The popularity of house cladding with wooden siding is due not only to its attractive appearance, but also to the functional features of this finishing material. Varieties presented in a wide range, having both advantages and disadvantages, allow you to choose the most suitable option for finishing in each case.
Features of the
Siding is a cladding panel, for the fastening of which it is necessary to design a preliminary supporting frame. Currently, the production of wooden siding is fine-tuned to the smallest detail both in Russia and in other countries.
Manufacturing is based on high-pressure pressing of chipboard fibers. Different manufacturers use their own individual technologies and additives to give the wood a certain texture and color.
A house finished with such material imitates a wooden structure or a log house and allows you to save on the construction of an actually wooden house.
Advantages and disadvantages
The use of wood siding is common in any part of Russia. At the same time, wood cladding is the choice not only of the owners of the houses themselves, but also of professional builders who recommend this material to their customers.
This is due to the following advantages:
- wooden siding can withstand rainfall and sunlight;
- possesses frost resistance;
- provides the house with strength and durability;
- easily tolerates sudden changes in temperature;
- is environmentally friendly;
- easy to install;
- gives an aesthetic appearance to the object.
The main plus is the ability to mount panels not only vertically or horizontally, but also at an angle.
Despite the many advantages, some disadvantages should be considered when buying wooden siding:
- high degree of inflammation;
- wears out under the influence of moisture, therefore, requires careful care;
- it is a natural natural material, and therefore its cost is not available to everyone.
Summing up the pros and cons, we can draw the following conclusion. Wooden siding is suitable for outdoor decoration in the northern latitudes of the country, it will perfectly withstand temperatures of 50 degrees below zero. But the material is not recommended for use in southern regions due to high temperatures, as it is highly flammable. To prevent rapid wear, it is necessary to treat the surface with a waterproofing impregnation at least once a year.
Varieties
There are two types of wood siding - raised beam and block house. Each of the options has its own pros and cons.
Block house
The facing block house is designed to imitate a planed log, that is, it has a convex shape. Most often it is made from traditional wood species.
Products from this group are divided into the following classes:
- class A;
- class B;
- class C.
Class A wood it is considered to be of the highest quality, but it also costs more than other varieties. A maximum of two small cracks are allowed on one plank, and only one knot is allowed on one and a half meters in length. The presence of several sernits is possible.
Class B wood permits a maximum of four knots per 1.5 m length and 2 shallow cracks. The number of resin pockets is no more than two.
Last class C the least quality, it may contain knots with a diameter of 25 mm, there may be two through cracks. On a five-meter area, there may be pockets up to 50 mm in size.
False beam
The material appeared on the domestic market relatively recently. It is a cladding board. Allows you to create perfectly flat facades. It is used for both indoor and outdoor decoration.
Divided into the following classes:
- class A;
- extra;
- class AB;
- class B;
- class C.
Classes A and Extra belong to the highest. They have a perfectly flat and smooth surface; no more than three knots are allowed. There should be no mechanical damage on such wood. The cost of a top-class variety is not available to everyone.
Class AB, implying a combination of grades A and B, allows the presence of small resin pockets no more than 3 mm in size. The presence of two knots per meter length and microcracks is possible.
In class B wood minimal violation of the geometric shape is allowed. Cracks and chips up to 0.5 mm deep are acceptable, small errors during grinding. On the face side more than three knots are possible, more than two pockets are allowed.
Class C may have fallen off knots, damage in a thorn or groove. Lots of resin pockets, chips. Class C wood is inexpensive, but with skillful installation it looks pretty decent.
False beams can only be produced at the factory. Products made from pine and Siberian larch are considered the most valuable. They are distinguished by their strength and durability, do not allow the growth of fungi and insects, and have an exquisite natural pattern. And also the false beam can be made from tropical tree species.
Materials (edit)
The most common materials for making wood:
- Pine;
- cedar;
- larch.
Pine
The most demanded option. Used for cladding buildings. The material is quite reliable and hardy, resistant to the reproduction of harmful organisms.
Has the following advantages:
- not subject to temperature extremes;
- a large amount of resin provides moisture resistance;
- pleasant aroma that has a beneficial effect on health.
Nevertheless, this variety also has disadvantages. The abundance of resin leads to the fact that it begins to stand out to the surface, this reduces the aesthetic qualities. Therefore, pine is not suitable for interior decoration; over time, the material acquires a reddish tint.
Cedar
Cedar wood is resistant to cracking and is also capable of releasing phytoncides that are beneficial for people with pulmonary ailments. The Canadian cedar is especially appreciated nowadays. This is a relatively new option, but in a short time since its appearance, it managed to become widespread throughout the country.
Benefits of Canadian cedar:
- suitable for outdoor decoration of all types of objects due to its ergonomics and durability;
- has good heat and sound insulation performance;
- creates a spectacular appearance due to the richness of structures and warm colors;
- has a completely democratic cost.
This type can be used both for facing houses and cottages, and as an interior decoration for baths and saunas: the material can withstand the negative effects of moisture and temperature extremes. Of the minuses of the Canadian cedar, it should be noted that it is not available in many regions, since it is still considered a novelty.
Larch
The most expensive finishing option. But its elite status is also justified by its excellent strength and durability. The main advantage of larch is that the breed is not exposed to the negative effects of moisture.
Other benefits:
- resistance to cracking;
- versatility - suitable for covering concrete, brick, timber;
- good fire resistance;
- resistance to temperature extremes;
- aesthetic appearance;
- environmental friendliness.
The material is used both for internal cladding of walls and ceilings, and for external facade decoration of any buildings and structures. Among the disadvantages of the product is the high price and the possible release of resin over time, this is especially true when used in a warm room or hot climate.
New arrivals
Currently, the range of wood is very diverse. Among the novelties, Finnish siding, which includes spruce and pine, deserves attention. This option is widely used as a finishing material for walls, ceilings, facades, has an affordable cost and is of quite decent quality for Russian operating conditions.
Among the novelties, one can also note siding made of meranti wood. This tree comes from Indonesia and Malaysia. Due to the abundance of tannins and resins, this option, in comparison with coniferous wood, does not absorb moisture and almost does not rot. Differs in wear resistance, beautiful color - from brownish-pinkish tint to brown. This variety is more often used for the production of imitation timber.
Installation rules
Installing wood siding is a simple process, but it is still better to entrust it to professionals.
If you plan to do it yourself, then you should follow a few rules
- Installation is possible in any season, but work at low temperatures (below -10 degrees) requires special technology.
- The insulation is created in the following order: first, the vapor barrier is laid, then the crate, then the heat and waterproofing.
- The panels must be fastened only with galvanized products, otherwise the wood may start to rot.
- There should be no rigid attachment. The panels are connected exclusively in specially designated places, since under the influence of temperatures they will "walk" and can be damaged when rigidly fastened.
- Leave a gap between the rails and the main planks to prevent the siding from buckling and for ventilation. The recommended gap size is 10 mm.
Wooden siding can last a long time, but for this it must be treated annually with special decorative and protective compounds.
Despite this disadvantage, timber panels are one of the most common options for cladding facades. This is due to the possibility of non-standard and simple installation, elegant appearance, special natural aroma, as well as a wide range of varieties, including both budget siding and elite options.
How to install wooden siding, see below.