Timber cladding is a unique way to transform the exterior of your home. It provides a natural and timeless aesthetic and enhances the look of your spaces. But cladding is not just for aesthetics. It is like a guard for your building and needs to be carefully selected to ensure the best performance and suitability. Carefully chosen, designed, and installed timber cladding will have a long and low maintenance life. Choosing the right timber cladding requires careful evaluation to meet your thermal, structural, and aesthetic requirements. So, here's a comprehensive buyer's guide to provide you with definitive and comprehensive knowledge of timber claddings.
What is Cladding?
Cladding refers to the application of a material to cover a structure's exterior. It is commonly used in construction to enhance a building's aesthetics, weather resistance, and insulation properties. It controls how foreign elements interact with any surface, thus saving the surface from damage.
Why choose Timber Cladding?
Wood has long been a popular structural and finishing material in construction. Wood, with its aesthetic qualities, natural durability, flexibility, and weight-to-strength ratio, is one of the most in-demand construction materials in today's world. Its modern appeal is further highlighted due to its capability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. It is also one of the few building materials that can help us meet carbon-zero goals due to its sustainable and renewable nature. Also, incorporating natural elements such as wood, water, and plants into the built environment has been proven to improve occupants' overall health and well-being. Timber is also associated with its positive effect on mental health and well-being, leading to its growing popularity.
What Are Essential Timber Cladding Features?
- Rot & Pest Resistance
Outdoor claddings are prone to damage by pests such as rats, mice, insects, and termites, as well as attacks from mould, mildew, and fungus. Hence, always choose rot & pest-resistant wooden claddings.
- Fire Resistance
Timbers are known for their good thermal insulation properties, and slow charring rate, so their general behaviour in a fire situation is fairly predictable. Fire resistance is a critical feature of any cladding material in bushfire-prone areas. PY Timber Warehouse features a wide collection of cladding timbers that meet your site's BAL (bushfire attack level).
- Ease of Installation/Repair
Choose wooden claddings that are simpler to install and have weather resistance to avoid constant repair and maintenance requirements.
- Thermal Properties
If your home is performing poorly thermally due to a lack of wall insulation, cladding with good insulation can improve the situation.
What Are Various Types Of Timber Cladding?
Profile shape and board arrangement, coupled with the type of timber cladding, surface finish and colour options, offer infinite design possibilities for timber cladding projects. Here are some common types of timber cladding designs:
- Shiplap Cladding
Shiplap boards have a slight overlap, creating a groove between each board. This design is often used in both traditional and contemporary architecture.
- Tongue & Groove Cladding
Interlocking boards characterise them with a protruding edge (tongue) that fits into the groove of an adjacent board. This design offers a seamless and tight fit, enhancing weather resistance and insulation.
- Feather Edge Cladding
The boards are designed to taper from one edge to another, creating a textured and rustic appearance. Feather edge cladding is often used for a traditional and vintage look.
- Board-on-Board Cladding
Overlapping boards create a layered effect, adding depth and visual interest to the building.
- Square-Edged Cladding
Square-edged boards without any overlapping result in a sleek and modern look. Square-edged cladding provides a clean and uniform surface.
- Rainscreen Cladding
Arrangement of horizontal or vertical timber cladding to create an open joint protection. Rainscreen cladding provides both functional and visually interesting design, promoting airflow and drainage.
Why choose PY Timber Warehouse For Your Cladding Needs?
At PY Timber Warehouse, you can choose from an array of ethically sourced, high-quality timbers designed to meet all your cladding needs. PY Timber Warehouse stands out as the best one-stop destination for cladding projects with its diverse timber selection, quality assurance, environmental responsibility, and customer satisfaction.
