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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding
-V

9 Cladding

9.I Design requirements

The main functions of the cladding on a timber frame building are to
provide weather resistance and create the external appearance required
by the client. Brick and blockwork cladding can contribute to the
structural stability of the building; BS 5268-6 includes details of the
contribution made and requirements for this.
There are Building Regulation limits on the use of combustible cladding
and requirements for surface spread of flame (reaction to fire)
performance for cladding adjacent to boundaries as well as rules limiting
the size of 'unprotected areas' on elevations near to boundaries.
Unprotected areas include windows and combustible cladding. The
allowable amount varies with the distance from the boundary and height
above the ground. Rules for calculation are included in national Building
Regulations.
Building Regulations include requirements for cavity barriers to any
cavity which occurs between the external cladding and the external face
of the timber frame panel. Cavity barriers are provided to close a cavity,
and to limit its area to restrict the spread of smoke or flame. Cavity
barriers are required in timber frame structures if the external face of the
timber frame wall panel is of combustible material. Requirements for
cavity barriers vary between the National Regulations and also depend
upon the purpose group of the building.
There should be a drained and vented air space behind the external
cladding to all timber frame walls. To avoid infestation by insects,
openings to the cavity should be protected by an insect mesh.
The housing warranty and guarantee authorities have specific
requirements in respect of supporting battens and air spaces behind
claddings; the latest version of their manuals should be consulted.
In addition to meeting the Design Requirements, the successful
completion and quality of the timber frame building is dependent on
good on-site practice in terms of accuracy in setting out and erecting
components. Guidance is given in Appendix 3 Site Supervisor's
Checklist.

9.2 Cladding materials

Materials for cladding can be subdivided into two categories; those
which are built from their own foundation and which are simply tied back
to the timber frame structure (brickwork, rendered and fair face
blockwork, stone) and those which are fully supported by the timber
frame structure (tile hanging, timber or other board and sheet materials,
render on mesh etc). Whichever type of cladding is used, it is essential
that it is correctly fixed to the timber frame structure, with adequate
allowance for differential movement where necessary, and that
weathering details are satisfactory.

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9.3 Brick and concrete block cladding

Brickwork and blockwork should comply with BS 5628 Use of masonry
Part 1 Structural use of unreinforced masonry and Part 3 Materials and
components, design and workmanship.
There is a wide choice of clay and calcium silicate bricks available and
all may be used providing the detailed design is appropriate. When
eaves, verges and sills project sufficiently to provide the brick cladding
with reasonable protection against saturation, brickwork above dpc level
may be in clay bricks of durability designation FL, FN, ML or MN to BS
3921 Specification for clay bricks or in Class 3 calcium silicate bricks as
defined in BS 187 Specification for calcium silicate (sandlime and
flintlime) bricks. Where protection is limited (eg as shown in Figure 9.5b),
the specification should be limited to FL or FN clay bricks or calcium
silicate bricks.
Blocks should comply with the requirements of BS 6073 Recast concrete
masonry units.
Brick or block cladding to timber frame is generally regarded as a
veneered wall, defined in BS 5628 as 'a wall having a facing that is
attached to the backing but not so bonded as to result in common action
under load'.
Correctly detailed brick or block cladding is capable of contributing to
the timber frame structure's resistance to wind loads and the current
structural design code for timber frame, BS 5268-6, indicates how this
contribution can be calculated. Brickwork is normally a 'half brick' thick
leaf and blockwork is typically 100 mm. Each supports its own weight
but is laterally restrained by the timber frame structure using wall ties
specifically designed for this purpose.
A drained and vented cavity is maintained between the brickwork or
blockwork and the timber frame structure to remove any water which
penetrates the outer skin in extreme conditions while the venting
increases the safety margin against condensation risk.
The cavity between the brick or block cladding and the outer face of the
timber frame wall should be a nominal 50 mm (nominal may be taken as
+/- 10 mm). Smaller cavities may be acceptable if special precautions
are taken to keep cavities free from mortar droppings eg by the use of a
'draw batten'. Larger cavities may be used if special wall ties with an
extended leg into the masonry are specified.
A timber frame structure is normally based upon either a 400 mm or
600 mm structural grid to make most efficient use of sheathing and lining
board materials.
This grid is not compatible with the normal brick length module of
225 mm and some cutting is required unless panels and openings are
specifically designed to suit brick dimensions. In practice this difference
between the timber frame and brick does not cause problems to
bricklayers who are accustomed to setting out brickwork to the
dimensions required. Narrow sections of brickwork between openings
should be kept to a minimum width of not less than 2.5 bricks (562 mm;
+ + +
ie 215 10 215 10 + 112 mm) to avoid unsightly cutting. If this is
not possible it may be preferable to consider an alternative detail such as
a timber cover panel between closely spaced joinery elements.

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Blockwork is normally rendered and so care with the visual aspects is not
paramount. Setting out to avoid difficult cutting is more a practical on-
site issue.
Since brickwork or blockwork cladding is confined to face work only,
attention should be given to the maximum lift permitted at any one time
to avoid brickwork ‘slumping’ before curing. This is particularly
important when constructing narrow piers.
BS 5628-3 recommends that expansion joints should be placed in
brickwork and blockwork to allow lateral movement to take place; these
should be:
clay bricks I0 mm wide joints at I0 - I 2 m maximum centres
calcium silicate bricks I 0 mm wide joints at 7.5 - 9 m maximum centres
concrete blocks I0 mrn wide joints at 6 m maximum centres (if the
blockwork is rendered the maximum centres should be
5 m (see Section 9.5)
When vertical expansion joints are incorporated, the brickwork or
blockwork on either side of the joint should be restrained with wall ties
at closer spacings than in other locations (300 mm vertical centres within
225 mm of the joint). There is a risk of vertical cracking occurring at short
returns on elevations as a result of thermal movement or slight brick
expansion. This is best avoided by incorporating a movement joint at the
internal angle as shown in Figure 5.8.
Differential vertical movement can occur between the timber frame inner
wall and the brick or block cladding as a result of shrinkage due to
reduction in the moisture content of timber elements (ie rails, binders
and floor and roof joists) and either the slight expansion of clay bricks or
the shrinkage of blocks or calcium silicate bricks. Therefore, any material
or component attached to the timber superstructure which overhangs the
brick or blockwork (ie attached cladding, window sills, roof eaves and
verges), or projects through the masonry (eg flues or overflow pipes)
should have a clear gap beneath it and the top of the masonry cladding
to allow differential movement to take place, and avoid damage to the
component or to the cladding. Figure 9.1 shows the size of movement
gaps to be allowed at each storey for all masonry claddings, which have
been shown by experience to be satisfactory.
Further information on brick cladding is available in the Brick
Development Association’s Design Note 15 Brick cladding to timber
frame construction and Design Note 7 Brickwork durability. Tables and
guidance on setting out are included in BDA Design Note 3 Brickwork
dimensions tables.

