---
title: "Cladding: types and functions"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_6/building_technology:cladding-types-functions"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/cladding-types-functions
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Cladding: types and functions

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 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) (asked 7 times)
- Video: [Define Cladding | Requirements of Cladding | Types of Cladding with neat sketch | Prashant YT |](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFP_rk--K5w) — Prashant YT
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/cladding-types-functions
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

Define cladding and its different types with their purposes (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.

## Answer

**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 |

```text
  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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is cladding?
   A. A temporary support
   B. A mortar used to fill joints
   C. A load-bearing wall of stone
   D. A non-load-bearing covering fixed to the face of a wall or frame for protection and appearance
   Answer: D. Cladding is a non-load-bearing skin of material over a wall or frame. (Key point: Cladding definition)

2. How is tile cladding (tile hanging) fixed?
   A. Clay or concrete tiles hung on battens with nails
   B. Glass panels on aluminium frames
   C. Slabs fixed by dowels
   D. Precast panels bolted to a frame
   Answer: A. Tile hanging hangs overlapping tiles on battens; commonly used on upper walls and gable ends. (Key point: Tile hanging)

3. Which cladding is used for high-rise offices as a curtain wall?
   A. Brick slips
   B. Glass panels on aluminium frames
   C. Ceramic tiles
   D. Timber boards
   Answer: B. Glass cladding with aluminium frames forms curtain walls on high-rise offices. (Key point: Glass cladding)

4. Which is a function of cladding?
   A. Supporting excavations
   B. Carrying the floor load
   C. Weather protection, appearance, insulation and fire resistance
   D. Raising the water table
   Answer: C. Cladding protects against rain, wind and sun and also improves appearance and insulation. (Key point: Functions)

## Related in other subjects

- [Purposes of substation and indoor substation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_power_distribution_and_illumination%3Aindoor-substation-functions) — Industrial Power Distribution and Illumination, chapter 4
- [Functions of a surge tank](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_4%2Fhydraulics%3Asurge-tank-functions) — Hydraulics, chapter 4, asked 2×