Larch - Carbon Neutral Timber Cladding

Softwood timber cladding.

Features and benefits:

• The shapes and patterns of its growth rings gives a ‘knotted’ wood effect.
• Well suited to staining and painting.
• Denser than many hardwoods.
• A good solution for external cladding.
• Suitable without treatments except for tall or exposed buildings.
• Resistant to sapwood treatment.
• Wide choice of standard profiles.

Moisture movement:

Wood’s moisture content will change relative to its surroundings. Different species have different degrees of movement and this must be accounted for in cladding design.

Good design and installation practice will help minimize the effects of moisture:

• Use eaves and overhangs to deflect rain - or flashing to protect the board tops.
• Finish cladding at least 200 mm from the ground or a horizontal surface. Where possible use a surface that diffuses rain, such as gravel.
• Board widths should generally be 4 to 6 times board thickness (typically less than 150 mm).
• Design detailing must include measures that minimise water penetration.