BRE DG521 PDF

INTRODUCTION

Timber cladding is an attractive and environmentally sustainable method of providing weather resistance to a building. It can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from the traditional horizontal shiplap forms to the more innovative use of diagonal layouts, screens and louvres. Timber can also be used for roof cladding in the form of boards or shingles.

Advantages of timber cladding include:

• use of sustainable materials

• reduced loads on structural elements and foundations compared with brickwork

• avoidance of problems of differential movement for timber frame buildings

• speed of installation and project completion

• compatibility with off-site construction and prefabricated building units

• possibility of higher levels of insulation being incorporated without increasing overall wall thickness

• lower risk of expensive defects such as cracking of render caused by building movement

• ease of repair and replacement

• potential for reuse or recycling at end of life