone, tile, brick, timber, metal, glass, GRC, etc.) fixed to the face of a wall or frame, either inside or outside, to protect it and to improve its appearance.
Types of cladding and their use
| Type | Material and fixing | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Stone cladding | Natural stone slabs (granite, marble, slate) fixed by cement mortar, metal cramps, or dowels | Facades, plinth, lobbies |
| Tile cladding (tile hanging) | Clay or concrete tiles hung on battens with nails | Upper walls, gable ends |
| Brick cladding | Thin bricks or brick slips on a backing | Facades |
| Timber cladding | Boards or planks on battens, with vertical, horizontal or overlapping fixing | Interiors, houses |
| Metal cladding | Aluminium, steel, copper sheets or ACP panels on a frame | Commercial buildings |
| Glass cladding | Glass panels on aluminium frames (curtain wall) | High rise offices |
| Concrete / GRC panels | Precast panels bolted to the frame | Industrial, commercial |
| Ceramic tile cladding | Tiles fixed by mortar or adhesive | Bathrooms, kitchens |
| PVC / fibre cement cladding | Sheets on frame | Low cost covering |
Stone cladding Tile hanging
wall |[stone]cramp wall |batten
wall |[stone] wall |=tile=
wall | mortar wall |=tile=
Functions (purposes)
- Weather protection: keeps out rain, wind and sun.
- Appearance: gives a pleasant, durable finish.
- Thermal and sound insulation when combined with insulating backing.
- Fire resistance and protection of the structure.
- Protection of walls from abrasion, dampness and chemical attack.
- Low maintenance and longer life of the wall.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
Related questions
- Purposes of substation and indoor substation · Industrial Power Distribution and Illumination, chapter 4
- Functions of a surge tank · Hydraulics, chapter 4 · asked 2×