Considerations for timber cladding before the winter weather arrives.

Timber cladding is a beautiful and sustainable way to finish a building’s exterior, offering both aesthetic appeal and protection. However, the longevity of timber cladding depends not only on the type of wood used but also on critical factors such as detailing, location, and exposure. Good design and installation practices ensure that timber cladding can stand up to the elements, especially during the harsher winter months.

Key Detailing for Longevity

Proper detailing during installation plays a pivotal role enabling the timber cladding to last for a lifetime . For instance, an adeqautely sized ventilation zone behind the cladding allows air to circulate, ensuring that the timber dries out effectively after exposure to rain.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure the cladding is at least 200mm above the ground. Lifting it out of the “splash zone” helps protect it from direct contact with surface water. Careful planning of drainage details can also divert water away from the cladding, minimising splash-back from rain.

Orientation and Exposure are also crucial considerations when specifying your timber cladding. Being aware that north-facing facades will receive less direct sunlight and require good ventilation.

As the images above show, a Grown in Britain European Larch as freshly installed with a golden amber colour, the second picture is taken 5 years later and shows the timber has now weathered to a lovely silver patina. The knots now becoming more prominent and characterful

As winter approaches, it's important to assess how best to care for timber cladding to ensure it withstands harsh weather conditions. We often recommend timber cladding for its natural beauty and durability but understanding the nuances of different types and any winter maintenance is key to long-lasting results. Wherever possible we try to specify homegrown timber cladding and work to detail it so it can weather naturally and therefore have minimal maintenance and a beautiful patina over time.

Types of Timber Cladding 

1. Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir is a characterful timber and varies in colour from pinks, browns to creams depending on which part of the tree it is cut. Douglas Fir can be left untreated and will fade to a silver-grey over time.

As well as being a very strong and a very hard-wearing wood, due to its high resin content, Larch can prove to be twice as durable as common pine. Highly suitable for cladding buildings in a traditional style and offers a cost-effective alternative to oak or cedar cladding options

2. Larch

Larch is a tough, dense softwood, often used because of its natural resistance to rot and insects. It has a warm golden-brown colour that gradually fades to a silver-grey if left untreated. Larch doesn't require chemical treatment for protection.

3. Oak

European Oak is a hardwood that is naturally strong, with good resistance to the elements. It's often left untreated because it develops a beautiful silvery patina over time. Oak tends to have more tannins in than some other timber used for cladding and as such if left untreated needs to go through an weathering process. Untreated oak tends to shift from a golden brown, through to dark grey and finishing in a silver-grey weathered cladding.

4. Cedar

Cedar is renowned for its natural resistance to decay and moisture, making it a popular choice for cladding. It has a beautiful reddish-brown hue that weathers to a silver-grey patina over time.

4. Thermally modified timber

Thermally modified timber, like Thermowood, undergoes a heat treatment process that enhances its durability and weather resistance. It is commonly made from softwoods like pine or spruce (which aren’t normally durable enough for external cladding). Modified timber can be stable and less prone to warping or swelling, but it does lose its rich tone over time if not treated. A protective treatment before winter can help maintain its appearance and offer additional protection against moisture.

Things To Check On Your Timber Cladding Before Winter?

Timber is a naturally resilient material, but the demands of winter — from freezing temperatures to increased moisture — can take a toll, particularly on exposed cladding. Here are some considerations for treating timber cladding:

 Protection Against Moisture: The primary concern for timber cladding in winter is moisture. Rain, snow, and freezing conditions can cause timber to absorb water, leading to swelling, warping, or rot. Ensuring your gutters are clear and rainwater pipes are working well will ensure rainwater is divereted away from your walls.

Preserving Aesthetic Appeal: If you want to preserve the natural colour of your timber, especially with varieties like Cedar and Larch, applying a UV-protective oil or stain is essential. Winter sun, combined with moisture, accelerates the greying process. We like ‘moisture breathable’ treatments like Osmo or SiOO:x among others.

Enhancing Durability: While many timbers are naturally durable, additional treatment can extend the lifespan of the cladding, especially in regions with severe winter weather. Making sure on north facing timber cladding, obstructions to airflow are removed, a good example might be a planter up against north cladding - which will reduce airflow and increase the likelyhood of algae growth.

It’s also worth noting that any timber treatment want’s to be carried out with care to ensure a consistent even finish to avoid patchy facades and staining. For this reason, it’s sometimes worth considering a factory-applied finish, such as the SiOO:X system or Osmo alternatives.

Choosing the right type of timber cladding and understanding its unique properties is crucial for long-term durability. We recommend assessing your claddings needs and applying appropriate finishes to ensure your building remains beautiful and protected all year round.

Feel free to reach out to us for more tailored advice on timber cladding and its treatment options.