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This FAQ covers the most common questions we receive about timber cladding, treatments, fire performance, ordering, delivery, and practical installation considerations. If you’re working on a specific project and need a direct technical answer, use the contact link at the bottom of this page.
Timber cladding is an external façade system that uses timber boards fixed over a ventilated cavity to protect the building envelope and create a finished architectural surface. Performance depends on correct detailing (ventilation, drainage, fixings), suitable timber choice, and the right treatment for exposure conditions.
Most asked topics: timber durability and movement; maintenance and coatings; fire-retardant treatment and Euroclass language; ordering and delivery; installation fundamentals.
Best practice: design for water run-off, allow timber movement, keep end grain protected, and maintain a ventilated cavity behind the cladding.
Service life depends on the species, exposure (coastal, shaded, sheltered), detailing quality, and the finish system. Well-detailed cladding with correct ventilation and a suitable finish typically lasts significantly longer than cladding installed without airflow or with poor junction detailing.
Yes. Timber expands and contracts as moisture content changes. This is normal. A good cladding design allows for movement through correct fixings, board spacing (where relevant), stable battens, and clear ventilation so moisture can escape rather than being trapped behind the boards.
In most external cladding systems, yes. A ventilated cavity helps manage moisture and improves long-term performance. It reduces the risk of trapped condensation and supports more stable weathering behaviour across the elevation.
Thermally modified timber (often referred to as ThermoWood) is processed to improve dimensional stability and durability. It is typically specified where a stable board is needed for modern façades and where predictable movement characteristics are important for detailing and set-out.
In many cases, treating boards before installation is recommended, especially for edges and end grain. Pre-finishing can improve uniformity and helps protect areas that become harder to access after installation. The correct approach depends on the timber type, finish system, and exposure conditions.
Maintenance frequency depends on exposure and the finish system. South-facing elevations and coastal locations typically need more frequent inspection and refresh cycles than sheltered façades. A practical approach is to inspect annually and refresh finishes according to the manufacturer’s guidance and the elevation’s condition.
Uneven weathering is usually caused by differences in exposure: UV intensity, rainfall, runoff paths, splashback, and shelter from overhangs. Consistent detailing (drips, edges, junctions) reduces patchy runoff and helps façades age more evenly.
Fire-retardant timber cladding is timber that has been treated under controlled conditions to improve reaction-to-fire performance to a defined classification target. This is often specified where fire performance is part of a project’s compliance requirements.
Euroclass is a European reaction-to-fire classification system. “B-s1-d0” indicates limited contribution to fire growth, low smoke production, and no flaming droplets. The correct target depends on the building type and project requirements.
You can find the dedicated service page here: fire-retardant timber cladding treatment.
The most common causes are water traps, poor ventilation, incorrect fixing strategy, missing movement allowance, and weak junction detailing around openings and terminations. Good set-out and consistent detailing have a larger impact than most people expect.
Use this page for practical guidance: cladding detail design guidance.
Full ordering and delivery details are here: order and delivery process.
If your question is project-specific (exposure, fixing pattern, fire requirement, finish system), contact us with the timber type, elevation orientation, and a brief description of the build-up so we can answer accurately: contact Timber Cladding Specialists.