How Exterior Wood Cladding Benefits Your Home
If you’re cued in to the design world, the chances are that you’ve heard about wood cladding. It creates a sleek, polished look by layering pieces of wood (most often timber) on top of one another to produce a stunning structural finish and excellent durability.
But why do some home and building owners use exterior wood cladding? And what can homeowners expect when they install this design feature? Read on to find out!
What Is Exterior Wood Cladding?
Exterior wood cladding is done by layering thin strips of wood to enhance a home’s design and add insulation against moisture and air penetration. These strips of wood fit together differently depending on the profile of the wood. The profile, in turn, affects the insulating ability of the cladding, in addition to its aesthetic. A few common types of profiles include shiplap, v-groove, log-lap, board and batten half-lap, feather-edge and shadow gap.
While you can theoretically place wood cladding anywhere (including indoors), timber cladding is an excellent option for exterior siding, as it is there that wood truly thrives.
Typically, cedar is the best type of wood to use for any cladding, whether it be indoor or outdoor. Still, homeowners have options and can use a wide variety of wood for cladding, such as:
- Fir
- Pine
- Ash
- Beech
- Birch
- Mahogany
- Maple
- Oak
However, most wood suppliers would recommend using cedar for wood cladding projects, especially when it comes to exterior wood cladding. This is because cedar is incredibly durable, lightweight, rot-resistant, and easy to install.
Why Is Exterior Wood Cladding Used?
Exterior wood cladding is used for a multitude of reasons. For one, the cladding is extremely durable, offering home and building owners appealing functionality that will look great and last a long time.
For another, studies have shown that buildings with wood cladding can reduce stress levels because the design is so calming. Additionally, timber cladding is exceptionally dynamic. You can mix and match plenty of designs and use timber cladding on finishes, shingles, tiles, and more.
Exterior Wood Cladding Pros & Cons
When homeowners are considering adding exterior wood cladding to their homes, they want to know the benefits and drawbacks of working with this material.
The benefits of installing exterior wood cladding are profound. Homeowners can expect to enjoy:
- An attractive aesthetic
- Renewable material
- A low carbon footprint
- Fast installation
- Longevity and durability
- Easy repair options
- Improved insulation
However, there are some downsides to working with timber cladding. For one, timber requires painting and coating to protect it from the elements and keep it looking sharp. As a result, you’ll have to put in a significant amount of maintenance to keep your exterior wood cladding in tip-top shape.
Additionally, because timber carries an innate vulnerability to fire, sometimes insurance companies will charge more to cover the cost of the elevated risk. That being said, many homeowners believe that using timber cladding is worth the effort due to its excellent look and durability.
Wood Cladding Durability
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using wood cladding is its durability. Of course, homeowners will have to take care to properly install, treat, and keep up with maintenance. Homeowners should plan to use soap and warm water to clean their exterior wood cladding once per year. Additionally, painted wood cladding will likely need to be redone after about five years, while a stain or sealer will endure longer and help protect the wood from the elements. That being said, a well-cared-for timber cladding can last homeowners many years.
How many years, you ask? Try between 40 and 60 years.
That’s right. Once you install wooden cladding, you won’t have to reinstall it for the rest of your property ownership. As a result, many homeowners and building owners choose timber cladding for its timeless style and longevity.
If you’re looking to install timber cladding, make sure you contact a vetted professional to deliver those durable results you’re looking for.
Contact Reliance Timber Today
Are you ready to get started on installing exterior wood cladding? Maybe you’re just looking for information before you commit to a decision. Either way, give our team a call.
With decades worth of service and impeccable customer service and satisfaction, we’re confident we’re the best timber cladding company for your home or project.
Contact Reliance Timber for all of your timber wood cladding supplies and needs!
