When designing a commercial high-rise or a residential home, the structural frame gets all the engineering glory. But the building cladding —the non-structural exterior layer—is what actually determines how the building performs against the elements, how much energy it consumes, and how it looks to the world. Choosing the wrong cladding system can lead to decades of maintenance headaches, thermal inefficiency, and even safety compliance issues. Based on a recent technical guide from the experts at Nanbowan, here is a breakdown of what you need to know about exterior cladding systems. What Exactly is Building Cladding? It is important to distinguish cladding from the structural frame. Cladding does not support the building’s weight. Instead, it manages the external environment. According to the technical guide, a high-performance cladding system acts as a barrier for: Weather resistance: Rain, wind, and UV exposure. Thermal insulation: Well-designed systems can cut energy costs by up ...