Composite cladding, fencing and other applications

One material family, different jobs #

A material suitable for a deck is not automatically suitable as façade cladding, fencing or furniture. Geometry, fixings and exposure change with the application. Start a fresh product review each time the use changes.

Cladding: review the assembly #

Ask for evidence for the proposed wall assembly, including its fixings and substructure. Fire requirements are project- and jurisdiction-specific; have the project team verify the applicable requirements. Do not infer compliance from a generic material description.

Fencing: consider the supports #

Check the panel, rails, posts and connections as a system. Ask how the proposed design addresses wind exposure and movement. Make sure the quoted configuration is the one covered by the supplier’s design information.

Furniture and moulded parts #

Natural fibres also appear in moulded polymer components. For seating, screens or interior parts, write an application-specific checklist covering loads, cleaning, exposure and replaceable parts. Require evidence for that component rather than relying on a result from another product family.

Practical comparison checklist

Common questions