Wood cladding
– the FIVE keys for extending service life
The collaborative European project WoodExter has agreed on an early set of principles to ensure the maximum service life is delivered for an exterior wood cladding specification. The five key design features will ensure a long service from wood cladding. Further details can be obtained from any of the project partner organizations.
1. Off the ground – cladding to start at least 30 cm above ground level.
2. End grain protection – water ingress is 1000 times quicker along the end grain of wood.
End grain protection by capping, design or sealant can provide a key way of restricting moisture ingress into the wood and prolong service life.
3. Ventilation and shedding water – design the cladding to shed water rapidly and to
dry rapidly if it becomes wet. Sloping surfaces and a ventilated cavity behind the boards are simple design features to enable this.
4. Coatings play a key role in performance of cladding and must be maintained. An exterior
wood coating must be delivered as part of a complete maintenance and care package.
5. No sharp edges – sharp edges on cladding profiles tend to damage easily from impact
and if coated provide weak points in the protective coating layer as the film cannot form over the edge.
