Exterior cladding

Holmen’s exterior cladding

Long, cold winters produce a characteristically slow-grown wood, with a quality and strength that make it extremely good at resisting outdoor challenges. The range includes untreated, primed and undercoated exterior cladding.

Untreated exterior cladding

Holmen’s untreated exterior cladding is a smart choice for those who are happy to apply the surface treatment themselves. Since the cladding is supplied completely untreated, it requires a little care and attention before it is exposed to wind and weather. Because the raw material is strong, slow-grown spruce from northern Sweden, it is ready for every kind of challenge, whatever climate it is used in.

 

Surface treated exterior cladding

Holmen has one of Sweden’s most modern facilities for the surface treatment of exterior cladding. As part of our environmental work, we have minimised the use of chemical products and use a greater proportion of eco-friendly products within our operations.

We use the Sherwin-Williams paint system for priming and undercoating as standard. This can then be finished with a topcoat of any regular house paint sold by a reliably high-quality manufacturer, with the exception of distempers.

The paints are documented and the application process checked to ensure that the paint is applied correctly

and forms a dry layer of at least 60 µm, in accordance with the Swedish P-mark rules and the paint supplier’s instructions. The cladding must be given its finishing topcoat no later than 6–10 months after installation, in accordance with the paint supplier’s instructions.

 

Primed exterior cladding

Holmen’s primed exterior cladding can be installed immediately, just as it is, and then given its finishing coats of paint once in place. Being primed by true professionals in Holmen’s controlled and dry factory environment means that it already has good protection against wind and weather on delivery. It is still a good idea to follow the recommendations on handling the cladding and for it to be given a topcoat in a smart-looking colour. This will ensure that the façade retains its properties for a considerable length of time, helped by the fact that the raw material for the cladding is northern Swedish spruce, which grows slowly and strongly over a long period due to the harsh winters. This means that it will resist even the toughest weather conditions.

Undercoated exterior cladding

Holmen’s undercoated exterior cladding is first primed and then undercoated so that it only needs to be painted once after installation. It also means that the undercoated exterior cladding is well protected on delivery, so it can be installed whatever the weather or season. The fact that the cladding is painted in Holmen’s controlled and dry factory environment puts it in the best possible position to retain its protective properties for a really long time.

 

Exterior cladding (Untreated & Surface treated)

 

Profiled exterior cladding (Untreated & Surface treated)

 

Certification

Approval certificate – Façade cladding for exterior use

Performance declaration Kroksjön – Sawn, planed wood cladding

Performance declaration Bygdsiljum – Sawn, planed wood cladding

Swedish P-mark certificate 

 

Installation of exterior cladding

Exterior cladding should be nailed or screwed to nailing battens, using dimensions and centre-to-centre spacing that ensure a firm fixing and an air gap of at least 25 mm. If possible, place the nailing battens at least 100 mm from the end and 20 mm from the edge of the cladding, to avoid splits in the end wood. If the spacing is smaller than this, predrill the holes.

Nails/screws should be driven in so that the head lies flush with the surface of the cladding. Nail guns must be set correctly and checked as the work progresses. If nails/screws are driven too far and the wood is damaged, the board should be replaced or the hole can be oiled and primed before final painting.

Nails/screws must not go through two boards as this prevents their natural movement during fluctuations in moisture level. When using board on board/board and batten, the overlap must be at least 20 mm.

Nails/screws should be rust-resistant, e.g. hot-dip galvanised or stainless. The length of the nails/screws should give sufficient withdrawal strength, without damaging the wind barrier behind the cladding.

 

Handling and maintenance of exterior cladding

The cladding should be protected from wet weather and ground moisture during all handling and storage prior to installation. Cover with a tarpaulin or marquee, making sure that air can circulate freely. When storing outdoors, all boards must be kept horizontal and at least 300 mm above ground in a well-drained, shaded place. Bearers should be placed symmetrically beneath the rows of separating sticks in the pack to avoid deformations.

The degree of maintenance required depends on the paint system, climate, façade design and colour. An annual visual inspection of the wood façade should be carried out. Particular attention should be paid to critical points such as end wood, joints, nails/screws, and terminations at ground level, corners and windows. Look out for mechanical damage, flaking, cracking and blistering. Damage to the surface treatment should be remedied through cleaning, scraping, oiling and touching up.