Wall Cladding in Cambridge | UPVC and Exterior House Cladding
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Wall cladding is a layer of material fixed to the outside of a building. It protects the structure from weather and refreshes its appearance. At Area Cladding, we fit, repair, and advise on external wall cladding across Cambridge and the surrounding villages, working on everything from Victorian terraces near Mill Road to new-build homes in Trumpington and Cambourne.
Alongside cladding, we also fit doors, windows, and roofline systems, so homeowners planning a wider exterior upgrade can cover several jobs under one contractor. For interior wall boarding, get in touch; we advise on that separately.
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What Does Wall Cladding Do?
On older brick homes:
On rendered properties:
On new builds:
Render vs cladding:
Render and cladding get confused often, but they work differently. Render is a wet mix trowelled or sprayed directly onto the wall. Cladding is mechanically fixed, usually with a ventilated gap behind it a method we use on every project, since that gap helps it cope with Cambridgeshire's damp winters and dry summers better than render manages on its own over time.
Which Cladding Material Is Right for Your Property?
UPVC cladding
UPVC cladding suits budget exterior projects. It's virtually maintenance-free, resists rot and warping, and comes in bright white, black, light oak, mahogany, and anthracite grey. Boards click together, keeping fitting time and cost low. We fit Swish and other brands, matching colour and profile to garages, outbuildings, and elevations.
Composite cladding
Composite cladding combines wood fibre with recycled plastic. It gives a timber look without a repainting or staining routine, and holds colour for longer than real wood. For homeowners who want a natural finish without ongoing upkeep, it's usually the middle ground between UPVC and timber.
Timber cladding
Timber cladding, in larch, cedar, or treated softwood, suits extensions and garden rooms in areas like Chesterton and Newnham, where a natural finish fits the surrounding green space. Left untreated, it weathers to a silvery grey; oiled every two to three years, it keeps its original tone.
Fibre cement boards
Fibre cement boards, including Hardie® Board and Marley Cedral, offer a flat, render-like finish without render's tendency to crack. Both brands come in a wide range of colours and finishes. Fibre cement resists fire, pests, and moisture, and performs well through freeze-thaw cycles common in Cambridgeshire winters.
Brick slip cladding
Brick slip cladding uses thin brick sections fixed to a wall, giving the appearance of full brickwork at a fraction of the weight. This suits streets where blending into an existing brick facade matters, which describes much of central and north Cambridge.
Metal cladding
Metal cladding, in aluminium or zinc panels, appears on contemporary extensions, garden studios, and garages, as well as commercial builds. Aluminium panel cladding suits residential extensions as much as commercial elevations, and needs almost no maintenance.
Cladding Material Comparison
| Material | Typical Lifespan | Maintenance | Best Suited To |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPVC | 25+ years | Very low | Budget-conscious projects, quick turnaround, garages and outbuildings |
| Timber (untreated) | 25–40 years | Low, ages naturally | Extensions, garden rooms |
| Timber (oiled/stained) | 25–40 years | Medium, needs re-coating | Homes wanting a consistent tone |
| Composite | 25–30 years | Low | Timber look, less upkeep |
| Brick slip | 40+ years | Very low | Streets with existing brick facades |
| Fibre cement | 30–50 years | Low | Render replacement, damp-prone walls |
| Metal (aluminium/zinc) | 40+ years | Very low | Modern extensions, garages, commercial builds |
What Affects the Cost of Wall Cladding in Cambridge
A single price per square metre rarely reflects the real cost, because wall condition, access, and insulation change the figure significantly from property to property. Every quote we give is itemised, with materials, labour, and preparation shown separately, so the total is clear before work starts. Request a free survey for an accurate figure based on the property.
Wall Cladding, Planning Permission and Cambridge Conservation Areas
Cambridge's conservation areas affect what goes on a wall, so it's worth checking before committing to a material or design.
Large parts of Cambridge sit within designated conservation areas, including central Cambridge, sections of Chesterton and Newnham, and several South Cambridgeshire village centres. In these areas, external changes to cladding often need planning permission, even when the same work counts as permitted development elsewhere in the country.
