There is no denying the benefits of timber cladding for your home but maintenance is key if it is to keep its beauty and resilience for as long as possible, and this should start even before installation!
Pre-installation treatment of timber cladding
Treated timber will usually last longer than untreated timber and when you choose pressure treated softwood external timber cladding, you already have a head start! The pressure treatment process removes moisture and air from the timber, replacing it with a deep penetrating, chemical preservative that will protect against environmental factors including moisture, fungal decay and insect infestation.
Once your cladding boards have been prepared and cut to size, it is easier to apply any treatments to the cladding boards before they are installed. Applying a preservative treatment that will penetrate the timber and give long-lasting protection is preferable to paint which forms a surface film and can lead to deterioration. Protek wood stain and protector waterproofs and protects, while offering good UV and weather resistance. The micro-porous coating has an inbuilt mould inhibitor and the treatment can be applied easily to large areas with a low pressure sprayer.
Once cladding has been installed, ongoing maintenance is essential.
Inspect timber cladding regularly
Have a really close look at the cladding on a regular basis – look in particular for any cracks or splits in the cladding boards and for any areas where any protective coating may have worn away. Checking for splits and cracks during dry weather spells and checking for mould when it is wet should be done annually so that any damage or signs of wear can be addressed as soon as they are seen.
Cleaning timber cladding
Exterior timber cladding will get dirty and mould and stains may accumulate on the surface. Pressure washing is an effective means to remove dirt that will not damage any coatings that have been applied. Ensure the cladding is completely dry before moving on to the next step – this may take a few days.
Dealing with splits and cracks
If you find any splits or cracks, remove any rotten wood with a sharp knife and fill with a wood filler. Once dry, sand the surfaces that have been filled before applying any treatments.
Apply a wood protector
Age and weather will take its toll, even on pre-treated timber cladding, so ongoing maintenance should involve regular applications of a wood protector. Protek wood preserver is a wood primer that is ideal for external timber cladding and is effective against mould and insect infestation. The wood preserver should be followed by a weather resistant top coat such as the wood stain and protector or, for a natural finish, Protek's Restol Wood Oil. Application of a wood treatment should be carried out every 1-5 years.
Timber cladding from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber, we supply softwood timber cladding. We stock three profiles of boards – loglap cladding, shiplap cladding and tongue and groove cladding – all of which are sourced from sustainably managed sources, as well as all fixings. Our Chain of Custody Certificate tracks products from source to end point giving customers added confidence and peace of mind.
For any queries about any aspect of timber cladding, please email us at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or call us on 01205 359188.