WHY LARCH FACADE BOARD?
Larch facade board is milled into various profiles, thicknesses and lengths. The parallelogram shape is called a rhombus and is used for horizontal facades. It can also be provided with a tongue and groove used for longitudinally connecting facade boards into a surface, this type of board is called a deck. A narrower facade profile is called a facade batten. Facade battens are more commonly used for vertical facades.
Nowadays, modern aesthetics and modern lifestyles emphasize individuality. The facade is the only element of a building that definitively creates a decisive first impression.
Wooden larch facade boards are always unique and will enchant everyone who loves wood with their beautiful properties: natural diversity and lively appearance, durability, good structural properties, ecological attitude and the speed that is made possible during construction. Wooden larch facade boards are gaining a reputation for prestige due to all the above properties and also because their aesthetic value is increasingly recognized in modern architectural approaches.
LARCH FACADE BOARD AND ITS VISUALLY ATTRACTIVE MATERIAL
Larch is a scenic wood material. The cellular structure of larch is precise and different from other tree species. Larch does not absorb moisture in the same way as, for example, pine. Larch is very resistant to mechanical wear. A characteristic feature of larch is the strongly developed differences between winter and summer growths of wood. In the core of the trunk, the reddish-brown wood alternates with light brown, giving larch a unique visual structure that will caress the eyes of every lover of natural materials. When larch is exposed to weathering, it turns gray over time and changes its structure minimally for a long time.
That is why larch facade boards are suitable as cladding, and not only for wooden buildings. You can use them for houses built from literally any building material. Thanks to the fact that wooden larch facades are attached to the house using a supporting grid, a ventilated gap is created between the wooden cladding and the building itself. For both brick and wooden houses, a ventilated facade is a safe solution, because even if humidity increases somewhere in the wall, moisture from the building can evaporate through the ventilated gap.
We will cut your larch facade board according to your requirements quickly and, most importantly, cheaply. We purchase larch raw material from the surrounding forests, so we can offer you a price that will pleasantly surprise you…
Larch facade board is suitable for both residential buildings and large public buildings, as well as for commercial and residential buildings. The wooden facade protects the basic structure from environmental influences, and is also an important design and aesthetic element of the building.
QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF LARCH FACADE
The quality of a wooden larch facade is determined by the correct selection of tree species, the correct cladding and professional execution of details. The correct integration of wood is of key importance for the durability of a wooden facade cladding. If the design principles of protection are respected and also the fact that a wooden larch facade needs to be ventilated, you do not have to worry about the durability of your facade.
Wood as a basic material for a facade allows for many types of cladding and the use of different profiles and colors. In combination with stone, glass or metal, its properties are even more emphasized.
SHOULD I TREAT THE LARCH FACADE BOARD OR LET IT TURN GREY?
Larch does not need surface treatment in outdoor conditions, as it can last for about 20 to 30 years without decaying without direct contact with the ground. Untreated larch turns grey in about 2-3 years due to sunlight and moisture. The color first changes from the points most exposed to weathering and evens out over a few years, depending on the conditions. The greying of wood can be slowed down by treating the wood with transparent wood preservatives. Exterior cladding made of larch also does not need to be surface treated, as the larch material can withstand UV radiation and moisture. However, the wood will turn grey over the years. Remember that during greying the tone of the surface of the larch facade may become uneven. In order for larch surfaces to remain durable and attractive, it is important to check them annually for damage. If necessary, washing away dirt from the wood surface helps. We produce larch facades with visible or hidden joints in various widths and thicknesses according to the customer’s wishes.
FEATURES
The slower growth than other conifers results in narrow annual rings with a spacing of only 1–1.5 mm between the rings. In addition, there is a clear distinction between heartwood and sapwood, and the proportion of heartwood can often be more than 90%. Heartwood is durable in itself, and European larch wood is therefore often used as a substitute for pressure-treated wood.
Larch is left-handed throughout its growth, unlike spruce and pine, which are left-handed at first and then right-handed. This means that larch twists more, which places greater demands on the fastening of a larch facade.
The knots are blackish-brown and pockets of resin may appear in the wood.
