Timber cladding, overcoming the stumbling blocks !

Timber frontages are a much-recommended external insulation solution thanks to the thermal and acoustic comfort they provide and also the aesthetic value they add to the construction. It’s one of today’s favourite energy renovation methods in France. But quite a few people express concerns about its maintenance. What solutions are there for quelling these fears ?

A slight drop in application to houses

Due to its colour degradation with age, timber may seem complicated to maintain. The sight of weather-worn facades turning grey leaves some owners reluctant to adopt a timber solution. And although its use is steadily growing in newbuild apartment blocks, the opposite is true for houses on building estates or in custom projects. As for extension-renovation, timber cladding is still growing in that segment. In a survey by Sorgem/Codifab, 91% of respondents believed that timber cladding needed regularly treatment and repair, while 62% reckoned it deteriorated over time. 

To address these misconceptions, a technical day was organized last February on the initiative of French timber construction syndicate Afcobois and the CTB-A+ mark. The event featured a variety of representatives from the sector. The Afcobois chairman, Frederic Carteret, who also manages the Ami Bois company, is a specialist in timber home construction. According to him, « Although [timber cladding] enjoys an excellent image with the public at large, its changing external appearance over time hinders its development. Today’s objective is to reassure customers on the upkeep issue and the long-term preservation of the external cladding’s good looks ».

Certificates and a mark for reassurance

Excellence in timber protection and preservation with the CTB-A+ mark already constitutes one quality pledge, while “Upkeep and visual upgrading of timber exteriors” certification from the FCBA institute is a guarantee of flawless quality for project initiators and end customers. Other new certification includes “Timber cladding and Timber finishes”, scheduled for introduction some time this year and crucial to the future of the market. These measures will help overcome stumbling blocks to the positive perception of timber cladding and become a real mark of reassurance under the FCBA’s aegis. 

Nonetheless, quite a few industrial manufacturers believe in going the extra mile and conducting an effective PR campaign directed at project initiators and the general public in order to make these certification measures count. Last but not least, Afcobois executive officer Loïc de Saint-Quentin thinks matters need to be taken a step further : « It’s important for us today to work closely with manufactures of finishing materials as well as with CTB-A+ accredited companies and holders of the new certificate for upkeep and visual upgrading of timber exteriors. Together we can provide public and private contracting authorities with a long-lasting solution whose quality is validated by FCBA ».