Cladding support
Product
1.1 How can I calculate how much cladding I will need?
Firstly, calculate how many square metres your project will require, then add at least 10% onto the figure calculated. This allows for wastage or on-site damage to the timber. It is worth noting that the inconvenience and extra costs incurred of not ordering enough timber can be quite significant.
1.2 At what stage of the project should it be fitted?
The cladding is usually fitted once your windows have been fixed in, as this allows the ingo dimensions to be determined. However, the ideal stage to fix the cladding can vary depending on the type of construction – advice on this should be provided by your project architect.
1.3 Which other items would you recommend to complete the Russwood cladding system?
- Fixings – stainless steel nails and screws will ensure that no rust/ink staining of the timber occurs. We have partnered with Austrian timber fixings experts, Sihga, to offer a range of innovative fixing systems designed to make your cladding look better and last longer. Advice on quantities required can be given at the time of purchase.
- Cavity fire barrier and retardant – in modern buildings, these options can be insisted on by Building Regulations. Cavity fire barriers are installed with the cladding to prevent the spread of fire behind the timber, and fire retardant treatments can also be applied. Consult your local Building Control department to discuss your particular requirements.
1.4 How can I ensure that the correct product is used on my project?
To ensure that the correct species and profile of Russwood timber is purchased for your project, please contact our technical team for advice on completing the NBS H21. This will ensure that the product is correctly specified, giving you the look that you desire.
Preparation
2.1 Once the cladding has been delivered, how should it be stored?
On bearers, with the top of the pack covered, left open at the sides in order for air to circulate, and out of direct sunlight. Please ensure that the straps and stickers (smaller pieces of timber going cross ways at certain layers) are still in place until you’re ready to use the cladding – this ensures adequate airflow throughout the cladding.
2.2 How long can my cladding be stored after delivery?
We always recommend that cladding is installed as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within two weeks. Even if suitable storage conditions are ensured, variables such as species, external environment and climate can have an effect on your cladding if stored for too long a period. Advice can be given on your choice of cladding when ordering if storage is necessary.
Installation
3.1 How far apart should battens be positioned?
Generally 600mm centres will be the recommended distance, but this distance can on occasion be altered based on the thickness of cladding board or location of your project.
3.2 Is pre-drilling required?
Pre-drilling may be required when nail fixing certain species. Our L-GoFix® screw does not require pre-drilling (except when using hardwoods) due to it’s unique design characteristics, saving time on-site.
3.2.1 Can I use a screw fixing?
Yes. A screw generally gives better results in that more care is taken in positioning and finishing the screw head flush with the timber surface. As screws do not bend when they hit a knot in the fixing batton, from our experience, it takes the same amount of time to fix a facade with screws as it does with nails.
3.2.1 Can I use a screw fixing?
Yes. A screw generally gives better results in that more care is taken in positioning and finishing the screw head flush with the timber surface. As screws do not bend when they hit a knot in the fixing batton, from our experience, it takes the same amount of time to fix a facade with screws as it does with nails.
3.3 Can I use a nail gun?
Yes, providing it is the appropriate stainless steel nail. It is also important that the nail is not overdriven into the board, as this will produce a “bullet-hole” effect which may compromise the durability of the board. The nail must be finished flush to the timber to prevent water ingress at the point of fixing which can severely shorten the longevity of the facade.
3.4 What should be used to affix the cladding to the battens?
All fixings must be stainless steel in order to eliminate corrosive leaching which can be very unsightly. Our recommended fixing systems are detailed on our fixings page.
3.4.1 What is likely to happen if stainless steel nails are not used?
Unsightly iron rust stains will occur when non-stainless steel nails used to fix naturally durable timbers.
3.4.2 How can I remove iron stains?
A solution of oxalic acid is ideal for removing stains after they occur, but prevention is infinitely preferable.
3.4.3 Can adhesives be used?
We would always recommend using a mechanical fixing method, as seen on our fixings page.
3.4.1 What is likely to happen if stainless steel nails are not used?
Unsightly iron rust stains will occur when non-stainless steel nails used to fix naturally durable timbers.
3.4.2 How can I remove iron stains?
A solution of oxalic acid is ideal for removing stains after they occur, but prevention is infinitely preferable.
3.4.3 Can adhesives be used?
We would always recommend using a mechanical fixing method, as seen on our fixings page.
3.5 What are the differences between face and secret fixing, and when should each be used?
Secret fixing has evolved as a design solution, and should only be used with the relevant profiles, which are available only in certain compatible timbers. The main difference between face and secret fixing is an aesthetic one. However, secret-fixing with FassadenClip® will increase the longevity of the facade by improving ventilation.
3.6 Is there a right and wrong way up for the cladding boards?
Yes there is. It is important to ensure that, if a T&G profile is used, the groove faces down to avoid holding water. All of our profiled boards have a stress groove on the rear of the board, and will be printed to ensure that the front and back are not mixed up. In the non-profiled timber cladding, for board on board, any sapwood present (the lighter wood) MUST be placed at the rear of the cladding to maintain the natural durability of the wood.
3.7 What detailing is required in the corners and at the ends?
There are numerous options for detailing corner and window/door reveals. It is important to choose the right one in order to ensure timber longevity, performance and the aesthetics. This is generally decided at the design stage as the detailing you choose must permit rapid drying of the end grain of your boards.
