The importance of protecting timber cladding for longevity and lasting beauty

Steve Bailey, Managing Director of Barrettine Products, discusses exterior timber’s place in a greener built environment, and the importance of protecting timber cladding for lasting performance.  

As the built environment takes centre stage in the fight against climate change, sustainable building practices are more crucial than ever. Eco-conscious architects and developers are increasingly championing timber cladding for its undeniable beauty, durability, and inherent insulation qualities.

However, without proper care and protection, external timber features such as cladding and facades can quickly deteriorate due to weather and UV damage, turning faded, grey and cracked.

At Barrettine, we’ve been developing protective treatments for timber for decades, and have developed a two-step system to protect exterior timber from the damage caused by both fungi growth and UV rays.

By taking care of exterior timber cladding, developers and architects can create beautiful timber features that capture the beautiful, vibrant qualities of timber for decades.

A case for using timber in construction

As the UK strives to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. Timber, a renewable and carbon-storing material, is emerging as a key player in this transition.

A policy paper published by Rishi Sunak’s government in 2023 highlighted the crucial role of timber in the built environment, stating that “utilising timber in the built environment will support progress towards the Net Zero Target”[1]. Given that the built environment is responsible for “approximately 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions”, timber offers architects and housing developers a sustainable material for creating greener buildings.

However, any timber used externally is faced with the constant onslaught of wind, rain, frost, UV-rays and insect attacks. To ensure its longevity and performance as a cladding material, it is essential to protect it.

Shielding timber cladding from damage

While most timber used commercially is pressure-treated, it’s essential to recognise the limitations of this type of preservation. Pressure treating is a process that forces preservative chemicals into the wood’s cellular structure. In theory, this process significantly extends the wood’s lifespan by protecting it from rot, decay, and insect infestation.

However, in practice, this may reduce the need for immediate maintenance, but it’s not maintenance free, as this process does not penetrate the timber effectively or deeply. This process also doesn’t prevent water penetration which will result in cracks, warping and irreversible damage compromising its structural integrity over time.

Incorporating timber cladding onto any building is a significant investment, and for this investment to be worthwhile it’s important to take no chances when it comes to protecting the wood from damage.

Barrettine Clear Universal Wood Preserver offers exceptional protection for timber cladding and other exterior wood elements. This high-performance, low-odour formula penetrates deeply into the wood, safeguarding against rot, decay, and insect infestation.

It also serves as an ideal primer, providing an excellent base for subsequent paint or varnish applications. Versatile and effective, it can be used on both treated and untreated timber, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of exterior wood surfaces, including cladding and decorative facades.

Next, it’s vital to protect timber cladding against the damage caused by UV rays from the sun. Not only can these rays cause silvering and fading of the timber, but it can also cause damage that can harm the structural integrity of the wood.

Armourflex® Ultimate Cladding UV Protection Oil is specifically formulated to safeguard architectural timber cladding from the damaging effects of the sun.

This premium product shields wood from UV rays, preventing colour fading, cracking, and warping. Additionally, its water-repellent properties protect against moisture ingress and the damage caused by weathering.

By preserving the aesthetic appeal of timber cladding and increasing its durability, Armourflex® empowers architects and housing developers to confidently incorporate this sustainable material into their projects, accelerating progress towards a net-zero future.

Barrettine: experts in woodcare

At Barrettine, we understand the critical role timber cladding plays in modern construction and the challenges faced in preserving its integrity. Our expertise in woodcare solutions is unparalleled, and we’re committed to providing builders, developers and architects with the knowledge and products necessary to protect their timber investments.

As the world of construction increasingly turns to timber for external applications such as cladding and facades, it’s crucial that we recognise the importance of properly protecting wood – not just to ensure its lasting beauty, but also to enhance its lifespan.

To find out more about Barrettine’s high-effective wood care solutions or to talk to our team about a specific project please contact us on: sales@barrettine.co.uk

View the range: www.barrettinePro.co.uk

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/timber-in-construction-roadmap/timber-in-construction-roadmap