This is a sponsored article by Freefoam:
Freefoam Building Plastics are pleased to announce Penryn Plastics as the winner of its latest monthly transformation competition. Using Fortex Double Shiplap cladding in Colonial Blue, Penryn Plastics have transformed this three-storey detached property in Falmouth, fitting cladding around the upper storey of the whole house.
We caught up with Alex Ottaway from Penryn Plastics to tell us about the transformation.
What was the house like originally?
Originally the house was covered with a grey pebble dash that over the years has become stained and dated. There are a lot of properties in the Cornwall area that have a pebble dash exterior, and we find that many start to discolour changing from grey to a red tone.
What were the options available to the homeowner?
The homeowner had looked into repainting the pebble dash but because the property is on a sloping site the back of the house is very high. The cost of scaffolding and repainting was expensive and the homeowners didn’t want an option that they had to spend time maintaining.
Why did the homeowners choose cladding?
We explained how we could install cladding to the top storey and showed the homeowners the colour range and choice of styles. They really liked the idea, and looked at a few colour options including Misty Grey and Sage Green, but chose Colonial Blue as it fitted in with the coastal location. They had originally planned to visit their daughter in Australia but the Covid 19 restrictions came in and they were unable to travel – so decided to spend the money on a home transformation!
How long did the work take?
The homeowners had already painted the lower half of the property with a cream colour before we started. Cladding the property took approximately two weeks to complete.
Was it easy to fit over pebble dash render?
We’ve worked with the Fortex range on a lot of properties. We find it easy to fit on most properties, but pebble dash can be trickier than smooth render as it is more uneven. We had to spend extra time adjusting the battens to make sure they ran flush with each other over the uneven surface. Once complete we simply fitted the cladding to the battens. It’s important to create an air gap behind the cladding to stop it overheating, especially here in Cornwall where we get more sun, but the Freefoam range comes with a starter trim with built-in ventilation which makes it very straightforward.
Is the homeowner pleased with the result?
Yes, they are delighted. They like the fact that it looks so much lighter, brighter and more modern. They will only have to wash down the cladding occasionally with soap and water to keep it looking good. But the best part is they can now spend more time travelling and visiting family and won’t have to spend time painting their house!
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