Timber cladding: benefits, lifespan, and common issues explained

There are many things that might stir your interest when it comes to buying your next property. It might be simple things like its proximity to amenities, school catchments and transport links. 

One element that often catches the eye is timber cladding, which gives a home character and appeal. Here we look in more detail at what timber cladding is.

Whether you're planning to buy a property that has timber cladding or are considering updating your current property and want to understand the implications on any eventual sale, we also take a look at what the benefits and downsides of timber cladding so that you are armed with the information to help your decision.

The purpose of timber cladding is two-fold; first, as a method of protecting the building from the elements, and, second, for its decorative and aesthetic appeal. 

There are four main ways of using timber cladding:

• Feather edge - the lengths of wood are cut so they are tapered along its width, meaning it is thicker on one side than the other. The planks are placed on the building usually horizontally but can be vertically-placed, too, so that the thicker edge of one plank is laid over the thinner edge of the plank before it.
• Square edge - each of the planks is of a uniform depth and are placed in sequence with each other.
• Tongue and groove - each plank has one edge with an indentation and the other with a protruding part running along the length, so that they fit together by inserting the edge of one plank into the edge of the next.
• Shiplap - each plank has a rabbet, or groove, cut into the length of one side, and another on the other side along the back so that each plank is overlaid on top of the other - this is usually done horizontally.
• Loglap - the front face of each plank is shaped in a curve, emulating the look of a log, and each plant is positioned in a similar way to the square edge option.
• Mock Tudor - we've all seen buildings with horizontal and diagonal planks (usually painted black against the white of the render in between). These planks are simply nailed or screwed to the wall in the desired design and layout.

In Britain, the most popular woods used for timber cladding are the oak, Douglas fir (and other pines), larch, red cedar and sweet chestnut, although any suitable wood can be used, with the less frequently used varieties probably costing more.

When you are considering installing timber cladding on your home, it helps to know what the benefits are in both the property itself and the source of the wood to create the planks.

• Aesthetic impact - it shouldn't be underestimated how much some people like to look at wood as external cladding. If it's done properly, it can really add an aesthetic appeal to the property. If the façade of the building is non-descript and dull, timber cladding can add a sense of character and marks the property out as being different from the others in the street.

The appeal can be enhanced further with weathering and patina, where the wood changes colour over time in the different types of weather.

• Durability - wondering how long does timber cladding last? Providing the timber cladding is maintained properly, it is also a strong and durable product that should last for many years.
• Sustainability - most cladding companies will obtain the wood they use from sustainable and renewable sources, which means that the environment is protected - new trees are planted to replace the ones cut down for the cladding wood. 

Being wood, too, it is also naturally biodegradable when it comes to replacing and maintaining the cladding in the future. At a time when many construction materials are being questioned on their environmental impact, wood is a natural resource.

• Insulation - applied to the external walls, wood is an excellent way of insulating the home. The cellular structure of the wood means that there are small air pockets that trap heat and slow down the transfer from the inside to the outside of the property (and the reverse is also true on hotter days).
• Protection - depending on how the cladding is designed and implemented, it will provide added protection to the building from the weather.
• Versatility - the use of wood as a construction material means that it is relatively cheap and easy to fashion into whatever is required for the timber cladding design.
• Strength - coupled with its versatility, wood is a strong yet malleable material, that is also lightweight when compared with other building materials. Its strength and relative density means that there will not be a requirement for particular fortification of the building before the cladding is applied.
• Ease of maintenance - wood is a far easier material to stain and paint than many other construction methods, which means that setting up a maintenance plan is much easier.
• Impact on property prices - as highlighted above, the instant visual appeal of timber cladding can set the home apart from others in the vicinity, which means that your home will be in greater demand, which, in turn, could have a positive impact on the asking price when it comes to selling.

As with all things in life, while there may be considerable advantages to applying timber cladding to your home, it also comes with some potential timber cladding issues to consider before going ahead.

