What colour will my cladding become if left unfinished?
When left uncoated exposed to UV light and weather, any species of timber will lose its natural colour. Depending on the species of timber and its environment, it will ultimately change to a grey colour which can range from silver-grey to dark grey. It is not unusual for individual boards to weather at different rates, meaning the appearance may become uneven for a period of months or years. As a precaution, a few spare boards may be allowed to weather at the same time as the cladding, in case it is necessary to replace any discoloured or distorted boards later.
In north facing elevations, or areas with large overhangs or shading from trees, unfinished wood may be at risk of some blackening due to mould forming on the surface, and an anti-mould treatment can be used to reduce this risk. Also, in areas of high pollution there could be a risk of blackening due to dirt absorbed by the timber surface, and the alternative of applying a coating should be considered.
For more detailed information about timber cladding, take a look at our book External Timber Cladding, a comprehensive guide to the design and specification of timber cladding.
We also provides a range of services for building designers and product manufacturers to assist with timber cladding queries, as well as training and cpd.
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