Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 15.20: A traditional Norwegian technique for laying shakes in three layers.
Source: Eriksen
is widely used and gives functional, long lasting protection against the ele-
ments.
Panelling for external walls should preferably be of high quality timber with
no signs of rot. The planks should be sorted on site and the best ones placed on
the most exposed façades of the building. Nailing through two planks should
be avoided: they may split through natural movement. External cladding
should be nailed at an upward angle to avoid water seeping in and staying
there.
Timber panelling on an external wall is usually far more durable than the
equivalent panelling on a roof. It is still important to choose the right system of
panelling and use the correct form of chemical or 'constructive' timber treatment
(see chapter on 'Impregnating agents and how to avoid them', p. 429).
Interior wooden cladding has a very resilient finish compared with alterna-
tives, and the surface has very good moisture-regulating properties if untreated,
or treated with oil or lye.
Interior cladding materials can often be re-used, depending upon how they are
fixed. There are building systems with standard components which make it
possible to re-use materials several times over. External cladding is seldom re-
used. It is therefore important to choose a surface treatment allowing burning or
composting of the material. Impregnation of materials usually leads to having to
dump them at special tips.
