Timber cladding originated in farm structures and has since developed into a popular style for commercial and residential buildings. Despite its commercial appeal, numerous individuals are still unaware of the benefits of timber cladding. Furthermore, timber cladding has been used on Australian houses for over a century and has a solid track record as a beautiful and long-lasting material. However, with increasing cladding materials on the market, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of timber cladding.
What Is Timber Cladding?
Timber cladding is the second layer of a home installed for various purposes such as house design or alleviating weather conditions. In addition, it is often put on the house’s outside façade to safeguard it from the elements while also boosting the home’s attractiveness due to its stylish and sophisticated design. It may be used on ceilings, providing a lovely finishing touch to any area.
Furthermore, timber cladding consists of interlocking boards or planks that serve as barriers. This durable cladding is meant to have a gap between it and the wall. So that if humidity enters the timber cladding, it will have time to evaporate or drain.
The Pros And Cons Of Timber Cladding
When it comes to timber cladding, there are several factors to consider and alternatives to explore. Take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of timber cladding below.
The Advantages Of Timber Cladding
- Materials are lightweight and durable.
Timber wall cladding is an organic, robust, and lightweight material. Since durability is crucial for building materials, timber cladding is the best for your home to last for several decades. Moreover, timber’s lightweight nature makes it considerably simpler to operate and manage than other cladding materials. This provides shorter building timeframes and more design freedom since it may be installed horizontally or vertically.
- It is suitable for a wide variety of budgets.
One significant benefit is that several timber cladding alternatives, such as hardwoods and softwoods, are available at different prices. Most of the time, there is a wood cladding alternative in the industry for everybody, making it one of the most economical cladding materials.
- Sustainable and organic solution.
Timber is a natural material with excellent thermal insulation capabilities that is easy to fix and manage. Several high-quality vendors now acquire their lumber from sustainably managed forests, providing it with a very ecologically responsible option. It also has inherent corrosion resistance, and with the introduction of thermally treated wood cladding, it may give an extraordinarily stable and durable cladding option when exposed to the weather.
The Disadvantages Of Timber Cladding
- Continuous maintenance is necessary.
While timber cladding is long-lasting, it needs staining, oiling, or painting to keep its integrity over time. Timber may bend and break when left exposed to the weather. Staining or painting is not a challenging process, but it does require a bit of time, particularly when it comes to a house’s complete outside cladding.
- Fire danger
Wood is a combustible material compared to alternative cladding choices, which is a genuine worry for some. Those living in high-risk locations may believe there are better options, particularly regarding insurance, where rates may be higher. However, the timber cladding may be treated to increase fire resistance and efficiency.
- Expert craftsmanship is necessary.
The labour required to build external timber cladding requires expertise and higher competence for a better product. When bad craftsmanship is present, wood is susceptible to rotting from humidity. Thus, it is critical to locate reputable pros for your task. Challenges such as stains from the fasteners might also come from work performed by persons not adequately trained, emphasising the point.
Key Things To Know About Timber Cladding
- Aesthetically pleasing. Timber cladding is utilised as an outer material and is becoming widely known due to its attractive look. This is due to its colour, which is ideal for cladding.
- Durability and strength. Wooden’s durability makes it an ideal material for external timber cladding. It can tolerate climatic conditions and other natural factors like fungal infestations, termites, and dampness.
- The installation of timber cladding is simple. Timber cladding is intended for easy installation and usage. Compared to other materials, it enables less material management, particularly scaffolding. However, this could differ based on the location covered.
- Management of timber cladding. Timber cladding care includes water-resistant and UV treatment, which is particularly important for external installations. This will keep decay, mould, and structural deterioration at bay.
- Timber cladding’s versatility. Due to its attractive look and sturdiness, timber cladding interiors are being used by many designers. Moreover, its great density is ideal for outdoor flooring, windows, doors, decks, and other furnishings.
Conclusion
Timber cladding is the best technique if you want an excellent house or business building exterior. Those mentioned above are just a few things you must know about timber cladding if you are considering putting it in your home or business. If you’re still uncertain, allow a professional to assist you in deciding since they know more than you do.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.