If you are considering timber cladding your home or another building project, you may be initially asking yourself whether to leave the bare brick or stone or opt for timber cladding. While both options have their advantages, these days there are some solid reasons why more and more people are turning to timber cladding as an alternative. Let’s take a closer look at why exterior timber cladding is often the better option.
Timber Cladding – Design And Functional Benefits
Exterior cladding is a crucial element in the overall design and functionality of a building. There are a number of different cladding materials available, including brick, stone, and timber. While plain brickwork and plain stone are popular choices for their durability and classic look, timber cladding is a better option for several reasons. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using exterior timber cladding versus plain brickwork or plain stone, and highlight some of the different types of timber cladding available.
What Is Timber Cladding?
First, it is important to understand what exterior timber cladding is. Timber cladding is a type of exterior cladding that involves attaching thin pieces of wood to the exterior walls of a building. This type of cladding provides a protective layer against the elements, while also improving the insulation and aesthetic appeal of the building. We are a leading south west timber cladding supplier and we stock many different types of timber cladding available, including Canadian Cedar, Homegrown Cedar, Siberian Larch, European Redwood, Red Grandis, and Thermowood, and Waney Edge cladding, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Natural Beauty And Warmth
One of the key benefits of using exterior timber cladding is its natural beauty and warmth. Unlike brick or stone, which can look cold and artificial, timber cladding provides a warm and inviting look that complements any architectural style. With its natural grains and textures, timber cladding creates a sense of depth and dimension that is unmatched by other materials. Additionally, because timber is a natural material, it will weather and age beautifully over time, creating a unique and distinctive look that can only be achieved with wood.
The Versatility Of Timber Cladding
Another benefit of exterior timber cladding is its versatility. Timber cladding can be cut, stained, or painted to match any design or style, making it a perfect solution for homeowners and builders who want to create a unique and personalized look. Additionally, because there are so many different types of timber cladding available, it is possible to choose a material that is suited to the specific needs of a project, whether it be durability, fire resistance, or insect resistance. For example, Canadian Cedar cladding is naturally resistant to rot and decay, making it an ideal choice for homes in humid or wet climates, while Siberian Larch is known for its strength and durability.
A Sustainable Choice
In terms of sustainability, exterior timber cladding is an excellent choice for those who are concerned about their environmental impact. Unlike other cladding materials like vinyl, which are made from petroleum-based products, timber cladding is a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainably managed forests. Additionally, because timber is a natural insulator, it can help to reduce energy costs and improve the overall energy efficiency of a building.
Yes, It Can Be Fire Resistant
One of the lesser-known benefits of exterior timber cladding is can be fire resistant. Unlike other cladding materials like plastics or fibre cement, which can quickly ignite and spread flames, timber cladding is able to resist fire for a much longer period of time. This makes it an ideal choice for homes in areas that are prone to wildfire, or for those who are concerned about the risk of fire. The fire resistance of timber cladding depends on several factors, including the type of timber used, the thickness of the cladding, and the treatment applied to the cladding. Generally, timber cladding is not considered to be fireproof, but it can be treated to reduce its flammability and improve its fire resistance.
Timber species that are naturally resistant to fire, such as Western Red Cedar and Siberian Larch, can be used for cladding. These species have a low density and a high moisture content, which make them less likely to catch fire and burn. However, it is important to note that even naturally fire-resistant species can still catch fire and burn if they are not treated or installed correctly.
Easy Of Installation
Finally, it is important to note that exterior timber cladding is easy to install and maintain. Unlike brick or stone, which require specialised skills and equipment to install, timber cladding can be cut and installed relatively easily by most DIY enthusiasts or professional contractors. Additionally, because timber is a natural material, it is easy to clean and maintain, with no special products or tools required.
A Popular Choice For Modern New Builds
Exterior timber cladding is an increasingly popular choice for modern building projects due to its versatility and the many benefits it provides. In the final stages of a modern build, the addition of exterior timber cladding can be especially useful for several reasons.
A Cohesive Look
One of the key advantages of exterior timber cladding is that it can help to create a cohesive and finished look for the building. With so many different types of new blocks, building materials, and insulation materials being used in modern construction, it can be difficult to create a cohesive look for the building’s exterior. Timber cladding can provide a seamless and attractive solution for tying together all of these different materials, creating a harmonious and finished look.
Natural Insulation
Another benefit of exterior timber cladding is that it can provide additional insulation and improve the overall energy efficiency of the building. By adding a layer of wood to the exterior of the building, the cladding can help to keep the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy costs and improving the building’s overall energy efficiency. This can be especially important in modern builds where energy efficiency is a key concern.
In addition, exterior timber cladding can be a useful solution for preventing the need for re-pointing. Re-pointing refers to the process of repairing and replacing the mortar between bricks or stones in a building’s exterior. This is a common maintenance issue for many buildings, but can be particularly problematic in modern builds where a variety of different materials are being used. With exterior timber cladding, the cladding acts as a barrier that helps to protect the building from the elements, reducing the need for re-pointing and other types of maintenance.
It is important to note that exterior timber cladding is a versatile and attractive solution for modern builds. With a wide range of different types of timber cladding available, including Canadian Cedar, Homegrown Cedar, Siberian Larch, European Redwood, Red Grandis, and Thermowood, it is possible to choose a material that is suited to the specific needs and style of the building. Whether you want a sleek and modern look or a more rustic and natural feel, there is a type of timber cladding that can provide the desired result.
Choose Timber Cladding
Exterior timber cladding is a better choice than plain brickwork or plain stone for several reasons. From its natural beauty and warmth to its versatility, sustainability, fire resistance, and ease of installation and maintenance, exterior timber cladding provides a superior solution for homeowners and builders looking for a durable, versatile, and attractive solution for the exterior of a building.