IHS BRE Press Service Life Prediction of Timber Cladding IP16/12

The increased use of wood in UK construction as an environmentally friendly and renewable material depends on the provision of information on its durability and service life. This Information Paper reviews service life prediction for timber cladding. Author: E Suttie, BRE Publish Date: 7/3/2012 ISBN: 978-1-84806-285-6 Abstract: This Information Paper reviews service life prediction for timber and the work within the pan-European WoodExter project. Service life prediction of buildings is discussed in the context of ISO 15686, the international standard for service life prediction. The factor method from that standard is applied in principle to timber cladding as a product and the findings are presented alongside a review of exterior timber cladding in the context of the codes, standards and regulations that influence specification. Timber cladding is a growing commercial opportunity for wood, becoming more frequently specified on public and private buildings. It is also a high-value end use, which can take advantage of all the factors that influence the service life of the product. The WoodExter project is developing a model for predicting the service life of exterior timber cladding, to enable better selection of material for the required service life and to provide information for professionals wanting to understand and use timber cladding.