Timber Frame Cladding (Render required)

[Shaun McD]

Hi all, 

 

A part of our planning req is to have an externally rendered face on our new build, for which we are likely to use an acrylic render due to its weather protection and lifelong color without painting.

To my knowledge, the two common skins to support this is either standard block work, or cement board.

Would love to hear peoples experience with both systems and any tips and tricks.

 

My (very questionable) assumptions;

• Pro block/Neg cement board - will be cheaper due to local supply of materials and labor.
• Pro block/Neg cement board - loads of sill options, including passive sills
• Pro block/Neg cement board - allows for full stone work (cheaper) rather than thin stone
• Neg block/Pro cement board - Needs a foundation
• Neg block/Pro cement board - MICA in the region
• Neg block/Pro cement board - Cement board be quicker to install
• Neg block/Pro cement board - Skin will already have to contain some elements of cement board on gables without a rising external wall.

 

I think thats the big ticket items I can think of now, open to input/corrections! 

[nod]

Through coloured renders are better suited to block 

But cement board is ok 

[Shaun McD]

bumping up for input

[Iceverge]

Pro Blocks:

 

House insurance is cheaper.  

 

Easier to fix washing lines, satellite dishes to etc. 

 

Can use sand/cement render with coloured sand which is/was 40% the price or acrylic/silicon when I checked. Plenty of sand and cement here since 1950 and going strong. 

 

Blocks are cheap. 68c+Vat is the cheapest I can find in Cork at the moment. 

 

Thick walls for asthetics. Person dependant that one. 

 

Easy to find experienced workers and materials. 

 

More soundproofing from outside. 

 

Better for fire from an outside boiler/carfire. 

 

It's a well known method.

 

Very robust Vs ball games etc 

 

Cons Blocks

 

Mica in the NE?? (Is it still a thing?)

 

Takes slightly more time than boards. 

 

Needs foundation.

 

Mortar bridging the cavity.

 

Sand and cement can be done badly. 

 

Messy. 

 

Window thermal detailing needs care. 

 

 

Pro Boards. 

 

Much thinner wall. ~110mm less than blocks. More internal space. 

 

Fast.

 

No lintels needed. 

 

Less mess. 

 

Less chance of mortar bridging the cavity. 

 

Can be done by carpenters but ensure they follow MIs to the letter. @Bitpipe had some issues I think. 

 

No painting. 

 

Con boards. 

 

Silicone/acrylic can go wrong too. Look at @ProDaves blog. 

 

Expensive materials and render. May be a special order item = not easy to pick some up from a local hardware shop if you run short. 

 

Some renders get mouldy/fungus/algee covered.