Like other construction materials during 2021, timber encountered massive fluctuations in availability and cost. Most suppliers had to pass higher prices onto the customer, but this didn’t dampen the appetite for timber cladding – far from it. Here at the TDCA, many of our members have reported increasing sales, attributing the success to investing in innovative finishing technologies, diversifying product ranges and capitalising on wood’s green credentials.
Wood protection technologies extends service life of timber, but in some cases can also enhance its capabilities to accept colour. The Finish Line Collection from James Latham – made from modified wood brand Accoya – won the Process Efficiency and Product Design category in the 2021 British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards. Available in 12 colours, the cladding is profiled, surface finished and coated with a matt, ultra-low VOC product, allowing the distinctive grain pattern to show through.
Working with the supply chain to ensure wood protection technologies evolve with market trends remains a key focus for Arxada, which launched Tanalith Lifestyle in 2021 – high performance colourants for Use Class 3 pine cladding. In 2022 it is introducing a metal-free version of Tanalith. Tanalith MF, a high pressure preservative, has been developed for specifiers looking to further reduce the carbon impact of projects.
At the 2021 Wood Awards, CladMark-approved installers, Lee & Micklethwait were part of the winning team responsible for The Alice Hawthorn project, using Siberian larch on its cladding to creatively refurbish and extend the complex.
Having the kudos of an independent, industry-recognised accreditation such as TDCA’s CladMark gets your business noticed – it’s a verification of reliable quality and vital in giving end users the confidence in using timber cladding in the future. Certain local authority building control surveyors now only recommend the use of CladMark approved cladding.
We’ve also seen increased use of timber cladding in off-site, modular construction as it lends itself so perfectly – it’s easily worked, economical and has that connection with nature. Many local councils have committed to delivering factory-built homes that incorporate energy efficient technologies and construction techniques, especially using locally sourced materials, such as timber.
We’ve received several enquiries regarding fire-safety reports for insurance renewals on existing buildings, asking for the complete removal of external timber cladding – citing its ‘combustible’ status. This often comes about because of a lack of understanding and knowledge of the materials used and how they were installed.
We believe that any building inspection that involves a fire-safety assessment should be comprehensive and inclusive – with a ‘whole fire safety system’ approach. Some architects, against their better judgement, are being forced to specify timber alternatives – such as concrete or metal façade products, as these appease many insurance companies who are mitigating against the risk of fire.
At this stage, such rare instances appear to be affecting the larger, commercial projects. However, one practice informed us of imposed caveats on their professional indemnity insurance which prevent them from specifying timber cladding on any building – something to keep our eye on in future.
The scrutiny around dangerous cladding products following Grenfell is vital, but it must not undermine confidence in timber cladding. We still advocate that correctly specified, designed and installed timber cladding remains fit for purpose, with the application of third-party approved, factory applied flame retardant treatments where necessary in accordance with current building standards. To that end, we are working with trade bodies and insurance brokers to promote the positive key messages around timber – including sustainability.
Timber, above any other construction material, can help meet net-zero targets set at the COP 26 Climate Conference, but more must be done in the UK to encourage its use. Hopefully the re-formed All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries will lobby government to address the issues around insurance and fire safety inspection. The new Code for Construction Product Information (CPPI) should also go a long way in tackling misinformation around cladding products.
Going into 2022 and beyond, the timber cladding market is healthy, as long as we continue to innovate and always be prepared for what may be around the corner.