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Figure 9. I Recommended Allow for settlement

minimum allowances for at flashings t o chimneys
Allowance at eaves etc. depending upon the
differential movement
and verge: number of storeys and
between timber structure 2 I rnm - three storey - chimney placement within
and masonry claddings I 5mm - two storey ',>, roof span

I9mm at bottom of __
openings at second
floor level

I I mm at bottom of -
i 38
openings at first
floor level I 200
38
L 38

4
openings at ground
floor level

I
Note: when timber platform ground floor
is used add 8mm to the differential
movement allowancesquoted

Note: The allowances shown are for cross sectional timber in the floor zone of conventional platform frame as shown in
the detail with timber installed at 20% moisture content and drying to IO% moisture content in service.
The biggest proportion of the differential shrinkage occurs in the floor joists. The shrinkage in the rails and binders does
not normally affect internal linings or the sheathing to panels. However, plasterboard lining to staircase openings of two
or more storeys can be affected since it crosses the floor joist zone. A movement gap in the plasterboard with a cover
strip should be specified at the floor zone.
In all cases, the movement gap allowance is for a clear gap. If compressible seals are installed in the gap, the allowance
should be increased as the seal cannot be compressed to zero.
In any of the following cases, the differential movement should be re-calculated:

moisture content, are use

2 Super-dried timber (at 12% moisture content) is used 6 Brickwork cladding is a type which expands over
for joists time: this can be up t o I mm per metre height of
3 Cross-section timber is taken out of the floor zone of the wall. The brick supplier will have this data.
wall eg storey height panels with joists hung inside (Fig I .4)
4 There is more cross-section timber in the floor zone

In these cases, for solid timber and glulam * t h e movement calculation is as follows:
I Find the difference between the installed and in-service moisture content of the timber
2 Find the total thickness of cross section timber (Y mm)
3 Calculate dimension change X '30(4% change in moisture content = I % dimension change)
4 Calculate allowance for movement Z = {X / 100) x Y
Allow for the calculated movement, taking account of seal compression and brick expansion.
* The formula using the 1% for 4% rule does not apply to engineered wood products, eg LVl ond prefabricated /-joists. The
alternotive rule for Yo dimension change for YOmoisture content change should be obtained from the product manufacturer.

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

The cavity between a timber frame wall and brick or block cladding
should be self draining The openings provided for drainage, open
perpends (or equivalent opening area) at 1 5 m maximum centres should
be kept clear of mortar (Figure 9 2) Proprietary plastic ventilators of
perpend width are available Similarly, cavities should be self draining at
any horizontal cavity tray inserted over horizontal cavity barriers, over
roof abutments, or over lintels above doors and windows These
provisions will also vent the wall cavity
I
Figure 9.2 Brick cladding
detail at ground floor level
dpc lapped
with concrete floor slab
over dpm
See also Figure I. i 3 for
information on vertical r-----------
dimensions and brick coursing.
See Chapter 3 for ground floor Open perpends as
specifications weepholes at I .5m
maximum centres

Yi
Exterior ground level
L_--- __--
V/&Vrn
Y

brick and bed joint

timber frame wall
requires the brickwork to course to the head of the opening so as to
achieve a neat lintel detail. It is normal practice to course the brickwork
to the lintel lines and to use details at the sills to adjust to the standard
coursing. It is possble to arrange the full wall panel and floor joist
dimensions to fit with 75 mm height coursing (see Section 1.4.2)but this
can place design restrictions upon other components and is not generally
necessary since experience has shown that bricklayers have no difficulty
in making the small adjustments required to fit the brickwork to the
structural dimensions of the timber frame.
A standard doorset requires a nominal opening height of 2100 mm which
fits either 28 or 29 courses depending on the detail at the bottom of the
panel. Figure 9.3 shows a typical door sill detail. The head of window
openings is also normally set at 2100 mm and coursing is then arranged
to fit between the heads of ground floor and upper floor openings. This
can entail a small and unnoticeable variation to the bed joint.

Figure 9.3 Brick cladding

detail at door sill

to timber frame

_ _ ~

i75mm
Plinth stretcher brick

down face of sole plate

- _

back from main wall face

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

I- Y.
1 -

::JJ ~ .

