Important Details to Look for When Getting External Timber Cladding

Timber cladding is a popular choice for any construction project, but not giving attention to the details can mess up your hard work and money. When getting external timber cladding, more than the usual attention is required, not just the right wood or durability, but these details are more about the installation part.

Water Accumulation

Creating horizontal sections for external timber cladding is a common choice, but it has potential issues. However, the most damaging issue is the accumulation of water because this particular design gives way to flat edges, where water stores easily, keeping the cladding wet most of the time, resulting in rot. To avoid this from happening, use flashing with a drip point with a distance of 35mm from the front face of the section that can regulate the flow of the water.

Improper Ventilation

While installing cladding boards, it is crucial that you look for the proper ventilation to maintain the moisture level and avoid rot and decay. In general, cladding structure attracts more moisture, standing water, and water ingress that can further lead to the buildup of moisture and lock it. To prevent it from happening, ensure the cladding structure allows regular and unobstructed airflow.

Not Following Fire Regulation

Fire safety should be the standard practice in every type of construction, and external timber cladding is no exception. As timber is more prone to catching fire, implement everything that you can to avoid fire ever consuming it entirely. You can talk to the people in charge of the installation about the precautions and the implementation of fire regulations and standard practice.

Not Checking the Proximity

Always check that the cladding is not too close to the surface or the ground because it is home to most potential issues like moisture, water clogging, and rainwater. They can easily catch up to the timber and start rotting it internally. To minimize the risk, maintain 150mm above ground.

If you are sure of installing external timber cladding, keeping an eye on all these details can help you avoid the most common issues to a great extent.