Using timber is an excellent choice for the exterior finishing of a building. It has been long used as a decorative material for the exterior finishing of building construction. Its usage as a finishing material is also appreciated because of its zero-carbon property. Usage of Timber as the exterior is also helpful because it has flexibility and strength. This strength comes from interlocked fibers that make it a rigid material to use as a construction material. On the other hand, timber can also be damaged by cracks, decay, sunlight exposure, fungi, insets, etc. However, there is no need to worry because these side effects could be reduced by using chemicals.
Some timber also has the properties of rot resistance. So, always use rot-resistant timber as exterior construction. If wood directly interacts with the ground, it will probably rot faster. By absorbing the moisture from the ground, timber will nourish fungi.. This situation triggers a process in which wood swells and splits its fiber pore and becomes weak.
Following are some points that you should keep in your mind while starting a timber exterior construction project.
Environment
The first thing that you should keep in your mind is the weather situation where timber will be used. In a timber construction environment, how much sunlight will it take? Can wood bear rain, heat, or cold effect? How much wood can withstand these natural environmental factors?
Sunlight, rain, and moisture damage exterior timber very severely. All these things drain the color of the timber and make it weaker. So as a preventive measure, exterior timber needs regular maintenance. Extra coating of UV protective layer and moist insulation layer can minimize these kinds of damages. This is something that American Way Exteriors highly recommends you focus on.
Timber type
Timber type plays a vital role. Suppose you use timber that is less dense and less oily. Then its decay process can be faster. On the other hand, if you use hardwood, which is dense and oilier, it can protect itself very well from the fast decay process. Some woods are thick and have a natural resistance against the decay process. Some of them are Cedarwood, Walnut wood, and oak wood. Choose these types for exterior timber construction.
Read More: How to keep your timber decking looking brand new
The coating on Timber Exterior Design
The coating is essential for timber exteriors when it is used for decoration or construction material. Protecting wood from UV light rays by putting a protective layer on it is essential for outside usage. Water repellant or water resistance layer coating is also essential. These coatings prevent the wood from changing its color and other natural properties of wood.
Which Kind Of Wood Works Best For Covering Exterior Walls?
The most widely used species for cladding include European oak, Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and European larch since they don’t need any preservative treatment and are highly resistant to rot, dampness, and insects. On the other hand, species like spruce, fir, and pine must be treated.
Which Substance Is Used For Laminating?
Metal, fiber cement, masonry, or wood are all acceptable materials for cladding. More recent products may use many materials like insulated metal paneling or poly-timber composite boards. The inside of your property should be protected from the elements by cladding waterproof solutions.