Coursing to sills i s more difficult to achieve without cutting bricks

especially since openings are rarely all of one height The ieconiiiiended
solution is to use a detail which permits a large construction tolerance
between the window sill and the cladding Figure 9 4 shows alternative
details which satisfy this iequirement Figure 9 5 shows alternative
details which can be Lsed when the sills are dimensionally co-ordinated
to the brick coursing Figure 9 G shows alternative ways of detailing the
biickwork aL window or door openings

Figure 9.4 Typical sill details for openings occurring off the standard brick course
a Brick cladding with plain Insulation

tile sill Window fixed and sealed

to timber frame wall panel
Compressed foam sealing tape

Allowance for
differential movement

2 courses of plain tiles with

joints staggered (overhang
approx 50mm)

Bed joint reinforcement

in mortar bed and into
joints at reveals
500 micron polythene dpc
dressed over cavity batten
and under cement

insulation

Window fixed and sealed

rick cladding with sloping
to timber frame wall panel
- Compressed foam sealing tape
Note: Cladding and sill bricks
Allowance for
should be FL or F N clay bricks differential movement
or calcium silicate bricks
Squint brick or cut
standard brick sill

Sills more than I m long

may need restraint by
means of galvanised
steel bars through
perforated bricks or bed
joint reinforcement in
mortar below sill bricks
and into joints at reveals

500 micron polythene dpc

dressed over cavity batten
and under cement

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

Figure 9.5 Typical details for openings occurring on brick course module
Insulation
a Brick cladding with special
Window fixed and sealed
profile brick sill to timber frame wall panel
Sill bricks should be FL or FN
f
clay bricks or calcium silicate Allowance for
differential movement
bricks
Compressed foam sealing tape

Special profile brick sill

111
Bed reinforcement

and into ioints in reveals

when dpc is incorporated
in joint below

500 micron polythene dpc

__ dressed over cavity batten,
behind sill, under cement

- - , Insulation
b Plinth stretcher brick sill
Cladding and sill bricks should
I
\ Window fixed and sealed
to timber frame wall panel
be FL or FN clay bricks or
t Allowance for
calcium silicate bricks differential movement

Compressed foam sealing tape

Plinth stretcher bricks

Bed joint reinforcement
in joint below sill bricks
and into joints in reveals
when dpc IS incorporated
into joint below
500 micron polythene dpc
dressed over cavity batten,
behind sill, under cement

Insulation
c Precast concrete sill Window fixed and sealed
Cladding bricks may be ML, to timber frame wall Dane1
Compressed foam sealing tape
MN, FL or FN clay bricks or
Allowance for
calcium silicate bricks differential movement

- -- Precast concrete sill

::F
Course of bricks below
sill can be either a split
course or a brick on
edge course to allow
for some variation in
coursing relative to the
window opening
500 micron polythene dpc
L
dressed over cavity batten,
behind sill, under cement

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

Figure 9.6 Typical window detailing to brick cladding

See Section 9.9 for details of
window location and fixings
a Brickwork flush with
window opening

Insulation

Compressedfoam Wall tie

sealing tape
Cavity barrier

Preservative treated
batten to cover joint
if preferred

b Brickwork projected over

window/panel joint

Insulation

Compressed foam Wall tie

sealing tape Cavity barrier

-
End of window sill cut
back. Site-cut end
should be liberally
brushed with preservative
Brickwork projected over
face of window frame by
approx IOmm. (Some types
of window may preclude this)
Brick cladding is tied to the timber frame wall by flexible wall ties which
are embedded into the masonry wall and nailed to the timber frame at
stud positions. It is important to ensure that the ties are nailed to solid
frame members and not to the sheathing material alone.
The 'standard' concrete block is three bricks high (215 mm) by two bricks
long (440 mm) by 100 mm wide. It is intended to course with brickwork
but, as it is normally rendered, inaccurate coursing or irregular cutting
does not result in visual problems. Blockwork is tied to the timber frame
in the same way as for brickwork.
There is no British Standard covering wall ties specifically for use in
masonry clad timber frame construction. A British Standard Draft for
Development DD 140 Wall ties Part 2 Recommendations for the design of
wall ties was published in 1987. It relates only to brick ties and is based
upon Building Research Establishment studies with the design loads
modified to suit the safety factors given in BS 5628-1. The major
manufacturers of wall ties have had their products tested to DD140 and
this should be a requirement for specification. Ties and their nail fixings
should be of stainless steel, the size and gauge of fixings should meet the
recommendations of the wall tie manufacturer and nail substitution
should be permitted only with the approval of the manufacturer or the
structural engineer.

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Wall ties for brick or block cladding should normally be fixed at a

minimum density of 4.4 ties per square metre
To satisfy this requirement, ties should be on stud centres horizontally
and at a vertical spacing of 375 mm (5 brick courses) when the timber
frame studs are a t 600 mm centres and at 525 rnrn vertical centres
(7 brick courses) when studs are at 400 mrn centres (Figure 9.7). In
exposed locations the tie spacing may need to be reduced and should be
calculated in accordance with BS 5628-6. Housing warranty and
guarantee authorities may accept ties at 450 mrn vertically when studs
are at 600 mm centres but in such cases, the brickwork may not be taken
into account as a contributor to wind resistance.

Figure 9.7 Location of wall ties in brickwork cladding

Top row of ties should
Horizontal cavity barrier above opening may
be omitted with steel lintel as substitute. Some
steel lintels require a timber pinch batten, refer
to manufacturers'details. Double stud may be
necessary to provide fixing for ties and for
cavity barrier. Ties at opening t o be at reduced
spacing eg not more than 300mm vertical
centres and within 225mm of jambs

Flexible ties must be fixed to

studs in the wall panel through

/
\
sheathing and breather
membrane (when used)

When studs are at 6OOmm

centres, vertical dimension
should be 375mm maximum
(i.e. every 5 courses)

L' ~

jj

II
When studs are at 400mm
centres, vertical dimension
may be 525mm maximum

(i.e. every 7 courses)

First set of ties normally

approximately 300mm
above dpc line
Cavity barrier and batten
fixing for window

The top of brickwork cladding needs restraint and the top row of ties
should be located three courses below the top of the cladding. At sloping
verges, ties should be located within 225 mm of the top of the brickwork
at every fourth course down the slope. Ties should be fixed at the sides
of window and door openings spaced at not more than 300 mm vertical
centres and within 225 mm of the jambs. This spacing is also required at
either side of vertical expansion joints. Closer vertical spacing may be
specified in exposed locations.
Wall ties for concrete blockwork are normally specified horizontally at
stud centres (either 400 or 600 mm) and vertically at 450 mm (2 block
courses) for both stud centre options. Blockwork should be tied one

