Dereham Roofers installs exterior cladding for homeowners in Bawdeswell and the villages nearby, protecting and transforming walls with systems chosen to suit your home and your budget.
Exterior cladding fits over your existing wall surface - whether that is brick, block, render or timber - and gives it a fresh, weatherproof skin. It stops wind-driven rain reaching the structure, reduces maintenance and can significantly improve how the outside of a property looks. A well-chosen and well-fitted system will outlast paint by a considerable margin and requires far less upkeep than render.
Cladding is used on gable ends, rear extensions, garages, full house elevations and anywhere the existing finish has deteriorated or is simply no longer practical to maintain. It is a practical investment in the building, not just a cosmetic one.
The material you choose has the biggest single effect on cost, appearance and long-term maintenance. These are the main options fitted to Norfolk homes:
Cladding costs vary significantly depending on material, area covered, access requirements and wall condition. Below are honest typical ranges to help you budget. These are not fixed prices - every job is different - but they reflect what homeowners across this part of Norfolk are likely to pay.
uPVC cladding boards typically cost £8-£18 per square metre for materials alone, depending on profile depth and colour. Composite boards sit in the £20-£45 per square metre range. Timber (cedar or larch) runs from around £25-£60 per square metre depending on grade and thickness. Fibre cement boards are typically £15-£35 per square metre but carry higher labour costs.
These figures are for the boarding itself. You also need battens, a breather membrane, fixings and trims - add roughly 20-30% to the board cost to cover these components.
Labour for cladding installation typically runs at £25-£45 per square metre, though this depends heavily on the complexity of the elevation - how many windows and doors break up the run, whether corners are internal or external, and what access is needed.
A straightforward single-storey garage or extension at ground level is at the lower end. A two-storey gable with multiple window reveals and junction details will be at the higher end. Fibre cement boards take longer to fit than uPVC, so labour is usually priced higher for that material.
These figures are indicative. A detailed quote from an installer who has seen the job is the only reliable number.
Several factors can increase the final price beyond a basic estimate. Knowing these in advance helps you plan and avoid surprises.
Wall condition. If the existing surface is damp, has cracked render that needs removing, or has areas of spalled or loose brickwork, these need to be put right before cladding goes on. Skipping this step leads to problems behind the boards later. Remedial work is charged separately and can add hundreds of pounds to the overall cost depending on extent.
Scaffolding. For any elevation above ground-floor level, proper scaffolding is required for safe working. Scaffolding for a standard two-storey house typically costs £600-£1,200 and is sometimes arranged separately from the cladding work itself. On a full re-clad, it is often the second biggest cost after materials.
Removing old cladding or render. If the existing surface needs stripping first, that adds labour time and disposal costs. Skipping removal and cladding over the top is only an option if the existing surface is structurally sound and dry.
Complex elevations. Lots of windows, doors, bay windows, pipes breaking through the wall, awkward corners or decorative features all slow the job down. The more detail there is in the elevation, the more time the trims and junctions take.
Material choice. Switching from uPVC to composite or fibre cement typically adds £15-£30 per square metre to the material cost and increases labour time. If budget is the priority, uPVC delivers the best value. If appearance or durability is the priority, composite or fibre cement is worth the extra.
Access difficulties. A house set back from the road with a narrow side passage, or a property where scaffolding poles cannot be set at standard positions, will take longer to rig and cost more in access. Overhead cables or neighbouring boundaries can also complicate things.
There are also factors that can keep a job at the lower end of the range.
A quote for exterior cladding should break down materials and labour separately. This matters because it lets you compare quotes properly - one installer may use a cheaper board specification to bring the headline figure down. Ask specifically:
A quote that answers these questions clearly is a good sign. A quote that is significantly cheaper than others without explanation should prompt questions about what has been left out.
In most cases, fitting cladding to a house is covered under permitted development and does not require planning permission. The main exceptions are listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, where any change to the external appearance usually requires consent. If the property is in one of these categories, check with the local planning authority before any work begins. A responsible installer will raise this with you at the quoting stage.
uPVC cladding, when properly installed, can perform well for several decades without significant maintenance. Composite boards are similarly long-lasting. Manufacturer finishes on fibre cement boards are typically rated for 10-15 years before re-coating is likely to be needed. Timber is the most variable - well-maintained cedar or larch can last 20-30 years; neglected timber can begin to deteriorate in less than ten.
The quality of installation matters as much as the material itself. A correctly fitted ventilated cavity behind the boards, with properly lapped membrane and sealed junctions, protects both the cladding and the wall behind it for the long term.
It pays to do a little groundwork before inviting quotes. Measure the approximate area to be clad - length times height for each elevation, minus obvious openings. This gives installers a starting point and makes it easier to compare quotes. Take photographs of any areas of concern: cracked render, damp patches, areas where old cladding has lifted or paint has failed. This helps an installer identify whether remedial work is likely.
Think about which material finish suits the property. uPVC in a woodgrain finish tends to look more at home on a traditional cottage than a flat white board. Composite in a darker tone can suit a modern extension. Getting samples is always worth doing before committing.
Dereham Roofers covers Bawdeswell and the nearby area, including Dereham, North Elmham, Beetley, Wendling, Fakenham and surrounding villages. If you want a straightforward assessment and a priced quote for cladding your home, call us to arrange a visit.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
