Cladding is not one material. It is part of a complete facade system.
CLAD.ae connects the visible outer layer with the elements behind it: subframes, cavities, insulation, membranes, fire barriers, fixings, joints, interfaces and workmanship.
The outer skin is only one layer of the building envelope.
Cladding is commonly used as a broad term for the external material applied to a building. It may be aluminium composite panel, solid aluminium, glass, stone, ceramic, fibre cement, high-pressure laminate or another architectural finish.
But material selection alone does not define facade performance. The complete assembly includes support systems, anchors, joints, cavities, insulation, membranes, barriers, openings and transitions. Each part affects appearance, drainage, movement, durability, maintenance and fire behaviour.
A practical overview of widely used cladding categories.
Open →The outer material, its basic purpose and where confusion begins.
Open →Cladding, subframe, cavity, insulation, barriers and interfaces.
Open →Construction, weight, forming, stiffness and specification differences.
Open →Compare two lightweight facade choices with different material behaviour.
Open →Weight, support, fabrication, appearance and maintenance considerations.
Open →Different facade materials, fixing methods and finish possibilities.
Open →Opaque panel systems and transparent glazed envelopes compared.
Open →This is a knowledge gateway, not a supplier directory.
CLAD.ae is intentionally focused. It does not create empty pages to appear larger than it is. Instead, it explains the subject clearly and directs readers to complete live resources where deeper technical content already exists.
The structure follows the real facade decision process: understand the material, define the system, assess fire and weather performance, specify the evidence, control procurement and inspect installation.