Timber cladding is an increasingly popular material choice for architects and designers looking to create a beautiful, sustainable, and natural-looking exterior or interior finish. Timber cladding has been used in construction for centuries and offers a range of benefits including insulation, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Here at NORclad, we intend to explore the benefits of timber cladding, its different types, installation, maintenance, and design considerations to provide architects with the ultimate guide to timber cladding.
Benefits of Timber Cladding for Architects
Sustainable timber cladding
One of the most significant advantages of timber cladding is its natural and sustainable nature. Timber cladding is made from renewable resources and is a sustainable material choice. The use of wood in construction has a lower carbon footprint compared to other materials like concrete or steel. Furthermore, the use of wood in construction can offset carbon emissions by reducing the use of energy-intensive materials. The use of timber cladding is, therefore, an eco-friendly way to achieve a sustainable and environmentally conscious building.
Insulating timber cladding
Another benefit of timber cladding is its insulation properties. Timber cladding offers excellent thermal insulation properties, helping to keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. This insulation property helps reduce energy consumption in buildings, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. This benefit makes timber cladding an attractive material choice for architects looking to design energy-efficient buildings.
Durable timber cladding
Durability is another advantage of timber cladding. With proper installation and maintenance, timber cladding can last for many years. Timber cladding can be naturally resistant to decay and insect infestation, or if required can be preservative treated with either our Brunnea or Lite treatments. The natural properties of timber make it an ideal choice for use in external cladding, as it can withstand harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, and snow.
Aesthetic timber cladding
Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of timber cladding is one of its most significant advantages. Timber cladding offers a beautiful, natural-looking finish that can be customized to suit any design. The natural beauty of timber cladding gives buildings a warm and inviting feel that is difficult to achieve with other materials. The texture, grain, and colour of the wood can be varied to create different effects, making timber cladding an ideal choice for architects looking to create unique and visually appealing designs.
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Types of Timber Cladding for Architects
There are several types of timber cladding available in the market, and each has its unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of timber cladding include:
- Tongue and Groove – this is the most popular type of timber cladding, where the boards are fitted together with a tongue and groove joint. The tongue and groove joint creates a weatherproof seal that helps to prevent water penetration filling the void.
- Shiplap – Similar to tongue and groove, but with a more pronounced overlap between boards. The shiplap profile provides a more decorative finish than tongue and groove, and it is easier to install.
- Board and Batten – A traditional style of timber cladding where wide boards are fixed vertically with narrow battens covering the joints. The board and batten profile provide a rustic and traditional look that is ideal for country homes.
- Featheredge – A type of cladding that is made from tapered boards that overlap each other, creating a natural-looking finish. Featheredge cladding is suitable for both contemporary and traditional buildings.
- Waney Edge – A rustic style of cladding that uses boards with the natural edge of the tree, giving a unique and organic finish. Waney edge cladding provides a natural and unrefined look that is perfect for rural buildings.
Explore the versatility of wood as a building medium here. >
Installing Timber Cladding for Architects
The installation of timber cladding should be carried out by a professional contractor or an experienced DIYer. The installation process involves fixing the boards to a backing structure, either directly onto the wall or onto a breathable membrane. The cladding boards should always have a gap left when installing to allow for expansion and contraction.
Before installation, ensure that the backing structure is sound and free from defects. The boards should also be checked for any defects, and any damaged or warped boards should be removed and replaced. If boards are to be coated or stained, it is recommend to either have NORclad supply your boards pre-coated, or if coating yourself then to ensure both the back face, along with the front is coated.
Paying attention to the details, such as the type of fixings used and the spacing between boards will also hugely benefit the process. The fixings used should be corrosion-resistant and appropriate for the type of timber being used, typically stainless steel, while the spacing between boards should allow for natural movement of the timber as well as adequate ventilation that prevents moisture from building up.
Timber cladding maintenance for architects
Timber cladding requires little regular maintenance to keep it looking good and to protect it from decay and insect infestation. Annual cleaning with a soft brush and a mild detergent can help to remove dirt and grime from the surface of the cladding. Any damaged or rotten boards should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Timber cladding design Considerations for architects
When designing a building that will utilise timber cladding, there are several design considerations to keep in mind. These include the type of timber, the profile of the cladding, the colour, and the installation method.
The type of timber used will depend on factors such as cost, availability, and desired finish. Some of the most common types of timber used for cladding include cedar, larch, oak, and spruce.
The profile of the cladding can be varied to create different effects, from traditional to modern. The colour of the cladding can be enhanced or changed by using a suitable finish or by selecting a timber species with a particular colour.
The installation method will depend on the type of backing structure and the desired finish. The fixing method used should be appropriate for the type of timber being used and should allow for natural movement of the timber.
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Specify Timber Cladding for Your Next Build
Timber cladding is an attractive, sustainable, and durable material choice for architects and designers looking to create a natural-looking finish for their buildings. With a range of different types, profiles, and finishes available, timber cladding offers designers a great deal of flexibility in achieving their desired look. With proper installation and maintenance, timber cladding can last for many years, providing an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and visually appealing finish for buildings.
So, why not get the ball rolling today and get in touch with one of our friendly and professional members of staff to find out more about our cladding solutions and professional services. Alternatively, take a look at some of our case studies to gain a better understanding as to what it is we do here at NORclad.
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