Which type of weather is cladding particularly designed to protect against?

Cladding is primarily designed to protect structures from adverse weather conditions, with a particular focus on rain. The role of cladding is to create a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the building envelope, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of the structure and preventing issues such as mold, mildew, and water damage. By effectively shedding water off the surface, cladding helps to safeguard insulation and other materials within the walls.

While cladding can offer some resistance to other weather elements such as heat, humidity, and fog, its main function is to resist water infiltration from rain. This makes rain a key consideration in the design and materials used for cladding systems, which often include water-resistant properties and drainage designs to manage runoff effectively.