Thermowood Cladding Treatments for British Homes

What Makes Thermowood cladding Special? It sets itself apart from other timber cladding options suitable for British properties. The heat treatment process transforms the wood through thermal means instead of chemicals to produce a stable material which resists British weather conditions.

Engineers from Finland created this wood treatment process during the previous decades. The process of heating timber at 215°C alters its cellular structure according to Finnish engineers. The heat treatment process decreases wood moisture absorption capabilities thus producing a more dimensionally stable product than regular untreated timber.

British homeowners benefit from thermowood cladding because it minimises the common problems of warping and splitting which affect standard wooden cladding. The heat treatment process naturally transforms the wood colour to a deep chocolate-brown shade which many people find attractive.

Initial Protection After Installation

After installation of thermowood cladding you must immediately apply the proper treatment. Thermowood that remains untreated will begin to break down through UV rays as soon as it is exposed.

The majority of installation professionals advise using protection measures no more than fourteen days after the cladding installation process. The heat treatment process removes the natural oils which originally resided in thermowood through a cooking effect. The reduced nutritional value of thermowood makes it less appealing to fungi yet requires additional oil treatments to maintain its health.

Different types of oils function exceptionally well for thermowood treatment.

Oil-Based Treatments

Danish oil reaches deep into thermowood wood fibres during application. The application reveals the wood texture and develops the rich toasted appearance. Work with the wood grain when you apply the oil by using either a brush or a cloth. Two applications should be adequate but the end-grain usually requires additional oil treatment.

Linseed oil offers traditional protection. The protective layer formed by linseed oil protects against water but requires regular maintenance which typically needs to be performed every 8-12 months in British conditions. The drying process of pure linseed oil extends for months when used in damp British weather making modified versions more suitable.

Tung oil produces finishes that are harder than the ones made from linseed. The water-resistance of this product remains intact while minimal colour darkening occurs throughout time. The downside? Some areas of England face difficulties when it comes to securing this product along with its higher price point.

Water-Based Options

The breathability of thermowood remains possible through water-based treatments that use microporous structures. The protective film they create enables vapor to escape from the wood surface. The protection of this method stops water retention problems which lead to widespread cladding failures throughout Britain.

The UV blockers present in these treatments serve as essential components because they protect wood surfaces from silvery-grey weathering caused by sunlight breaking down lignin.

The top water-based products designed for thermowood treatment contain fungicides which prevent mould development in British conditions.

Maintenance Schedules

Thermowood cladding requires less care compared to standard timber cladding yet needs occasional maintenance. The UV rays affect south-facing elevations of buildings more severely than north-facing elevations. Sectional areas that receive rain need separate maintenance procedures than protected areas.

A typical maintenance pattern

The maintenance schedule for thermowood cladding includes re-treatment of east/west aspects every 2-3 years and south aspects every 18-24 months while north aspects need treatment every 3-4 years and sheltered areas beneath overhangs require re-treatment every 4-5 years.

Thermowood will last more than 30 years when properly maintained. The lifespan becomes dramatically shorter when you do not maintain the thermowood properly.

Signs Treatment Is Needed

The decision to retreat cladding should not be based on a set date. Watch for these indicators:

The wood surface shows roughness instead of smoothness. Surface fibres on the wood degrade because of exposure to UV rays.

• Water now penetrates the surface without forming any beads.

• The colour of the wall fades differently across south-facing surfaces.

• The wood requires feeding since it shows small cracks on its surface.

• Special Considerations for British Coastal Areas

Properties built adjacent to British coastal areas need to consider specific additional maintenance requirements. Salt spray accelerates degradation. Coastal properties require additional regular treatment with Thermowood because it outperforms regular timber in salt spray resistance.

The best materials for seafront homes consist of marine-grade products that fight against salt damage. Specialist coastal formulations produced by some manufacturers contain additional UV blockers together with water repellents.

Professional vs DIY Application

The initial expense of professional application leads to stronger protection that lasts for an extended period. Professionals typically:

*Sand the surface properly before treatment

*Apply more consistent coating thicknesses

*Access difficult areas safely

*Use industrial-grade products sometimes unavailable to homeowners

DIY treatment offers cost savings yet demands proper preparation from users. High-pressure power washing thermowood should be avoided as the water enters deep into the wood structure. Brushing the surface with a stiff brush combined with mild detergent solution should replace any new treatment applications.

Coloured Treatments

The pigmented oils protect thermowood surface appearance by adding delicate colour tints. The pigmented coatings provide better UV protection which results in longer maintenance periods.

Thermowood accepts semi-transparent stains as an effective treatment option. The products let the wood grain remain visible while they introduce colour elements. Thicker coloured stains provide superior protection against UV rays than thinner ones.

The complete blocking out of light by paint systems makes them unsuitable for thermowood applications. The natural beauty of the material becomes obscured by this treatment because it enables moisture to collect inside tiny paint film fractures.

The proper treatment for thermowood cladding depends on several factors including location, aspect and personal preferences together with willingness to maintain the material. The maintenance of any chosen system ensures thermowood maintains its exceptional performance on British structures.