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course down at the top to provide restraint. Ties at the side of openings
and at either side of vertical expansion joints should be at every block
(215 mm vertically) and within 250 mm of the opening or joint.
Lintels supporting brick or block cladding over openings should be
structurally independent of the timber frame. (Loads over openings in the
timber frame wall panel are carried independently by timber lintels.)
Figure 9.8 shows a typical lintel arrangement. Where cavity tray lintels
are used, they should not be fixed to the timber frame, but restrained
back to the timber frame at stud centres by clips designed to permit
vertical movement.
There are a number of proprietary lintels available, designed specifically
for use with brick or block cladding and timber frame walls. Proprietary
lintels should have independent certification and reference should be
made to the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding maximum
span, end bearing, loading characteristics and requirements for dpcs.
When the brick or block cladding is continued over openings located
immediately under the eaves it may be preferable to use a steel angle
(Figure 9.9) which is shallower than a proprietary lintel to enable the
masonry above the lintel to be tied back to the timber frame panel.
[ Breather membrane dressed
Figure 9.8 Window head
detail with brick cladding
.,. 1I over cavity tray

using a proprietary steel

! Cavity tray with stop end
lintel
\ Fixing clip to allow
differential movement

I YI Steel lintel

Weepholes at 900mm
max centres (minimum
I \\\ 2 per opening)

insulation -Va If face of window is set

back behind back edge of
colmpressed foam t----.brickwork/lintel, a cover
sealing tape batten or similar detail is
1 required to close the joint
Figure 9.9 Window head
detail with brickwork
Cavity tray or 500 micron
supported on a polythene flashing dressed
galvanized mild steel beneath breather membrane
on face of timber panel
angle
Breather membrane
This detail is useful when
brickwork occurs over an Weepholes at 900mm
max centres (minimum
opening immediately below 2 per opening)
the eaves or a change of
cladding where the use of a
proprietary lintel may not Cavity barrier Galvanized mild steel
allow space for brick ties angle of suitable size
for opening, protect with
two coats of bitumen

Compressed foam

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

9.4 Tile or slate cladding

Vertical tile hanging using concrete or clay tiles or natural or fibre
cement slates can all provide a long life, low maintenance cladding to
timber frame structures. Mathematical tiles can provide a cladding
similar in appearance to brickwork but are not commonly used.
Tiles (including mathematical tiles) or slates are fixed to horizontal
preservative-treated timber battens which are nailed to the studs in the
timber frame wall. (Figures 9.10 - 9.12). In severely exposed conditions,
the use of vertical counter battens fixed between the horizontal battens
and the breather membrane is recommended to permit more efficient
drainage of any water which might be driven through the tile joints.
Vertical and horizontal battens should be fixed to the studs in the timber
frame wall panel. When CCA treated battens are used, aluminium nails
should not be used to fix the cladding. Site-cut ends of preservative-
treated battens should be liberally brushed with additional preservative
to maintain protection.

Figure 9. I 0 Typical
construction: Tile hanging

Treated batten

Nails
Figure 9. I I Typical construction: Slate hanging
Rivets

Figure 9. I 2 Typical
construction:
Treated battens
Mathematical fixed to studs
tiling

Treated battens

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

The cavity behind the cladding should be closed off by cavity barriers
and firestops as required by Building Regulations. (See section 9.1 and
Figure 9.13).

Figure 9. I 3 Typical detail

of lightweight cladding at
Firestop
party wall
Mineral wool
Treated battens
cavity barrier
fixed to studs
t o fill space
between tiles

The final appearance of hung tiles and slates relies on the details at
junctions with other elements. Many producers or suppliers can provide
recommended details for their products. A typical detail at window
openings is shown in Figure 9.14. q p i c a l details of junctions with brick
and block cladding are shown in Section 9.8; window location and fixings
are shown in Section 9.9. -

Figure 9. I 4 Typical Tilting fillet

window detail for tile
cladding

Code 4 lead flashing

(out over extension piece if used)

I Jamb detail

,~ Insulation
Compressed foam ~ , I
Compressed foam
sealingtape sealing tape

Insulation ~
Short lengths of vertical
batten to opening

Tile battens
500 micron polythene dpc

Tile cladding

Treated timber
reveal board

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

9.5 Cement render cladding

Cement render can be used as a finish on brick or blockwork cladding to
timber frame, or it can be applied direct to metal lathing fixed to
preservative treated battens on the face of the sheathing (Figure 9.15).

Figure 9. I5 Typical
construction: Cement render
on lathing cladding

Treated batten
fixed to studs

"Backed" metal lath

Cement render usually

in three coats
dPC

Drained and vented cavity

When render is used in conjunction with a skin of masonry, the details

are similar to those used for facing brickwork and the render details are
the same as for cavity blockwork construction. This type of construction
results in deeper reveals to door and window openings than would
normally be possible with render applied to metal lathing. Further
information on rendered blockwork is available from the British Cement
Association.
Cement render can be applied to stainless steel lathing fixed to
preservative-treated vertical battens. Site-cut ends of preservative-
treated battens should be liberally brushed with additional preservative
to maintain protection. The battens are fixed to the studs in the wall
panels in order to maintain a cavity between the back face of the render
and the sheathing. The cavity allows any water which penetrates the
render to drain out and also vents to increase the safety margin against
condensation risk. The cavity should incorporate cavity barriers and
firestops at the positions required by the Building Regulations.
Metal lathing is available with a layer of building paper incorporated.
When used on a timber frame wall this assists in containing the render
behind the mesh but should not replace the breather membrane applied
to the sheathing. The metal lathing should be fixed to the battens in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturers of
the metal lathing usually also produce the necessary trim sections for
internal and external corners and edges. When lathing with a building
paper backing is used, the cavity should be at least 25 mm. When
unbacked laths are used the cavity should be at least 50 mm.
The render materials can be site mixed or proprietary pre-mixed render
can be used which usually requires only the addition of water. Detailed
information on render mixes is included in BS 5262 Code of practice for

