A Guide to the Different Timber Cladding Treatments
Timber cladding is a popular material for a wide range of building and architectural projects – but what can be done to make sure timber continues to perform, months and years after installation? When looking into timber cladding for a project, it is common to encounter mention of treatments or ‘treated timber’.
Timber treatments are chemical solutions that can be used to preserve or maximise the durability of timber materials. In particular, timber can be treated to increase its resistance against harsh weather, rotting, or even fire.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various treatments available at NORclad, outline their effects and benefits, and note the importance of choosing the right treatment for your project.
What are the Different Treatments for Timber Cladding?
As timber continues to maintain popularity for residential and commercial builds, effective maintenance of timber structures is becoming increasingly important. While timber does boast a handful of natural preservative features, those looking to get the most out of their timber may look to invest in treatments for their timber cladding.
Timber treatments come in several varieties, each of which targeting a particular concern. Challenges commonly targeted by treatments include:
Protection against Rot and Fungal decay
One of the key issues curbed through the use of timber treatments is the presence of rot and fungal decay. For timber structures that are exposed to regular weathering, rot and fungal decay are likely to develop over time. Not only do these alter the look of a timber, but they can also impact its structural integrity, resulting in weakening or crumbling.
Our NORclad Lite Treatment offers a 30-year warranty against rot and fungal decay for materials such as Brunnea Redwood and Western Red Cedar. Timber that is lite treated is also protected against attack from wood boring beetles or termites, making it a highly suitable solution for timber structures located in harsh or rural climates that will need to withstand various weather conditions and pests.
Colour Preservation
Treatments can also be used to preserve the appearance of timber cladding, particularly its colour. Timber cladding can really take the brunt of the British weather over time, resulting in a loss of colour and vibrancy.
Luckily, timber treatments such as NORclad’s Brunnea Treatment extend the longevity of timber’s colour, while also providing additional enrichment over time. As with other treatments mentioned, NORclad’s Brunnea-treated timber also protects against fungal decay and attack from wood boring insects.
Fire Protection
Another common reason for treating timber materials is to maximise their resistance to fire. While timber does possess some naturally fire-resistant properties, structures that rely heavily on timber should take due care to ensure that the timber used is effectively treated to reduce sensitivity to fire and high heat.
NORclad’s Fire Protective Treatment penetrates the structure of the timber, meaning that additional protective coats are not required. Our fire resistance treatments work by preventing ignition and consequential spread of fire. Our treatments also reduce the likelihood of smoke damage during a fire as the product does not become smoke when exposed to high temperatures.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Treatment?
Treating timber is an important but additional expense – so it’s wise to select your timber treatment carefully. When selecting how to treat your timber, assess what treatments may be most beneficial for your project, its intended use, and its environment. In some cases, certain treatments may take high priority over others depending on environmental factors or regulatory requirements such as Euroclass rating under the Fire Regulations.
In addition, some treatments work most effectively when applied to particular species of timber, so it’s important to check that a treatment is a good match for the timber you intend to use. If not, the benefits of applying treatments may be reduced and the funds invested in treating the timber ill-used.
For expert advice on choosing the right treated timber for your project, speak to the team at NORclad today.
What are the Benefits of Fire Protection Treatments for Timber?
Peace of Mind
As well as maximising fire safety for a project, fire protection treatments also boast a range of additional advantages. For example, the use of timber treated with fire protective technology grants both those who own and inhabit a structure greater peace of mind regarding the safety of themselves and their belongings, allowing them to relax and enjoy the space without worries for immediate safety.
Protected Investment
In addition to protecting the welfare of those who use a space, opting for fire-treated timber also helps protect investment. Projects and renovations that use timber are often costly and take large amounts of time and effort in addition to funds. Effectively fire-treating timber helps protect this investment by reducing potential damage – both direct and indirect.
Not only does treating timber increase its ability to withstand high temperatures, it also limits the formation of smoke, resulting in reduced damage to the wider space and its contents in the event of fire.
Remains Effective for the Lifetime of Cladding
Treatments such as those available from NORclad remain effective for the lifetime of cladding, meaning no need for touch-ups or retreating. Not only does this avoid the costs associated with re-treating, but the labour too.
Non-Toxic and Non-Allergenic
Our treatments are non-toxic and non-allergenic, meaning they are safe for use around both humans and animals. These properties grant peace of mind to those using treated timber for both commercial and residential projects, where the welfare of those who interact with a stricture is of high priority.
Quality Treated Timber Cladding from NORclad
Wondering if treated timber is right for your next design project? Here at NORclad, we are specialist providers of high-quality timber cladding and treatments – all of which are designed to provide effective, long-lasting results. Our timber-treating services can also include certificates of compliance for each consignment of fire-treated cladding upon request, and support in selecting the right treatment and cladding for your project.
To discuss how treated timber could fulfil your structural or design needs – get in touch today. Our expert team are on hand to offer tailored advice backed by years of industry experience.
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