• Maintenance - unlike some other construction materials, wood requires careful maintenance. It's suggested that it should be repainted or restrained at least every three years but no longer than every seven and that frequency is dependent on the ongoing environmental conditions. This will also require regular inspections to verify that the timber cladding is still structurally sound and is not disintegrating.
• Vulnerability - while wood is a fantastic construction material, unfortunately it has a greater susceptibility to being damaged. In particular, the wood is likely to be a target for insects, termites and fungus, while the inclement weather that is a feature of life in Britain means that rain damage is another potential source of problems.
• Fire risk - it's probably obvious that wood is a highly flammable material and that, once on fire, can spread quickly across the timber cladding on the building. It is therefore essential that any cladding conforms to all regulations on fire protection. If in doubt, ask an expert to provide guidance on what action might be appropriate.
• Skills - to put timber cladding up properly and for the result to look good, you'll need a skilled company to do it for you. Such skills will cost money and that needs to be factored into your decision-making. Don't opt for the cheapest available; instead, do your homework and look at testimonials and feedback for previous work on each company. You really don't want to have the expense that results in a visual and maintenance disappointment when work is complete.
• Shrinkage and expansion - wood is a natural product and is prone to shrinking and expanding depending on the weather and the general environment. Over time, this can lead to warping and bending, which in turn, will lead to problems with dampness since it no longer keeps the rainwater away from the main building structure. It also gives the impression that the home is poorly maintained, which is a problem when it comes to trying to sell the property.
• Staining and fading - without regular maintenance, the wood might be susceptible to staining and fading in its colour - this could also be desirable in some potential buyers' eyes as touched on the list of advantages - but, if it looks unkempt, it will turn away potential purchasers.
• Fitting in with the neighbourhood - if you live in a conservation area, there will be rules and regulations as to what you might be prevented from doing to the external façade of the building, so you'll need to check with your local council, before embarking on any cladding project. Even more strict are the rules governing what can be done to listed buildings. In both cases, you might be required to maintain or replace existing cladding rather than planning for its total removal.

One other consideration is to think about the other homes around yours and how your cladding might look against the neighbouring properties, especially if you are in a terrace or semi-detached property. Your neighbours may not take too kindly to you putting up cladding, so you need to be circumspect with your plans.

Having thought through the advantages and disadvantages of timber cladding, whether existing on a property you own or are wanting to buy, or it's a project you are keen to take on, there are a few things you need to ensure are in place

• Permissions - contact the local authority to ensure that planning isn't required before you go ahead with timber cladding; correspondingly, you'll also want to ensure that removal of timber cladding is acceptable and doesn't require approval or replacement like for like.

If planning permission is required, then ensure you have the documentation to confirm the approval before you have the work done. If you go on to sell the property, this is also useful information to give to your conveyancing solicitor.

• Choosing a timber-cladding firm - do your homework and research. Does the company get the wood from a sustainable and eco-friendly source? Do they have a good reputation from testimonials and ratings? Have they got a catalogue of previous work for you to look at? Can they itemise the cost that they are quoting to you?

Ultimately, the timber cladding will impact the enjoyment of your property, so you want to ensure that the job is done effectively and to a high standard.

• Guarantees and warranties- ensure that the company provides written warranties and guarantees for the work, which will be subject to a suitable maintenance plan being in place. Again, this paperwork will be required at the point of sale of the property (assuming the period of warranty and guarantee has not yet expired).
• Maintenance plan - as part of the application of the timber cladding, ensure that you have the requisite guidance on what you need to do to maintain it and the frequency that it needs to be done. You might also want to get information on the ideal products you should use to stain or paint the cladding as part of your plan for maintenance.

Want to get one of the best local Chartered Surveyors to look over your property and provide you with an expert and detailed survey on existing cladding? Or are you planning on installing timber cladding but aren't sure about the suitability for your property?

That's why it is really worth contacting Surveyor Local! 

Call  to get your survey quote started, or to discuss your concerns with the acquisition of your planned property and any issues with the cladding.