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Natural Stone Wet Cladding and Dry Cladding: A Face-off

Updated: Feb 4


Wet Cladding and Dry Cladding

If we go by the saying 'First impression is the last impression' then a project's first impression is its exterior. Natural Stone Cladding has become one of the most sought-after alternatives to beautify and guard the outer facade. It offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it is aesthetically appealing. Secondly, it provides resistance to weathering and fairly low maintenance. Being insulative in nature, the natural stone keeps the buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

There are two ways Natural Stone Cladding can be installed. The world calls it Wet Cladding and Dry Cladding. While none is wholly better than the other, each comes with unique pros and cons. Being an age-old method, Wet Cladding connects stone to the building’s outer facade using a blend of cement and sand mortar. This method has been used for centuries and continues to be popular due to its dependability and strong adhesion. Dry cladding, or mechanical fixing, refers to the process of securing stone to a building’s outer surface with metal anchors or framing systems. It has become increasingly popular due to its versatility and contemporary look.

 

Which One is Better for Natural Stone Exterior Usage? Find out now.

Bonding:

Wet cladding creates a strong bond between the stone and the building structure, ensuring the stone stays in place for many years. But Dry Cladding, cannot ensure the same.

 

Appearance:

Wet Cladding offers a seamless finish as it is glued to the surface. The joints and gaps in Dry cladding usually result in a less seamless appearance.

 

Cost:

When compared with Dry Cladding, Wet Cladding is more reasonable as it is a traditional alternative, which doesn't require special labour force and materials.

 

Installation:

Dry cladding is generally faster to install compared to wet cladding, as it doesn’t rely on the setting time of mortar.

 

Time:

The process of mixing mortar, applying it, and waiting for it to set can be time-consuming, which may delay project timelines. This makes Dry Cladding a quicker option.

 

Durability:

Over time, the mortar can develop cracks, especially in regions with significant temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the Wet Cladding’s integrity.

 

Maintenance:

Unlike Wet Cladding, Dry cladding systems allow for movement between the stone and the building structure, reducing the risk of cracks and other damage.

 

Weather:

Wet cladding is highly dependent on weather conditions. Rain, extreme heat, or cold can affect the quality of the mortar and the bonding process.

 

Now that you have a range of parameters to evaluate your kind of cladding, choose wisely. Also, using reliable quality of adhesives is a must to ensure the Wet Cladding lives up to your expectations. In that regard, RachTR TSA PR is a highly resilient, fibre-reinforced advanced polymer-modified cementitious Marble Adhesive. It comes with inherent flexible feature for fixing large format tiles and stones designed for both interior and exterior applications.

 

Additionally, RachTR offers comprehensive Epoxy flooring solutions, a popular option for both residential and commercial properties due to its durability and visual appeal. When evaluating the cost of epoxy flooring per square foot, consider factors like the type of epoxy, the area’s size, and the complexity of the installation. It’s important to obtain an accurate estimate before starting the project to ensure it fits within your budget while achieving a long-lasting, high-quality finish. For more information, visit the RachTR website.

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