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

external renderings and also in the British Cement Association

publication Appearance matters 2: External rendering.
Render on stainless steel lathing is normally three coat work with a total
thickness of at least 16 mm. When rendering extends over more than one
storey, provision should be made for movement in the timber frame
structure by the inclusion of horizontal movement joints in the render at
the floor zone as well as the supporting vertical battens. Similarly,
vertical movement joints should be included to avoid shrinkage cracks
occurring in the width of the cladding. BS 5262 recommends that no
single panel should exceed 5 metres in length or height (effectivelystorey
height in timber frame for horizontal joints). Figures 9.16 to 9.20 illustrate
typical cement render details.
Proprietary render or textured cement finishes can also be applied to fibre
cement or cement-bonded particleboard cladding boards which are fixed
to battens on the face of the timber frame panel. Subject to the
appropriate allowance for differential movement being made, joints
between the cladding boards can be covered with scrim tape and a flush
joint achieved. The board or render manufacturers’ details and
recommendations should be followed.

Figure 9. I 6 Typical window Breather membrane

detail with cement render Treated battens
on lath
!- I2mm
insect screen

Lead flashing dressed under breather membrane

Proprietary metal stop bead

Ins II ,-Insul
Jamb detail
ation

Compressed foar
Compressed foam sealing tape

Vertical battens

500 micron
polythene dpc

Proprietary metal
stop bead

Throating in sill must not be obstructed by render

500 micron polythene dpc

See Section 9.9 for details of window location and fixings

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TRADA Technology Timber Frame Construction Chapter 9 Cladding

Treated vertical
Figure 9. I 7 Typical battens. Cavity
horizontal movement joints openings protected
by insect screen
with cement render on lath
Proprietary metal
Polythene dpc render stop
to face of battens
Movement gap

Polythene dpc
dressed up behind
breather membrane
500 micron
polythene flashing
dressed up behind
breather membrane

Treated horizontal
battens
Allowance for differential
(checlc against
-> Allowance for differential
recommendations in Fig 9. I) movement (check%ainst
.A
recommendations in Fig. 9. I
When cement render finishes pass across
the intermediate floor zone, a movement
joint should be placed at approximately
mid-joist depth

Figure 9.18 Typical base

detail with cement render
on lath
J
I- Treated vertical battens
at 6OOmm maximum
centres on stud grid

dpc ~

Insect screen

Figure 9. I 9 Typical
movement joints in cement
render on lath
Note: illustrations show typical
types of galvanized mild steel or
stainless steel proprietary beads
and trims. Other sections from
other manufacturers are equally
suitable. Manufacturers’
literature should be consulted.
r x /polythene
500 micron
dpc

Nominal
I Omm gap
~ -- Mastic caulk

500 micron
polythene flashing
Figure 9.20 Typical external
corner joint in cement
render on lath

\--Proprietary corner bead

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9.6 Timber cladding

All timber cladding should be designed as a ‘rainscreen’in principle. This
assumes that the cladding will always be subject to some penetration of
rainwater. The secondary weather protection provided by the breather
membrane, dpcs, flashings and vented cavity disperses this to outside.
Timber cladding can be used to achieve a variety of patterns, textures
and colours on buildings, either as conventional boarding or open-
jointed. Boards can be used vertically, horizontally or diagonally and by
the use of different widths, profiles and jointing, an almost unlimited
variety of surface effects can be achieved.
Although some standard profiles for cladding are available, special
profiles can generally be machined if a reasonable quantity is required.
However, if special profiles are to be machined it is important that
designers understand the principles of weatherproofing and allow for
possible moisture movement in the wood. The practicality of
manufacture in terms of available sizes, lengths in the species chosen
and the limitations of machining should be discussed with a supplier.
The method of erection and fixing of the cladding should also be
considered.
The design of timber cladding and materials selection is covered in detail
in the TRADA Technology publication, External timber cladding.

9.6.I Support battens

Cladding boards are normally fixed to preservative-treated softwood
battens nailed to the timber frame studs. Site-cut ends of preservative-
treated battens should be liberally brushed with additional preservative
to maintain protection. The thickness of horizontal battens will depend
on the nail penetration required but the width should never be less than
38 mm to avoid the risk of splitting when nailed. Vertical battens should
coincide with studs behind and the thickness should be a minimum of
19 mm. Horizontal battens should be spaced at maximum 600 mm
vertical centres and be 19 mm minimum thickness. If horizontal battens
are not supported by sheathing they will need to be sufficiently stiff for
nailing a s well as providing sufficient nail retention; a minimum
thickness of 25 mm is recommended,
The battens provide a cavity for the drainage of any water which may
penetrate the cladding and also allow ventilation to the back face of the
cladding, allowing any moisture to evaporate. With horizontal boards the
vertical battens create this cavity, see Figure 9.22, but when vertical
boarding is used and the battens run horizontally, space for drainage and
ventilation must be provided. Profiles that have a flat back face therefore
require vertical counter battens behind the horizontal battens for this
purpose, see Figure 9.23.
With a ‘board on board’ system the gaps between the inner boards
provide sufficient space for drainage and ventilation, and it is
unnecessary to provide counter battens, see Figure 9.24. The tops of the
horizontal battens should be sloped to the outside to shed any water that
accumulates in the cavity.
Boards should be end-jointed over battens

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9.6.2 Board profiles

The suitability of particular profiles for specific layouts is discussed
below and illustrated in Figure 9.21 (opposite). The thickness of tongued
and grooved boards should not be less than 22 mm and rebated boards
not less than 16 mm. The thin edge of feather edged boards should never
be less than 8 mm. Square cut boards may be a minimum of 16 mm
thickness, depending upon species.
A maximum board width of 150 mm is generally recommended to avoid
problems of movement and distortion, although tongued and grooved
boards are better limited to 100 mm in width because any distortion will
be increased on wider boards, making it difficult to engage the tongues.
Tongued and grooved boards should be installed tongue up in horizontal
and diagonal configuration. The groove should be minimum 12 mm deep
and there should be 2 mm clearance above the tongue when installed to
allow for possible expansion. Overlapped or open-jointed boards are more
tolerant of any moisture-induced movement and should always be used
if boards are to be used undried ('green').Overlaps should be a minimum
of 15 mm.

