Proper maintenance of solid wood cladding is crucial to ensure its longevity, beauty, and continued performance as an exterior finish. By following the steps outlined below, you can protect your investment and keep your wood cladding looking its best.
Cladding Installation Best Practices
Please be sure to consider the following as it relates to your specific cladding installation. This is an organic material and it will move seasonally. To prevent buckling or cracking the following MUST be considered prior to installation.
Key Benefits of proper Cladding maintenance
- Preservation: regular maintenance helps preserve the natural beauty and strength of the wood. Dirt and grime can lead to fungus and mold. Cleaning and if necessary recoating cladding will keep it performing year after year.
- Moisture Resistance: sealing freshly cut ends with finish (supplied with your order) prevents water ingress that will lead to swelling, warping, and buckling of your cladding boards.
- Durability: a well maintained cladding will resist the elements and last longer
- Color Retention: prevent the natural fading of wood over time with proper finish applications. Revisit your finish annually to determine if finish should be reapplied.
- Ease of Upkeep: most maintenance procedures can be performed without the need for sanding or stripping**, greatly simplifying the process.
Annual Cladding Maintenance Steps
**this only applies to finishes supplied by J. Gibson McIlvain. Other manufacturers and types of finish may need to be sanded or stripped.
Additional Maintenance Tips
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the cladding for signs of damage such as cracks, decay, or loosened boards.
- Repairs: Address any damaged areas promptly to prevent further deterioration.
- Trim Plants: Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from the cladding to allow air circulation and prevent mold or mildew growth.
- Gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to direct water away from the cladding.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you can enjoy the full range of benefits that your solid wood cladding offers and the aesthetic appeal it brings to your property. Please direct any questions to your J. Gibson McIlvain sales representative about your specific installation.