3.8 Is a cavity required?
A moisture gap (or cavity) behind the cladding is the single most important factor in the success of the cladding installation, and a 20mm gap between the cladding and wall is the minimum that we would advise. The purpose of this cavity is to ensure air circulation behind the boards. This prevents a build-up of moisture from occurring which, if allowed, would compromise the durability of your cladding and cause unsightly staining of the timber.
Finishing
4.1 Does the finished cladding require a protective coating?
No, the timber cladding we supply is inherently durable, meaning no protective coating is necessary if detailed and installed correctly. The decision to coat timber cladding is purely an aesthetic one.
4.2 If I wish to apply a coloured coating, how should I do this?
Coatings can be applied onsite manually, weather permitting, however Russwood strongly recommend factory-coating. Russwood apply coatings under factory conditions to timber which is dried to the optimum moisture content of 16-18% (+/- 2%), meaning weather conditions are irrelevant, while on-site application means dry conditions are needed for a number of days in order to avoid the effects of excess moisture. In addition, with factory coating, a basecoat is applied all round to seal the timber, with the front presentation face and two sides fully coated to a consistent, flawless finish.
4.3 Left uncoated, how long will the cladding take to weather?
It depends on various factors such as weather patterns, situation, location and aspect. As a general rule the more exposed to wind, sun and rain the cladding is, the quicker it will weather. Generally, weathering on exposed cladding will become noticeable within six months. For further information, go to our weathering page.
To see some examples of how cladding samples at Russwood have weathered over time, please have a look at our cladding gallery.
To see some examples of how cladding samples at Russwood have weathered over time, please have a look at our cladding gallery.
4.4 Is there a solution which speeds up the weathered appearance?
Yes. SiOO:X is a patented silicon technology which is a major step forward in offering timber with a consistently weathered appearance. From our factory coating facility we can produce pre-coated cladding which is ready to be fixed as soon as it arrives on-site, regardless of weather conditions. Alternatively, for on-site brush application we supply SiOO:X in 3 or 5 which can be purchased through our online shop.
Read more about SiOO:X, here.
Read more about SiOO:X, here.
4.5 Will the nails/screws change colour?
This depends entirely on the nail. The appearance of stainless steel will remain constant, whereas galvanised and copper nails will change colour over time.
Maintenance
5.1 How often does hand painted or factory coated cladding require to be re-coated?
There are no absolute rules, as in both instances the requirements will vary according to external parameters. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the location of the project, how the cladding has been fitted and the type of coating used. Factory coating cladding is proven to last longer than onsite painted cladding owing to the regulated consistency of the coating achieving greater than a 90 micron (dry coating) thickness. We would advise that monitoring of your coating is an ongoing process, and that preventative measures are taken promptly as this will prolong the life of the existing coating.
5.2 What is the best way to clean and maintain my timber cladding?
Like all external finishes, timber cladding/decking will require periodic cleaning and maintenance to preserve its optimal condition and appearance. Download our handy Cleaning And Maintenance Information.
If your cladding has been treated with SiOO:X, please download our Cleaning And Maintenance Of SiOO:X Coated Timber Information here.
Pricing and delivery
6.1 Do your prices include VAT?
Prices displayed on our on-line shop are all inclusive of VAT. The VAT element of personal quotations will be itemised.
6.2 From the day I order, how long will it take to deliver my cladding?
Lead times can vary significantly from just a few days for stock items to several weeks for custom profiles and factory-coated cladding orders, depending on various factors. Please also allow for delivery time thereafter. We recommend enquiring about current stock levels and/or lead times before ordering to ensure your cladding arrives at the appropriate stage of your project.
6.3 Which haulage company do you use for delivery?
We organise our own delivery, using a hi-ab off-loading service. On occasion we use an approved external haulier/courier who will always require off-loading assistance at the point of delivery. We advise on this whilst organising delivery in each instance.
6.4 Where do you deliver to?
We deliver all over the UK. However, it should be noted that, although we do all we can to minimise cladding delivery costs, it is regrettably the case that for small orders the cost of delivery to the South of England can be disproportionately high.
6.5 Do I have to be there to receive the delivery?
It depends on the location but it is always best to have someone on-site to sign for the goods.
6.6 How is it delivered?
Generally your order will be polythene wrapped, strapped and offloaded by hi-ab within Scotland. If your delivery is in England, an off-load facility will need to be organised as delivery will be by external courier. This will be confirmed by our haulage department.
6.7 How much do you charge for delivery?
Delivery costs vary and are dependent on location.
Product range
7.1 Can you give me advice on my cladding project?
We offer advice on our cladding products as standard to our customers. We are happy to write the NBS specification for your project. We can also advise on the fixing, fitting and detailing that your project requires – please enquire when placing your order.
7.2 Can you provide certification for my product?
7.3 Are you able to send me samples?
Yes, please give us a call so that we can discuss your cladding requirement and provide you with appropriate samples. Customers may order up to four cladding samples free of charge, including postage. For samples of coated cladding in a non-standard colour we will charge £35 + VAT per sample up to a maximum of four.