| Cladding |
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Home > Cladding |
There are a number of issues that we have to consider when timber is used for cladding. For comprehensive information contact TRADA. |
Cladding Project Examples:
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All the timber species we offer for cladding are classed as moderately durable or above. Durability usually refers to the life-span of timber when in ground or water contact. When timber is used as cladding, its life-span will be significantly higher because organisms found in air are far less aggressive towards timber than those found in soil. Providing there is a good water run-off and adequate ventilation behind the cladding, it should last many more years than the durability class of the timber indicates. For very durable and durable species, treatment with a preservative is not necessary. For moderately durable species treatment could be an option. Back To Top All timber will go grey when exposed to sunlight. The time this will take may differ considerably: some species will fade in a few months, whereas others take several years. Also the shade may differ: species such as louro or red louro weather to a light silvery-grey, whereas others, e.g. andira, become darker. If species have a pronounced grain this remains visible after weathering in the form of different shades of grey. Because weathering occurs as a result of exposure to (direct) sunlight, areas that are less exposed will retain their original colour for longer. Back To Top Apart from greying, untreated timber may also be prone to staining due to run-offs from gutters, window ledges, etc. This cannot always be avoided and should be accepted as a characteristic of the material. However, some species are less susceptible to staining, usually because of greater density. In situations in which run-off may become an issue, choice of species is important. Applying a coating is also a possibility. Back To Top Preserving the colour of timber can be achieved by applying one or more coating products to the cladding: a process that needs to be repeated every few years. If the intention is to have as little maintenance as possible, then preserving the colour is not an option. Back To Top Instead of leaving the timber in its natural state it is, of course, also possible to paint it. The advantage of painting is that it gives extra protection and adds colour to the environment. An added advantage is that the choice of timber species becomes wider, as the initial colour of the timber is of no importance. Back To Top There are two methods for fixing cladding: nailing and screwing. • Nailing.
• Screwing.
Boards should be fixed in a way that leaves sufficient room for expansion of the boards during wet periods and to allow for ventilation – a gap of 2 mm between boards lengthwise and 3 mm between boards across the width should be sufficient. Because some timbers may react with steel or galvanized fixings, we would recommend using stainless steel or first to test the fixings on the chosen timber. Back To Top When hardwood cladding is nailed, it is recommended to also use a suitable hardwood for battens, as this will hold nails better than a softwood. When cladding is screwed, softwood battens are adequate. Back To Top Timber used for cladding is kiln-dried and carefully selected for defects such as grub-holes, large knots, shakes, twist, checking, etc. Despite this, some boards may twist or warp. This is unavoidable and should be considered as part of the properties of timber. Movement may differ with the seasons, so timber that looks fine during colder and wetter seasons may show movement in sunnier and dryer circumstances - or the other way around. Usually timber will settle after a few seasons. Individual boards that prove problematic can then, if necessary, be replaced. Back To Top Cladding is available in many different profiles, although most are selected within a small range of standard profiles. It is better for the timber to have air circulating behind the boards. For this reason using a shiplap profile rather than a Tongue & Groove profile is considered preferable. Back To Top Cladding is mostly machined with a smooth surface. Sometimes the preference is for a slightly rough appearance which is obtained by fine-sawing rather than planing. When timber weathers, the surface may become rougher, but some species are more prone to this than others. Back To Top In situations where there is a risk of vandalism, softer timbers such as western red cedar and other softwoods should not be used. Species such as cumaru, itauba, jatoba, zebrawood, and purpleheart are very tough and are able to withstand high levels of abuse. Back To Top Costs are dependent on overall quantity, species, profile, and dimensions. |
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