Exterior wood cladding, a trend in contemporary architecture

The solutions used in contemporary architecture for cladding the exterior walls of buildings have evolved over the last few years. Wood cladding is a rapidly growing trend as it adds warmth and texture while being durable and economical. An exterior wood cladding can be done both to increase the aesthetics of the building and its energy efficiency, as well as to protect from the sun and weather. But being wood will require treatments applied before or after installation and proper maintenance. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to do your homework beforehand and work with specialists.

What is exterior wood cladding?

A solid wood cladding (timber, wainscoting, strips, shingle, heat-treated wood) or composite panels that are mounted on the exterior walls of the building and act as a protective shield. It is done to protect the façade against the weather, but also for the major contribution it makes to the design of the building. 

Contemporary architecture is making increasing use of this type of façade cladding because of its unique way of combining style and practicality. Moreover, wood is suitable for cladding everything from facades to fencesfrom the gardener to the Gazebosfrom houses or attic commercial buildings. 

Benefits of wood cladding on facades

Versatility. Wood is a special material, it is naturally beautiful and each plank of wood has a unique look. It is easy to work and repair and can be refinished many times during its lifetime as a building material. It can be an option for both residential and commercial projects. The facade can be customized by choosing the type of wood, profile, texture, mounting and finishing. 

Energy efficiency. Natural insulating materials such as wood create a natural barrier against heat and cold, and a design focused on this idea can minimize energy consumption. Buildings with wooden facades react quickly thermally, which means that less energy is needed to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Together with proper insulation of exterior walls, wood cladding can greatly improve thermal resistance even in older buildings.

Ease of installation. Modern cladding systems are designed to be easy to use and install quickly, even on large surfaces. They guarantee a high degree of precision, an essential requirement for quality construction.

Types of products used in exterior cladding

The outside of the house is the most stressed by the weather. Through its role in protecting the home, the facade can make the difference between a comfortable and healthy home and a costly home that requires frequent renovations. There are several options for exterior wall cladding products depending on the specifics of each project.

Lambriul is commonly used for cladding buildings and of all façade materials best connects living spaces with nature. The most common exterior cladding is Nordic pine, molid, siberian larch and red cedar. Some species are more vulnerable than others and should be chosen so that they are resistant to the environment and conditions they must withstand. In general, suppliers of timber products are classified into grades of quality and strength.

Because of the risk of deformation, a thickness of approx. 20 mm, a maximum width of 12-14 cm and not more than 5 m in length. As an arrangement, vertical installation guarantees better protection against moisture penetration. Horizontal mounting in the nut and stink (lambă and uluc) the nut must always point downwards. 

Wood panelling is certainly one of the most versatile and enjoyable cladding solutions available today. But it is important to remember that any natural product used outdoors will need protection and maintenance. The natural color of wood is not long-lasting in any species of wood used outdoors. Without UV protection the wood will turn gray over time and moisture in the air can cause it to rot and grind. Wood finishes slow down the rate at which moisture affects the wood, reduce the effects of radiation and so prolong its life and maintain its beauty.

But there are also claddings that don't need protection. These include composite boards. They are compact multi-layered boards, less susceptible to dimensional changes in climatic variations than wood paneling. Composite boards called HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) are high-pressure products made of cellulose fibers and acrylic resins. They are highly resistant to impact and scratching, chemicals, moisture and weathering, and are suitable for more aggressive environments and heavy traffic. They are used for cladding buildings in urban areas, office, industrial or public buildings. You can choose from a multitude of matt, glossy, metallic colors and decorations that imitate wood, stone, covering a wide range of design and landscaping requirements.

Installing the panelling. Ethe ficiency of the plaque

The performance of wooden facades depends on both the product chosen and proper construction and installation. The cladding system is composed of wood paneling, supports, insulation and anti-condensation film. The paneling is installed on the supports using nails (screws). Before installing the actual paneling, it is recommended to use a waterproof anti-condensation film. This stops wind and precipitation water from penetrating into the space between the wainscot and the wall, but allows moisture to circulate outwards.

The panel can be mounted horizontally or vertically. For horizontal mounting in the lamella and spout system, the side with the spout shall always point downwards. This avoids water ingress and accumulation. The principle is also valid for overlapping slats (the lower slat is covered by the upper one). Wood cladding should be finished with a second board before reaching the ground to prevent the wood coming into contact with water.

Another system for mounting paneling is concealed fixing. This system reduces installation time compared to traditional mounting. Instead of screws and nails, rails and flexible clamps are used. The rails are mounted on the wall, and the clamps on which the wainscoting is fastened are inserted into the rail channel. The wainscot, which has milled recesses on the back for clamping, will be fastened one after the other by the clips that slide on the rail. It is a system that offers great precision during assembly, allows good ventilation of the facades and quick replacement of the wainscoting if necessary.

Protecting and maintaining wood panelling

The exterior cladding of a building must be weather resistant. The finish applied to wood must therefore be resistant to both water and UV radiation. This prevents mold, wood rot and general deterioration. Choosing the most suitable type of coating will make maintenance easier and ensure that the wood will last a long time.

Finishes provide protection, prolong the life and maintain the beauty of the wood. The more the finish allows as little sunlight as possible to reach the wood, the more durable it is. The most resistant are matt paints and the least resistant are gloss varnishes. There are two basic types of finishes for exterior exposed wood:

• Surface finishes - form a film by applying and curing successive layers of materials (varnishes, paints, lacquers);
• Deep finishes - which penetrate the wood surface. They are based on oil and does not form a film.

Finishing wood to resist exterior weathering is a complex area that has been covered many times in the pages of these magazines. You can find here information on how to choose and treat exterior wood and answers to the most frequently asked questions about exterior wood finishing here.

Some wood species have low resistance to climatic conditions. In this case their use for exterior cladding is conditional on the application of treatments to increase their resistance. The treatment consists of heat treatment, hence the name heat-treated or heat-treated wood. The treatment increases resistance to moisture, weathering, fungal and insect attack. The wood acquires high dimensional stability, with significantly reduced expansion, shrinkage and cracking. It can be used in all types of outdoor construction and is excellent for cladding houses. Heat-treated wood is highly water-resistant and requires very little maintenance.

Façade maintenance. Like all exterior surfaces, the wooden facade of a building needs to be maintained to preserve its appearance. Maintenance involves cleaning and refinishing, depending on the materials used. No cladding system lasts indefinitely, so it is important that the finish is regularly inspected, properly maintained and refreshed if necessary, and that degraded wood is replaced.

Wood cladding gives the building a timeless, warm and welcoming feel. It offers good insulation and durability. Don't bypass it because it's easy to install, energy efficient and versatile.