Listed buildings carry tighter rules still. Cladding on a listed property almost always needs listed building consent, regardless of material.
Before work starts, check directly with Cambridge City Council or South Cambridgeshire District Council, depending on which side of the city the property sits. We flag likely planning issues during the survey, but final confirmation always comes from the relevant local authority.
How Long Does Wall Cladding Take to Fit?
Preparation:
Insulation:
Weather and access:
Keeping Your Cladding in Good Condition
UPVC and Composite
UPVC: An occasional wash down keeps it looking new.
Composite: An occasional wash down is usually enough.
Timber and Fibre Cement
- Timber: Check for loose boards yearly; re-oil or re-stain every 2–3 years to hold colour, or let it weather naturally.
- Fibre cement: Minimal upkeep; check fixings periodically.
Brick Slips and Metal
- Brick slips: Check pointing every few years, particularly after hard frost.
- Metal: Rinse off debris occasionally; check painted finishes for scratches.
Our Work Process for Wall Cladding
Why Choose Area Cladding for Wall Cladding?
38+ years across Cambridge:
Area Cladding has fitted, repaired, and maintained wall cladding across Cambridge and the surrounding villages for over 38 years. We work on Victorian brick terraces, 1960s concrete-panel builds, and modern timber-frame new-builds alike, adjusting the material recommendation to the property rather than pushing one product regardless of fit, and we offer the same tailored approach across our full range of exterior services.
FENSA registered, Approved Installer:
Customer Reviews
Contacted George and he came to visit and recieved his qoute very quickly - I have had several jobs completed by area cladding and the workmanship has been exemplary- with windows - cladding and conservatory improvements- cant fault George and his team and i definitely recommended his work and competitive pricing . Thanks for all the work completed .
Area Cladding round last week to replace 2 door locks. Very friendly and efficient. Great job I chose them because I have had 2 houses of windows replaced over the years and wouldn’t choose anyone else.
I have used Area Cladding Ltd many times in the past for the fitting of windows, doors and external cladding. This time it was two bedroom windows and, once again, George and his team did a brilliant job. The work was done in an efficient and thorough way and my rooms were left exactly as they had been found. I would highly recommend Area Cladding Ltd for this type of work.
Area cladding are a 5 star company. We have had a conservatory built by them and they provided a wonderful service. My parents also had windows and doors provided by them 30 years ago and they are still in great condition. Recently my mum had a problem with the lock on the door and they came within a few hours and fixed it. Area cladding are a top company and i give them the highest recommendation.
Absolutely thrilled with the double glazing windows installed! The team was efficient, fast, and a real pleasure to have around - super pleasant, professional, and even a bit of fun. The windows look fantastic and have already caught the attention of several neighbours asking who did them and if they can get a quote too! It’s clear these guys know what they’re doing. Highly recommend - great work and great people.
Highly recommend Area Cladding! We used them for windows, doors, cladding, fascias/soffits and guttering in March 2025 on recommendation from family and now pass that recommendation on as they are fantastic! They work hard, to high standards, are clean and tidy, competitively priced and a joy to have around, but what we also appreciate, is their knowledge, experience and network, as they have provided us with great support and advice and also contacts for other work we are looking to have done - thank you George, Jack and Jordan and we look forward to having you back again in the future for more home improvements!
Does Cladding Improve Insulation?
Cladding alone isn't an insulation product, but many systems get fitted with an insulation layer behind them, and that's where the real thermal benefit comes from. This combined approach, external wall insulation finished with cladding, cuts heat loss through solid brick walls meaningfully, a common issue in Cambridge's older housing stock built before cavity wall insulation became standard.
For anyone prioritising heating costs alongside the visual upgrade, ask specifically about insulated cladding systems, since not every cladding job delivers the same result.
Our Cladding Services Across Cambridge and Surrounding Areas
We take pride in delivering durable, great-looking results with honest pricing and outstanding service.
Get a Free Wall Cladding Survey and Quote
Every property is different, and the right material, cost, and planning position depend on the specifics. Contact us for a free, no-obligation survey. We assess the wall, talk through material options suited to the property and street, and handle the planning checks Cambridge homes often need.