Horizontal boards
Tongued & grooved, rebated, open jointed and traditional weatherboards
are all suitable for horizontal cladding, see Figure 9.22 (below).
An open-jointed rain screen design is particularly suitable for undried
wood, which is liable to shrink and possibly distort after installation. With
open jointed boards, water penetration will be greater than for the other
profiles and the secondary weather protection should take account of
this. Chamfering the top and bottom edges of the board will help shed
water to the outside.

Figure 9.22 Typical

construction: Horizontal
weatherboarding on vertical
battens
Breather
membrane

Treated battens
fixed to studs -
max 600 mm
centres

Board joints must

occur at battens

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f ! p-;-p-.
" ^ L 1--

Figure 9.2 I Examples of timber cladding profiles

Vertical & Diagonal Boarding

V-Jointed T & G
I i

-"Overlap
T

Vertical Boarding

- 1 5 Overlap
O'-tO - I Outer boards heart side out,
inner boards heart side in

L 7 5 A

Board on Board
-25 Overlap -75-A Alternatives

Horizontal Boarding

Open Square Feather Rebated Shiplap Horizontal

Joint Edge Edge Feather Edge T&G

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Diagonal boards
A shiplap profile is most appropriate for this application a s the curved
shoulder will effectively channel water away from the upstand, providing
it is sufficiently large. Simple overlapping boards, board-on-board or
open-jointed boards are not suitable as they will let significant water
through by capillary action or wind pressure. Capillary action may cause
water to be drawn up the face of the tongues o f t & g boards which can
result in sustained wetting of the joint. If the support battens are vertical,
the boards span further than if they were horizontal and a thicker board
may be required. Alternatively the battens can be fixed diagonally at
right angles to the boarding when the span is the same as for horizontal
boarding. In either case, a drained and vented cavity is provided without
the need for counterbattens.

Vertical boards
Tongued and grooved or overlapped boards are suitable for vertical use.
To provide sufficient ventilation and drainage behind the boards,
horizontal battens should be mounted on vertical counterbattens to
provide a minimum 15 mm ventilation space, see Figure 9.23.
An alternative is to use a 'board-on-board' arrangement. An inner layer
of square-edged boards is fixed to horizontal battens with gaps between
and an outer layer of square-edged boards is then fixed to overlap the
inner layer>see Figure 9.24. The size of inner and outer boards can be
varied to provide a wide variety of pattern and shadow effects. The outer
boards should overlap sufficiently, typically 25 mm, to allow for moisture
movement in the boards.
Open-jointed boards are occasionally used as a vertical rain-screen, but
there will be more penetration of rain into the cavity than with open-
jointed horizontal boards and the secondary weatherproofing of breather
membrane and flashings should take account of this.

Breather
Figure 9.23 Typical F
membrane
construction: Vertical
tongued and grooved Treated counter
boarding on horizontal battens fixed t o
studs -
battens and vertical max 600 m m
counterbattens centres

Treated fixing
battens -
m u 600 mm
centres
Top edge of batten
angle cut to min 15'
t o throw any water
away from timber
cladding in exposed
locations

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Figure 9.24 Typical

construction: Bsard-on-
board cladding
f

Treated horizontal
battens at 600 mm
centres. Top edge
of batten angle cut
to min I So to throw
/
any water away from
sheathing face in
exposed locations

Cedar shingles
For a general description of cedar shingles, see Section 8.9.3. Shingles
are usually applied in a single course, with a double layer at the base,
nailed to battens normally spaced at 150 mm minimum centres (190 mm
maximum for 400 mm shingles) on counter battens fixed to studs, see
Figure 9.25. Joints between shingles should be staggered, usually with a
5 mm gap between. Fixing nails should be stainless steel and each
shingle should be fixed with two nails. Ferrous metal nails should not be
used with Western red cedar. Since most shingles imported to the UK are
pre-treated with CCA, aluminium nails should also be avoided. Corners
can be formed by 'lacing shingles with nails driven near the butts to
tighten and hold the lapped corners. Alternatively,vertical boards can be
inserted behind to form stopped ends for the shingles. Metal flashings,
suitably protected, should be used at corners exposed to severe weather.

Figure 9.25 Typical

construction: Cedar shingles

Breather
membrane

Western red cedar

shingles fixed with
non-ferrous nails

N
,' ot less than
25mm

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9.6.3 Durability
Although the primary means of ensuring durability is in the correct
design and detailing of cladding, any timber rated less than 'moderately
durable'under BS EN 350-2: 1994 should be treated with preservative.
The sapwood of all timbers should be excluded or should be treated with
preservative.
BS 1186-3 Rmber for and workmanship in joinery Specification for wood
trim and its fixing lists timbers and their requirement for treatment. The
only effective methods of applying preservative is either by immersion or
pressure and double vacuum methods; the latter being the more
effective.
If the timber is to be left unfinished, water-borne copper chromium
arsenic (CCA) should always be used. This will leave a greenish tinge to
the wood which will only fade with time. If the cladding is to be finished
with a protective coat of paint or stain, organic solvent preservative or
the waterborne mixed-emulsion types now available may be specified.
An alternative is to use boron salts, but this is only rated as suitable for
a 30 year life, even when protected by a surface coating.
Detailed specifications for the preservative treatment of timber cladding
are provided in BX 5589 Code of practice for the preservation of timber.
None of the approved methods of application permit brushing or
spraying, except on limited areas of freshly exposed timber resulting from
on-site cutting or drilling.
Timber treated with water-borne preservatives must be redried after
treatment.

