How to choose the best timber cladding
Using timber for cladding on buildings
The first ever material used to build a house was timber and it’s still used frequently today.
Recycling timber uses low energy; you can even modify timber to have extreme durability and longevity… Architects specifying timber materials for the interior and exterior of properties have sustainability in their minds. They consider the source, certification, longevity, durability, installation and maintenance.
Soft woods for cladding are the norm as they have easy workability and the cost is very low. Furthermore, they do need regular maintenance and have the tendency to expand and contract with a result of a shabby chic or rust quality in a short space of time.
Hardwoods offer a superior level of strength and durability. Some common types of hardwood include Oak, Teak and Iroko… These carry naturally more resilience compared to softwoods. That being said sustainability is an issue to consider. They need just as much maintenance too.
When fixing timber in an exterior environment the fixings are first rebated; next insert a pellet or dowel, chisel off and then sand. Secondly, apply chosen stain followed by finish oil. This will slow the installation process down and substantially increase the labour, although essential for better quality installations.
Is Technowood real timber cladding?
Of course, Technowood is the most technologically advanced timber available. It is absolutely real and uses 98% less real wood than any other solid cladding in comparison.
“It looks like wood, feels like wood because it is wood”
All products for Technowood are a substrate medium such as Aluminium. The timber is so thin it shares a synergy between itself and the aluminium. It doesn’t act like timber, it doesn’t suffer the short comings such as splitting, checking or cracking. It doesn’t have fissures, twist or warp. Technowood does not behave like real timber yet it is timber in every way… just much thinner. Technowood is manufactured in such a way the timber has an improved durability. It carries a warranty for 25 years.
Key Features of Technowood
A2 Class Certified
Warranty 25 years
100% natural wood veneer
Resistant to fungi and bacteria
Stable
Durable
Lightweight
Uses 98% less timber
Looks like real timber
Sustainability, certification and Environmental Declaration
Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration; in more areas of forestry, products are dictated by law. The EU sets certification requirements when importing timbers, EUTR, European Union Timber regulations. There are schemes available FSC and PEFC that prove the source of the timber. Further, this ensures it’s coming from well-managed and sustainable forestry. These eco labels track the authenticity of the companies (and the timber) producing the timber; ensuring correct chain of custody to the end user.
“Technowood only uses FSC certified timbers”
Biophilic Architecture in modern construction
It is all of our responsibility to use sustainable materials where possible in Architecture. Its well proven that using natural materials as a finish you gain an enhanced biophilic environment. Using real timber in biophilic interiors is known to lower stress; as well as reduce heart beat rate and helps you lead a healthier life. It also has a calming effect in the learning environment and should be encouraged around children.
Technowood is real timber, its biophilic, it should be considered as the leading timber cladding solution where timber is required.
