- Preserve & enhance
Maintenance Coatings
Whilst it is completely acceptable to leave your cladding with a natural finish, some choose to add a coating to the timber. Coatings typically serve two purposes, either to enhance the appearance of the timber cladding, or to increase its durability, helping to protect the wood from moisture and sunlight, and therefore extend its lifespan and maintain its visual appeal.
When selecting a coating for timber cladding, it is essential to consider the specific type of wood and the environmental conditions it will face. Some products offer better water resistance, while others provide superior UV protection. We are on hand to assist you with choosing a suitable coating that is specifically formulated for exterior use and compatible with the type of timber being treated.
Moisture content of timber needs to be at a specific level for certain finishes to perform. Coating timbers with a MC of over 20% is not recommended by most manufacturers.
Product Details
-
Increase durability
One of the primary benefits of using maintenance coatings on timber is to create a protective barrier that repels water and prevents it from seeping into the wood. This is crucial for preventing rot, warping, and other forms of water damage that can compromise the structural integrity of the cladding. Additionally, coatings can also shield against UV rays, reducing the impact of sunlight and delaying the wood from fading or developing a greyish patina over time. Coatings that are being used to increase durability should ideally be microporous. At some point during the timber’s life, moisture will eventually penetrate into the cladding, and will therefore need a route out, or the coating will trap moisture, causing the timber to rot quicker. Oils, lacquers and silicon-based products, such as SiOO:X, will all service this purpose, meaning durability can be increased regardless of what aesthetic finish is desired.
-
Enhance appearance
For those wanting to change the appearance of their timber cladding after installation, semi-transparent or opaque coatings can be used to give the surface a unique colour and personality whilst protecting and enhancing the natural wood grain. This not only adds to the visual appeal of the cladding but also helps in highlighting the inherent character of the wood, making it an even more striking feature of the building's exterior. Depending on the amount of pigment included in the coating, it will also provide UV protection, and therefore less maintenance will be required needed (i.e. the darker the colouring, the higher protection the coating will offer).
-
Maintain colour
Often people want to enjoy the original natural beauty of the timber, and prevent any discolouration caused through weathering. This can be achieved by either using a clear oil, or a translucent coating that has been coloured to a similar shade of the original timber. Both options give the cladding a consistent hue, however this is very maintenance-intensive as the coating will need to be frequently reapplied for the finish to be preserved.
Interested in creating a project with us?
Give us a call on 01460 241777 or email us at sales@hewinsoak.com