Direct vs. Indirect Application:

Simply saying, siding is applied to a wall directly, and cladding is used indirectly. Furring strips separate the cladding from the outer sheathing, forming a vented drainage plane and a water-resistive barrier. However, siding can be attached directly to sheathing or insulating foam board.

Use in Rain screen Systems:

A rain screen system consists of the outer sheathing, ventilated drainage plane, and cladding. The additional air gap between the building’s cladding and the wall creates ventilation and drainage routes.

Thickness:

A cladding board’s average thickness is roughly 0.9 inches (22mm), although siding boards can be as thin as 0.04 inches (1mm).

Design Versatility:

Cladding boards can be placed in various ways and are frequently used in multidimensional application designs. Building designers can mix and match colors and orient them differently using the ventilated drainage plane area to alter the depth of a façade.

Aluminum Siding Panels:

There is no doubt that aluminum siding panels are a better choice when it comes to resilience to the elements. Although aluminum composite panel or ACM panel building claddings have been the most preferred external cladding solution for years, customers can choose from different metal wall system options. Most builders recommend aluminum claddings. However, aluminum siding panels and other metal cladding systems are used in many new structures.