9.6.4Species
The timbers commonly used for cladding in the UK are softwoods such
as European redwood or European whitewood. Both require treatment
(redwoodbeing easier to treat than whitewood) and a protective finish is
recommended. They are similar in appearance except that redwood
generally has fewer but larger knots and is more resinous. Western
hemlock is occasionally used because of the straight-grain and few knots
but also requires treatment.
Other common softwood species for cladding are Douglas fir, and
European larch which are both rated moderately durable, or Western red
cedar which is rated durable. These woods can be left untreated if the
sapwood is excluded. (Note: UK grown Douglas fir is rated non-durable
and will require treatment. UK western red cedar is generally rated
moderately durable but may still be used without treatment.) They will
all weather to a natural grey if left unfinished, but Western red cedar
tends to have a more lustrous appearance. Western red cedar is a low
density timber and if cladding is likely to be subject to impact or scoring,
Douglas fir or European larch are more robust and would be more
suitable.
Hardwoods are generally denser and more robust than softwoods and
European oak or iroko are often used for this reason. Both can be left
unfinished and will weather to a natural grey. Other hardwoods used for
cladding include African mahogany, balau, jarrah, opepe, sapele, teak
and sweet chestnut.

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9.6.5 Quality
The designer should specify the required quality of the finished cladding
and should ensure that this is brought to the attention of the supplier, to
allow him to select from the most appropriate commercial grade.
BS 1186 Timber for and workmanship in joinery Part 2 Specification for
workmanship and Part 3 Specification for wood trim and its fixing may be
used to provide a basic specification for the quality of material. Four
classes of timber are defined for wood trim:
o Class CSH for trim made from ' clear' grades of softwood and
hardwood
4 Class 1 for high quality or specialised trim
4 Class 2 and Class 3 for general purpose trim
Classes 1,2 and 3 are obtainable in commercially available softwood and
hardwood. Class 3 is normally accepted as a serviceable quality for most
cladding applications. Where European softwoods such as redwood,
whitewood or larch, are required to achieve a higher visual quality, Class
2 can be specified. Class 1 will require special selection and will be more
costly; it is therefore only appropriate if large knots are not visually
acceptable. Softwoods such as Douglas fir, Western red cedar and
hemlock can be supplied to Class 1 or even CSH grade, although this is
not normally used for external cladding because of the high cost.
Further selection can be made on site as each board is cut to length.
Local unacceptable defects can be cut out and with care, economic use
of the boards can be achieved. If the boards are required to be of standard
lengths to match the spacing of supports, or to give a designed joint
pattern, more careful selection may be required from the supplier.

9.6.6 Moisture content

The best way of minimising any problems of movement is to ensure that
the moisture content of the boards when erected is as close as possible
to the likely 'in use' moisture content. BS 1186-3 recommends a moisture
content of 13-19%for external trim. TRADA recommends that cladding is
installed at 16%as typical of the likely average level in use.
The moisture content of timber boarding on any one face of a building is
likely to show a seasonal variation of about 6 - 8% which will cause some
swelling and shrinkage in the wood. Timbers described as having 'large'
movement properties are not recommended for use as cladding.
Information on the properties of selected timber species is given in the
TRADA Wood Information Sheet Timbers: their properties and uses.

9.6.7 Fixings
Cladding boards are commonly fixed with lost-head annular ring shank
nails, but with Western red cedar, roundhead nails are preferable
because of the softness of the wood. Special care is also required not to
overdrive, particularly if nail guns are used.
Stainless steel nails are recommended, particularly for woods containing
tannin, such as Western red cedar, Douglas fir or European oak. While hot
dipped galvanised nails can be used, driving the nail can damage the

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coating and any corrosion may result in staining of the wood. Stainless
steel nails should always be used if the wood is to be left unfinished.
Plain shank nails should be 2.5 times and annular ring shank nails 2
times the cladding board thickness. Nails should be driven flush with the
surface of the board, but if a n opaque paint finish is to be used the nail
can be punched below the surface and the holes stopped with a filler.
Hardwood cladding is usually fixed with screws and the boards should
always be pre-drilled. It is preferable if the hole is larger than the shank
of the screw, to allow for possible shrinkage of the board. The heads of
the screws, whether countersunk or roundhead, will provide adequate
retention to the battens. If undried wood is to be used with double fixings
larger holes will be necessary to allow for possible shrinkage. In this case
it may be necessary to add stainless steel washers under the screw
heads.
Boards 100 mm wide or above will require double nailing. Nails are best
positioned at quarter points in the board width, between any tongues or
rebates, to minimise the amount of shrinkage between the fixings. With
board-on-board types, the fixing of the outer board should be between
the inner boards and not through them. Similarly with any horizontal
overlap detail, the fixing of the outer board should clear the board
underneath, only clamping the top of the lower board in place. ‘Secret’
fixing with single nails is not recommended for t & g boards because of
the risk of the tongue splitting. Where boards are butt jointed, the
junction should always occur over battens and nails should be at least 15
mm from the ends of the boards. This may require wider or additional
fixing battens behind.

9.6.8 Detailing
Corners and junctions with doors and windows require careful detailing
to ensure durability, reduce water leakage and give a satisfactory
appearance. To ensure a consistent appearance, either the spacing and
size of windows should relate to the board dimensions and layout, or the
board dimension should be designed to relate to the pattern of openings.
Figures 9.26 and 9.27 show examples of corner detailing and Figures 9.28
- 9.30 show detailing around windows.

