LARCH TILES ARE A MODERN COAT FOR YOUR HOUSE
Nowadays, modern aesthetics and modern lifestyles emphasize individuality. Cladding is the one element of a building that definitively creates a decisive first impression. A larch wood facade is always unique and will enchant anyone who loves wood with its beautiful qualities: its natural variety and lively appearance, its durability, its good structural properties, its eco-friendly attitude and the speed that is made possible during construction. Larch timber facades are gaining a reputation for prestige thanks to all these qualities and because their aesthetic value is increasingly recognised in modern architectural approaches.
VISUALLY APPEALING MATERIAL
Larch is a scenic wood material. The cell 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 and tear. A characteristic feature of larch is the strongly developed differences between winter and summer growths. 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 any lover of natural materials. When larch is exposed to the weather, it turns grey over time and changes its structure minimally over a long period of time.
Therefore, larch facades are suitable as cladding, not only for wooden buildings. You can use them in houses built with literally any building material. Thanks to the fact that larch facades are attached to the house by means of a supporting grid, a ventilated gap is created between the wooden cladding and the building itself. This makes the ventilated facade a safe solution for both masonry and timber houses, because even if there is an increase in moisture somewhere in the wall, the ventilated gap allows the moisture to evaporate from the building.
Larch wood cladding is suitable for residential houses and large public buildings as well as for commercial and residential buildings. The wooden facade is a protection of the basic structure from environmental influences and is an important design and aesthetic element of the building.
QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF LARCH TILES
The quality of the wooden larch facade cladding is determined by the correct selection of tree species, the right cladding and the professional execution of details. The correct integration of the timber is crucial for the durability of the timber cladding. As long as the design principles of protection are respected, as well as the fact that the wooden larch facade needs to be aerated, you do not have to worry about the durability of your facade.
Wood as a basic material for cladding 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 accentuated.
TREAT LARCH TILES OR LET THEM TURN GREY?
Larch does not need surface treatment in outdoor conditions because it will last about 20 to 30 years without decay without direct contact with the ground. Untreated larch will turn grey in about 2-3 years due to sunlight and moisture. The color changes first from the points that are most exposed to the weather and evens out over several years, depending on the conditions. The greying of wood can be slowed down by treating the wood with transparent wood preservatives. Exterior cladding made from larch also does not need to be refinished, as the larch material can withstand UV and moisture stresses. Over the years, however, the wood will turn grey. Remember that during greying, the tone of the surface of the larch facade may become uneven. To keep larch surfaces durable and attractive, it is important to inspect them annually for damage. If necessary, washing dirt from the surface of the wood helps. We produce larch facades with visible or concealed joints in different widths and thicknesses according to customer requirements.
FEATURES
Slower growth than other conifers results in narrow annual rings with a distance between rings of only between 1-1.5 mm. In addition, there is a clear distinction between heartwood and sapwood and the proportion of heartwood can often be more than 90%. Heartwood is inherently durable and European larch wood is therefore often used as a substitute for pressure-impregnated wood.
Larch is left-handed throughout its growth, unlike spruce and pine, which are first left-handed and then right-handed. This means that larch twists more, which places greater demands on the fixing of the larch facade.
The knots are black-brown and pockets of resin may appear in the wood.
TREATMENT AND PROTECTION
Due to its high proportion of heartwood, larch has a greater durability than pine and spruce, without achieving the same durability as pressure-impregnated pine. This is particularly pronounced where the timber is in direct contact with soil or brick/concrete. In these areas, pressure-impregnated wood must be used to achieve acceptable durability.
Larch can be pressure impregnated and this should always be done if the timber will be in direct contact with soil or brick/concrete. However, pressure impregnation is only in the outer sapwood and therefore the protective effect is limited.
All timber must be protected as far as possible by “structural protection”, which means that you plan and build so that the timber is ventilated and water is drained away 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 in dry conditions 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.
WHY CHOOSE LARCH TILES?
Larch cladding is a popular choice for various construction and decorative projects due to its unique properties.
High durability
Larch wood is known for its natural resistance to rot, weathering and pests. This property makes larch an ideal material for outdoor use such as terraces, facades and other exterior applications.
Strength and hardness
Larch is one of the hardest European conifers, making it a very strong material suitable for structural use. Its high strength properties ensure long life and resistance to mechanical damage.
Aesthetic appearance
Larch cladding has an attractive golden brown color that naturally turns grey over time unless chemically treated. This natural patination process can be desirable for some applications, increasing the aesthetic value of the wood.
Environmental friendliness
As a natural material, larch does not require chemical treatment for its protection, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to other woods that may require chemical treatments. Larch, which comes from sustainable forests, also contributes to environmental protection.
Variability of use
Its properties make larch suitable for a wide range of applications, including flooring, outdoor patios, garden furniture and interior decorative elements. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for a variety of projects.
LIFESPAN OF LARCH TILES?
Larch cladding is a popular material for exterior cladding due to its high durability and aesthetic appearance. Its lifespan can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as conditions of use, maintenance and installation method.
Natural Durability : Larch is known for its natural resistance to rot and weathering, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications. With proper installation and regular maintenance, larch decking can last for decades, with a lifespan often quoted as 20-30 years.
Maintenance : Although larch wood requires minimal maintenance, it is recommended to check its condition regularly. Untreated decking may naturally turn grey, which may be desirable for some projects. If the wood is treated with a stain or oil, it can retain its original colour and extend its lifespan.
Orientation and Thickness : The lifespan of planks also depends on their orientation (vertical vs. horizontal) and thickness. Thicker tiles laid vertically can last up to twice as long as thinner horizontal planks.
Larch cladding is a durable and environmentally friendly choice for outdoor use. With proper installation and maintenance, it can provide aesthetic value and longevity, making it an attractive choice for a variety of building projects.
HOW DOES LARCH TILING BEHAVIOR IN DIFFERENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS?
Resistance to moisture and rot
Larch wood contains natural resins, which give it excellent biological resistance to rot and mold. This aspect is especially important in humid environments , such as bathrooms or saunas, where larch planks do not require additional chemical treatment. Furthermore, larch planks have low hygroscopicity, which means that they retain their strength and do not lose their properties when in contact with water.
Stability and acclimatization
Before use, it is important to acclimatize the boards to reach equilibrium humidity. This minimizes the risk of deformation and cracking caused by changes in temperature and humidity. The optimal moisture level for larch boards is around 12%, which ensures their dimensional stability.
Aesthetics and structure
Larch cladding has a beautiful texture and color variations, which contribute to its aesthetic value both indoors and outdoors. When exposed to weather, it may turn gray over time, but it will change its structure minimally.
Influence of climatic conditions
Larch grows in harsher climates, which increases its resin content and thus its resistance to UV radiation and biological pests. Siberian larch, specific to colder regions, is particularly resistant to temperature and humidity fluctuations, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications. Due to these properties, larch decking is a versatile material suitable for various climates with minimal maintenance requirements.
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