Common Misconceptions About Wooden House Cladding
Wooden Cladding is High Maintenance
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about wooden house cladding is that it requires extensive maintenance. While it’s true that wood needs some care to maintain its appearance and longevity, modern wood modification methods and finishes have significantly reduced the amount of upkeep required. Lunawood Thermowood products, for instance, undergo a thermal modification process that enhances their durability and resistance to weathering, making them easier to maintain than untreated wood.
Regular cleaning and occasional reapplication of protective finishes can keep wooden cladding looking fresh for years. The key is to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines, which are designed to maximize the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of the wood. By choosing high-quality, thermally modified wood like Lunawood Thermowood, homeowners can enjoy the natural beauty of wood without the burden of excessive maintenance. Read our complete cladding maintenance guide here.
Wooden Cladding is Not Durable
Another common misconception is that wooden cladding is not as durable as other materials like brick or vinyl. However, this is not necessarily the case. The durability of wooden cladding largely depends on the type of wood used and the treatment it undergoes. Lunawood Thermowood products, for example, are made from Nordic spruce and pine, which are thermally modified to enhance their durability and stability, giving Lunowood Thermowood a durability class 2 (=durable).
Thermal modification involves heating the wood to high temperatures, which changes its chemical and physical properties. This process makes the wood more resistant to moisture, decay, and dimensional changes, extending the cladding’s lifespan up to 30 years.
Wooden Cladding is Not Environmentally Friendly
Some people believe that using wood for cladding is not environmentally friendly due to deforestation concerns. However, when sourced responsibly, wood can be one of the most sustainable building materials available. Lunawood Thermowood products are made from sustainably harvested, PEFC-certified Nordic spruce and pine, ensuring that the wood comes from well-managed forests.
Additionally, the thermal modification process used by Lunawood is environmentally friendly, as it does not involve the use of harmful chemicals. The result is a sustainable, eco-friendly product that has a lower carbon footprint compared to many other building materials. By choosing responsibly sourced and treated wood, homeowners can enjoy the aesthetic and functional benefits of wooden cladding while minimizing their environmental impact. You can read more about our sustainable development here.
Wooden Cladding is Prone to Warping and Cracking
Warping and cracking are often cited as major drawbacks of wooden cladding. While these issues can occur with untreated or poorly treated wood, modern treatments have significantly mitigated these risks. Lunawood Thermowood products undergo a thermal modification process that enhances their dimensional stability, making them less prone to warping and cracking. As a result, the wood becomes more stable and less susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature.
Wooden Cladding is Not Fire-Resistant
Fire resistance is a critical consideration for any building material. However, advancements in wood treatment have improved the fire resistance of wooden cladding. Lunawood Thermowood products, for example, can be treated with fire-retardant coatings to enhance their fire resistance.
These treatments can significantly reduce the risk of fire, making wooden cladding a viable option even in areas with strict fire safety regulations. It’s essential to follow local building codes and regulations when selecting and installing cladding materials and to choose products that meet the required fire safety standards. With the right treatments and precautions, wooden cladding can be a safe and fire-resistant choice.
Lunawood also offers several premium ThermoWood® products with impregnated BurnBlock® fire protection. The fire-retardant treatment enables the use of Lunawood ThermoWood® in buildings requiring a fire class B rating (subject to Euro code EN 13501).
Wooden Cladding is Limited in Design Options
Some people believe that wooden cladding offers limited design options compared to other materials. However, this is far from the truth. Wooden cladding is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of styles and orientations, including horizontal, vertical, and diagonal installations. Lunawood Thermowood products, for example, are available in a wide range of profiles and finishes, allowing for endless design possibilities.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional, rustic look or a sleek, modern aesthetic, wooden cladding can be tailored to suit your design preferences. The natural variations in wood grain and color add depth and character to any facade, making it a popular choice for architects and designers. By exploring the various design options available, homeowners can create a unique and visually appealing exterior with wooden cladding.
Conclusion
Wooden house cladding is often misunderstood, with many misconceptions surrounding its maintenance, durability, environmental impact, and design versatility. However, with modern treatments and high-quality products like Lunawood Thermowood, these concerns can be effectively addressed. By choosing responsibly sourced and thermally modified wood, homeowners can enjoy the many benefits of wooden cladding, including its natural beauty, sustainability, and long-term value.
At Lunawood, we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable wood products that meet the needs of modern construction and design. Our Lunawood Thermowood products are designed to offer exceptional durability, stability, and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for wooden house cladding. By dispelling these common misconceptions, we hope to encourage more homeowners to consider the many advantages of wooden cladding for their homes.
