Key takeaways
- Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks: Hebel is the most energy efficient and lightweight, but comes with more maintenance, while brick is easier to maintain and incredibly durable. Cladding can be budget-friendly and flexible, but how well it performs will be dampened on the material you choose.
- Choosing the right material depends on several factors: including your budget, location, climate, and design preference
- Brick is the most reliable choice: as it is fire resistant, durable, and has a proven track record across Australia
Choosing the material is one of the most important decisions you will need to make when building your dream home. Cladding, Hebel, and brick are popular choices, but which is right for your building? With each material having its own set of pros and cons, you can spend hours deliberating, only to end up even more unsure than where you began. Our comprehensive guide shows you the differences between hebel, brick, and cladding so you can make the right choice today.
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How We Can Help You
Building a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. At Buildi, we’ll be there throughout the entire building process, guiding you step by step so you can avoid any pitfalls. We will help you by following these steps.
- Free Consultation – We will sit with you to understand what you are looking to accomplish.
- Due Diligence – We work with you to ensure you’re buying the right block of land at the right price without hidden problems.
- Builders tender – We will take your requirements out to the market of builders and they will bid to win your business.
- Present solutions – We will compile the top 3 options and present you with a comprehensive proposal on builders’ strengths & weaknesses along with prices and specifications.
- Contract Signing – We will work with you and your selected builder to ensure there is full transparency in what you are entering into.
- Building your home – We work closely with the builder to ensure all service levels are met and your project is on schedule.
Hebel vs brick vs cladding – what are they?
Before you can decide which material to use in your building, you need to know what they are, so let’s begin with a brief overview!
Hebel
Hebel panels are made from autoclaved aerated concrete, which is a mix of cement, water, lime, and a small amount of aluminium and sand. The powder from this mixture results in very light concrete which is actually 80% lighter than regular bricks.
Brick
One of the classic building materials, dating all the way back to 8300 B.C., brick is usually made from clay and has been a staple in the building industry as far back as anyone can remember. There’s a good reason why brick has been used for millennia and isn’t going away anytime soon. It’s a reliable material that is non-toxic, fire-resistant and recyclable while having a classic style that transcends any time or trend.
Cladding
Cladding is the placing of one material over another to create the outside layer of a house or building.
There is a wide range of materials cladding can be made from including:
- Glass
- Brick
- Timber
- Vinyl
- Aluminium
- Steel
One of the big appeals of cladding is the sheer variety on offer, making it a great option for custom building materials and someone after a specific, unique look.
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Which is better for your home design: Hebel, brick, or cladding?
Each building product has its advantages and disadvantages so let’s have a closer look at each.
What are the benefits of Hebel?
- Hebel provides fantastic insulation and can help provide soundproofing to your building
- Hebel is made from recyclable materials, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a sustainable material
- Hebel is fire-resistant
- Hebel is termite-resistant
- Hebel is easy to cut into, making it easy to install plumbing and electrical lines
- Hebel has a high thermal mass, making it an excellent insulator and increasing the energy efficiency of your building
- Hebel is lightweight, making it easy for builders to handle, speeding up installation time and reducing your labour costs
What are the disadvantages of Hebel Panel?
- Hebel has to be painted, which can add to your building costs
- Hebel needs regular maintenance to prevent it from looking dirty, especially if you opt for a lighter colour
- Hebel can be cracked, especially if heavy items are installed onto it
What are the benefits of brick?
- Brick is readily available, so you won’t have any delays on your project
- Brick is an economical option, making it suitable for most budgets
- Brick is very durable and will stand the test of time without needing replacing
- Brick walls can be load-bearing where necessary, allowing you to add heavy items without worrying about them cracking
- Brick provides a classic rendered look, giving your building a timeless design
- Brick is very easy to maintain, with little maintenance required
- Brick is reusable and recyclable, making it a good option for anyone looking for a sustainable choice
- Brick has a higher fire rating, providing fire resistance
- Brick typically has a lower carbon footprint than other materials
What are the disadvantages of brick?
- Bricks increase the time for construction, and can add significant time to your project, especially for large homes
- Bricks aren’t the best option for high earthquake areas
- Bricks with rough surfaces need to be cleaned regularly to avoid mould developing
What are the benefits of cladding?
- Cladding is low maintenance, with less upkeep than other materials
- Cladding is durable and long-lasting, reducing the chance of replacing it
- Cladding is weather-resistant, making it suitable for hot summers and rainy winters
- Classing is fire and moisture resistant, making it ideal for Australian climates
- Cladding is thermal and rot-resistant
- Cladding can be cheaper than brick walls, depending on the materials, making it a great choice for anyone with a tight budget
- Cladding provides excellent sound insulation to block outside noise and keep inside noise in your home
- Cladding comes in various materials, allowing you to be flexible with your design
What are the disadvantages of cladding?
- Cladding can be expensive, depending on the material you choose
- Cladding has a lengthy installation process, and you will need to hire a professional to correctly install it
- Cladding can be challenging to repair, and you might need to replace the panel, increasing the cost of your build
- Cladding doesn’t offer much thermal insulation
The verdict – which to choose for your new home?
There are a variety of materials to use in your construction project, and the best option can vary on a variety of factors including:
- Location
- Climate
- Budget
- The style of the rest of your home.
- Your own personal taste
- How durable you’d like your home to be.
While both hebel and brick have their advantages, we recommend going with brick in most cases. Our main concern with Hebel panels is it is a relatively new product that has only really been used for the last few years. While there has been good feedback, it is hard to gauge how effective it is in the long run. Brick on the other hand is one of the most tried and tested building materials in the construction industry. The sheer number of brick homes compared to ones with Hebel walls is vast, making it hard to really say Hebel is as reliable as a brick.
It’s easy to get hung up on how long a build will take, but you also need to consider the long-term effects of your choice in building materials. After all, the satisfaction you get from a quick build will be quickly diminished if the finished product is a dud. Therefore, we would recommend brick over both cladding and Hebel due to its proven track record, and timeless appeal.
Find your registered builder in Queensland
Alongside choosing the right material for your project, you need to choose the right builder who can guide you through the process and provide a safe construction. You will want a builder who is aware of the regulations in Queensland and will help you create your dream property without any issues. If you are unsure about building regulations impacting your build, let us connect you to the right builder and make your dream a reality. Our experienced builders can help you decide which material is best for your property and create your home without breaking any building regulations in Queensland.