PROCESSING AND PROTECTION
Due to its high heartwood content, larch has greater durability than pine and spruce, without achieving the same durability as pressure-treated pine. This is especially noticeable where the wood is in direct contact with the ground or brick/concrete. In these areas, pressure-treated wood must be used to achieve acceptable durability.
Larch can be pressure treated and this should be done whenever the wood will be in direct contact with soil or brick/concrete. However, the pressure treatment is only on the outer sapwood and therefore the protective effect is limited.
All wood must be protected to the maximum extent possible with “structural protection,” which means you plan and build so that the wood is ventilated and water is drained so that the material can dry out.
Wood is a natural material and will eventually turn grey. It is a good idea to protect the wood when it is dry with suitable wood preservatives – either varnish or transparent wood preservatives. However, it is important to know that larch facades are difficult to treat with water-based wood preservatives.
HOW IS LARCH FACADE BOARD INSTALLED?
Preparation and planning
Project documentation : Before starting the installation, it is essential to have a precise project from the architect, which includes the composition of the grid, the insulation layers and the details of the final facade. It is important to position the dew point in such a way as to avoid damage to the insulation and to ensure good ventilation.
Materials : We recommend using stainless steel fasteners for assembly to prevent corrosion and contamination of the wood. Nails are not recommended for Siberian larch; it is better to use screws instead.
Assembly procedure
Fixing : The cladding should be fixed to each post or base using screws spaced no more than 60 cm from centre. The length of the screws should be at least 3 cm to allow sufficient penetration into the wood.
Plank placement
Horizontal installation : Start from the bottom and work your way up. The grooved edges should face down. For wider planks, it is recommended to use two nails per piece.
Vertical installation : Start in one corner with the groove facing the adjacent wall. The first plank should be carefully leveled using a spirit level.
Corner and end fixing : Corner boards should be nailed to corner posts and the joint should be filled with sealant to prevent water ingress.
Wood protection : Before assembly, it is a good idea to treat the cut ends with a protective coating to minimize moisture penetration.
Ensuring ventilation : It is important to ensure that there is a gap between the individual planks for ventilation, which will help extend the life of the facade
Maintenance
After completing the installation, it is recommended to apply a top coat to the entire facade surface as soon as possible, which will help protect the wood from weathering.
By following these steps, you will ensure proper installation of larch facade boards that will be aesthetic and functional in the long term.
LIFESPAN OF LARCH FACADE BOARD?
The lifespan of a larch facade board ranges from 20 to 30 years if properly maintained and installed. Larch, especially Siberian, is known for its high resistance to weathering, rot and insects, which contributes to its long lifespan.
Key factors affecting service life
Wood type : Siberian larch is considered the most durable option, thanks to its strong core and high heartwood content
Climatic conditions : Exposure to different weather conditions can affect the rate of wood degradation.
Maintenance : Regular maintenance, such as inspection and possible surface treatment, can significantly extend the life of the facade. Untreated larch wood can turn gray within 2-3 years, but still retains its structural integrity.
WHAT TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION IS MOST SUITABLE FOR USE WITH LARCH PLANKS?
For use with larch planks, a design that takes into account the specific properties of larch, such as its resistance to weathering and mechanical wear, is most suitable.
Types of structures for larch planks
Ventilated facades :Larch facade boards are often used for ventilated facades, which allow air to circulate between the cladding and the building structure. This construction helps to drain moisture and increases the durability of the material.
Structure with supporting grid :It is recommended to use a support grid for fixing larch planks. This system ensures stability and allows the planks to be fixed in various ways, which is important for preventing wood deformation.
Combination with other materials :Larch planks can be combined with materials such as metal or glass, which can increase the aesthetic value and functionality of the structure. The wood in this combination provides a natural look, while other materials add modern elements.
Outdoor use :Thanks to their high resistance to moisture and weathering, larch planks are ideal for outdoor applications such as terraces, pergolas and fences.
Reinforced structures :When using larch planks in more demanding conditions (e.g. on terraces), it is recommended to reinforce the structure with aluminum profiles or special connecting elements that will ensure stability and long service life.
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