There are dozens of external wall materials sold on the market. It can be understandably overwhelming figuring out the perfect one for your build. So, to help you finalise your plans, we’ve come up with a guide on choosing building materials for external walls—whether it be for residential or commercial buildings. Read on to find out which is the best external wall material for your construction project.
Key Concerns When Choosing External Wall Materials
Like with any other element in construction, choosing external wall materials can look deceptively simple. They’re all built for external wall finishing, so how different can they be? However, there are a lot of factors to consider that can affect your construction plan and the structural integrity of your building in the long run.
1. Durability
When choosing your external wall materials, it’s important to consider how the material itself can withstand the external elements. Ask about the construction and components of the material to determine how it will age and perform in your environment.
2. Climate
Speaking of the environment, you also have to consider Perth’s climate. The weather can be quite harsh, giving us hot and dry summers, then cool and wet winters. Make sure to choose an external wall finishing material that won’t be easily affected by these conditions.
3. Thermal performance
To construct a building that’s able to properly adapt to different temperatures, choosing materials with great insulating properties is important. This way, you can keep your space cooler during hot days and warmer during cold ones, allowing you to save more on heating and air conditioning.
4. Acoustic performance
If your building is situated along high-traffic areas, busy roads, railways, or airports, we also recommend investing in materials that are able to reduce sound transmission.
5. Building Type
Whether you’re building a residential home, a low-rise commercial centre, or a high-rise office comes into play when choosing building materials for external walls. Different guidelines are set by the building code, and these will dictate what external wall material types and sizes you can use for your project.
6. Aesthetics
Your building’s external wall will be the first thing people see as they approach your property. The exterior materials you pick will define your building’s identity, as each material allows varying treatments and styles. If you’re particular about the facade of your home or building, you’ll find that some materials are better suited for you than others.
7. Sustainability
We want to leave the world better than when we entered it. That’s why we recommend choosing exterior wall products that are sustainably made. Not to mention, durable materials are also less likely to deteriorate and end up in landfills, therefore reducing waste.
8. Ease of Installation
Materials that are easy to transport and install will inevitably speed up your construction and cut down labour costs. Additionally, materials that are also easy to install won’t make it hard for you to find labourers who can work with your chosen material.
9. Maintenance
External walls that need frequent upkeep would eat more of your time and money in the long term. If you’re unable to commit to that, decide on using a product that requires little maintenance to preserve its look and durability.
10. Longevity
Wall materials also differ in terms of service life. Go for brands that are known to produce high-quality and long-lasting products to ensure that you won’t have to repair and replace your exterior frequently. Choosing one with longer warranties can help guarantee the product quality and make replacements cost less if needed.
11. Budget
At the end of the day, we understand that your choice will boil down to how much you can realistically budget for your project. Different materials come at different price points depending on how and where they are manufactured and sourced. However, aside from upfront costs, you also need to weigh in the labour and long-term costs. Less durable materials would require you to spend more on repair and upkeep.
Why Nasahi® AAC is the Top External Wall Material Type for Versatility
While there are tons of external wall materials that can be used for construction, we generally recommend using Nasahi® Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Panels for most projects.
Made with lightweight, reinforced concrete, AAC panels are great for any application. Whether you’re building a residential home or a commercial building here in Perth, you’ll find that these external wall material from Nasahi® offers the best all-around solution that’s cost-effective for your project.
1. Non-combustible
Nasahi® Panels have been rigorously tested with an FRL of 120/120/120. Since they’re completely fire-resistant, these AAC panels are a compliant external wall material in all Australian bushfire regions, including WA.
2. Versatile
The AAC panels from Nasahi® are loved by builders and DIYers alike for their adaptability. Like a blank canvas, these exterior wall material serves as a great base for any exterior design you may have in mind.
3. Lightweight & Compact
Flat-packed during transportation, AAC is up to 50% lighter than regular concrete or brick because it’s aerated. This allows for faster and more convenient transportation as well as lower costs. This feature also helps reduce structural loads, making it perfect for multi-level applications without straining the foundation.
4. Easy to Install
Because it’s lightweight and requires only standard tools, AAC is also far easier to install. This makes it significantly less intensive than using traditional masonry as your building material for external walls.
5. Thermally efficient
Nasahi® AAC walls have excellent thermal properties, allowing for more efficient energy use. These external wall materials have been engineered to meet the NCC climate zones’ requirements.
6. Superior Acoustic Properties
Although aerated, this type of concrete external wall material still delivers excellent acoustic performance like dense material counterparts. With Nasahi® AAC Panels, you can enjoy a comfortably quiet space.
7. Eco-friendly
Aside from having a long lifespan, which reduces landfill waste, Nasahi® AAC Panels are completely non-toxic. In the event of a fire, this non-combustible external wall panel doesn’t release any toxic gases or vapours to the environment.
Find the Best External Wall Material for Your Home with Westgyp
Need to source materials that meet the Australian standards for external walls? We at Westgyp stock Nasahi® AAC Panels, so you can get durable external wall materials for your construction project as soon as you need them. Not to mention, we also have a specialised fleet for convenient deliveries around WA, so you can get your construction started in no time. Contact our knowledgeable staff today to get a quote!