Timber cladding can quickly and affordably improve the exterior appearance of your home, while also providing an added layer of insulation against potential water damage and even outside sound. Timber cladding is very durable and a favourite choice for many, but some homeowners may not have the right idea about the material used for this type of home improvement project. Note a few common misconceptions here, and that might help you to decide if timber cladding is right for your home.
Termites
It's easy to think that any type of timber in or around your home increases the risk of a termite infestation. However, the timber used for cladding is made to be very dense, and also typically has chemicals added to its surface so that it resists absorbing water and moisture. The wood's density doesn't allow termites to eat through it, while the chemicals make the surface inhospitable to these pests. In turn, getting timber cladding for your home shouldn't increase the risk of a termite infestation.
Chemicals
Another misconception homeowners often have about timber cladding is that the chemicals used to make the wood watertight and safe will eventually leak and seep into the soil, or be hazardous for humans and pets. In truth, the density of the wood and the treatment used to apply the chemicals both make them very stable, so they shouldn't seep into the soil around your home. You only need to avoid burning any scraps of this timber or any beams if you should have the cladding removed, as this can release those chemicals in the air and cause a hazard. Otherwise, the chemicals shouldn't pose any danger or threat to the soil or to you and your pets.
Odour
If someone you know has gotten timber cladding for their home, they may have mentioned a smell that resembled turpentine. This is often due to the treatment given to the timber beams used for cladding. As with paint or any other coating, this smell or odour should be very slight, and should also dissipate very soon after the cladding is installed.
Paint
While the treated and dense timber of cladding may not hold a standard paint, this doesn't mean you can't ever repaint or recoat the cladding on your home. You don't want to try this job yourself, as sanding the timber can compromise its durability and release the chemicals used to treat it. However, a timber cladding installer can often repaint the cladding, for when you want a fresh new look to your home.
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