Cladding And Insulation Think About Exterior Wooden Cladding

Aesthetic cladding, insulation solution, exterior wood cladding all of this at the same time. It allows you to obtain varied effects since it is placed in different ways, as desired: vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, which allows original patterns. As for the insulating properties of wood, they no longer need to be demonstrated. This therefore offers you the possibility of reinforcing the insulation of your house from the outside, without loss of space, with a natural material. Focus on this technique, its installation, and its cost.

Determine the quality of wood cladding

There are different wood claddings of different species and quality. To see more clearly the right choice to make, you can refer to standard NF-335-1 to 3, developed by the FCBA Technological Institute (Forest Cellulose Wood – Construction and Furnishing). Applied to solid wood, it defines 5 use classes corresponding to the risks of biological attack and types of situations of exposure of wood to humidity.

In particular, durability, biodegradability, use, exposure, and resistance to organisms, insects, and fungi are taken into account. Before even defining the species you want, you must therefore choose the resistance class best suited to your project. For cladding, it is advisable to choose at least class 3, which withstands humidity over the long term.

A wide choice of species, tones, and configuration

The type of species allows you to play with natural tones: Scots pine, Douglas fir, larch, poplar, cedar, chestnut, and oak in particular. Everyone has their nuance. Keeping in mind the requirements explained above, be aware that some varieties require treatment for better moisture resistance. To obtain brighter colors, you can opt for colored wood cladding. Once the desired shade has been determined, you will choose slatted or traditional cladding, depending on your tastes. This will allow you to truly personalize your facades. You will still have to decide on the installation orientation, depending on the desired visual effect. Please note, that the constraints are not the same depending on the case.

Choose the direction of installation of your cladding slats

You can install your clapboards mainly in three ways: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Each type of pose has a different result.

• The horizontal or “American-style” installation is the most widespread. This is the one to favor to give a feeling of amplitude (on a small facade for example).
• The so-called “Scandinavian” vertical pose. It is the most traditional. It allows good rain drainage and should therefore be adopted preferably if you live in a region with high rainfall. The bottom can be chamfered if necessary for better drainage of rainwater.
• Diagonal or “oblique” installation. It gives more dynamism to the facades and offers a more contemporary look. But it should be avoided if your area is rainy. You should also know that it is the most technical and difficult to achieve.

It is of course possible to mix and match to create patterns for even more customization. But if you don’t want to entrust your installation to a professional and do it alone, prefer simplicity. Because, even more than diagonal installation, it requires attention to detail and technicality.

The price of wood cladding for your exterior

If we can estimate the average price including tax at 80 euros per square meter, the price of wood cladding varies depending on its resistance class, its particularities, its species, its density, and its treatment in particular. At the entry level, it is possible to find Scot’s pine cladding for less than €30/m². High-end cladding will easily cost over €150/m², but of course, for that price, you will have superior durability and finish. For less than €70/m², you can find very good quality cladding with a superb finish.

But this is only the price of the cladding itself. To do this, you will need to add insulation (rain shields) and ventilation devices, as well as supplies and accessories. Not to mention the tools you will need. Then, you will need to maintain it periodically, with stains, for example. This also represents a cost.

Think about the administrative procedures before installing your cladding

Remember that any modification to the exterior of a building is subject to a prior declaration of work to the town hall. This is not a building permit application, but it is nevertheless a real administrative file to be completed and supplemented with certain documents, then to be submitted to the town planning department of your municipality. This is Cerfa form n°13703*05, downloadable from the official website service-public.fr.

Cladding is one of the exterior insulation solutions of choice. Indeed, its aesthetic appeals. But, like everything related to exterior design, it can be subject to some constraints. Colors in particular may be regulated, especially if you are in a protected area. To avoid disappointment, remember to consult the PLU (local town planning plan) of your municipality before choosing the characteristics of your wooden cladding.