Space should be provided at the end of any boards to allow for drying out
and for future maintenance of any finish. This is important where the
boards butt to each other and where the boarding abuts other materials
either horizontally or vertically. It is good practice to splay cut the ends of
vertical boards at joints to assist in shedding water away from the end
grain to the outside.
It is advisable to stop cladding at least 150 mm (200mm preferred) above
ground level or above any other horizontal projection, to avoid excessive
wetting due to splashing off the horizontal surface below, see Figure 9.31.
If the boards are to be finished, sharp edges or arrises should be avoided
since these tend to induce early failure of finishes. A chamfered or
“pencil-round’’radius is recommended if the board is to be planed or
profiled.

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/ B r e a t h e r membrane
Figure 9.26 Typical corner
details: Horizontal boarding

8 x lOmm
anti-capiiary groove

/Breather membrane -,

8 x lOmm
anti-capllary groove -

- IOmm clearance

overlapped at corner
Figure 9.27 Typical corner detail: Board-on-board cladding
/.;//
/
Horizontal battens max
600mm centres d w
chamfered top min I 5 O slope

I ' \ut board

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Figure 9.28 Typical detail of window in horizontal boarding (Insulation not shown for clarity)
See Section 9.9 for window location and fixings

lapped
Head detail

Vapour control layer 1

Compressed foam
sealingtape

Areather membrane

Jamb detail

Compressed foam
sealing tape Extended sill
(If omitted preformed

Vapour control layer ~

preferred)

-6mm

Sill detail y//i L M e t a l sill flashinn

Compressed foam
--Breather membrane
sealingtape

Elevation

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Figure 9.29 Typical detail of window in vertical boarding (insulation not shown for clarity)
See Section 9.9 for window location and fixings

Counter batten
reather membrane lapped
ver pressed metal head flashing
Head detail
A Insect screen
1
I5mm

Vapour control layer ---'

Compressed foam
sealing tape
orizontal batten

reather membrane

Jamb detail 'cal counter batten at

Extended sill cut

/-back to clear board

Vapour control layer

I
Compressed foam
sealing tape
Extended sill
Of omitted Dreformed

Sill detail Insect screen

reather membrane

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Figure 9.30 Typical detail of window in board-on-board cladding (Insulation not shown for clarity)
See Section 9.9 for window location and fixings
reather membrane lapped
ver pressed metal head flashing
Head detail

Vapour control layer

Compressed foam Preformed metal

ther membrane

Jamb detail

Extended sill cut

/-back to clear board

Compressed foam
Extended sill
sealing tape
(If omitted preformed

Vapour control layer -

Sill detail

reather membrane

Elevation

Metal flashing

Alternative
metal flashing

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s, ,-*.m*>- “
L?.rr, b - :---’

Figure 9.3 I Base details for timber cladding (Insulation not shown for clarity)

Vertical tongue & groove

1 Insectscreen
Dpc
I
Min 150mm
ZOOmm preferred

Vertical board-on-board

t-
I Insect screen

Min 150mm
200mm preferred

Horizontal

Figure 9.3 I
Base details for timber cladding

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9.6.9 Finishes
Timber boarding can be either left unfinished (depending on species) or
finished with microporous stains or paints.
Exterior stain finishes, whether translucent or opaque, do not rely upon a
surface film to provide protection and are the most appropriate choice
where a finish is required. Details may be found in the TRADA Wood
Information Sheet Finishes for exterior timber. The first coat of finish
should be applied to the face, back and edges of boards before fixing.
This will avoid the exposure of any untreated surfaces should slight
withdrawal of overlaps or tongues occur, as well as providing additional
protection to the concealed faces of the board, which cannot be
repainted in the future. Although applying stains to sawn rather than
planed surfaces will take up more stain initially, far longer periods
between recoating can be expected (possiblyup to three times as long).
Varnishes or oil based paints are not recommended because they are too
inflexible and will crack if there is any movement of the timber. They are
also vapour resistant so that any moisture that penetrates will be held in
the wood behind the surface film.

9.6.I 0 Fire performance

Timber and wood-based materials may be used for cladding providing
that they satisfy the external fire spread requirements of the Building
Regulations, either inherently or by appropriate treatment. It should be
noted that some of these treatments require a surface coating to provide
protection to the impregnated salts in the wood.

9.6.I I Wood-based board materials

Plywood panels or other wood-based boards are occasionally used as
cladding. This requires careful detailing and specification which is
beyond the scope of this book. Specialist advice should be sought.

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9.7 Cavity barriers

Requirements for cavity barriers differ between National Building
Regulations. The most recent edition of the Regulations should always be
checked.
Cavity barriers in timber frame can be of the following materials:
Rigid type:
+ preservative-treated timber battens; minimum size 38 mm x cavity
dimension
+ calcium silicate, cement-based or gypsum-based boards, at least
12.5 mm thick.
Flexible type:
+ wire reinforced mineral wool blanket at least 50 mm thick
polythene sleeved mineral wool or mineral wool slab, in either case
under compression when installed in the cavity.
A combination of a rigid type with a flexible facing is sometimes used, eg
a timber batten with mineral wool fixed to the outer face. Figures 9.32
and 9.33 illustrate typical external wall cavity barrier details.

Figure 9.32 Vertical cavity barriers in external

walls (a, right) Note: not required in all
buildings in all areas. Check relevant Building
Regulations Cavity barrier must be
fixed to studs and not
sheathing alone

(b) at party wall

Junctions of elements
r
firestopped with wall lining
Note there is no requirement
to place cavity barriers at corners,
it is however often convenient to do so
Party wall

Firestop

it is essential that
the continuity of cavity
barriers is maintained
at eaves level. See
Figures 5.3 and 5.4

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Figure 9.33 Cavity barrier in external wall at intermediate or compartment floor level
Polythene dpc over timber cavity
barrier tucked beneath breather
membrane or polythene sleeved --.- %

mineral wool tacked to face of

breather membrane
Dpc at external corner ioints
should be lapped horizontally
Joint between horizontal and vertical
cavity barriers must be tightly butted
and the horizontal dpc lapped over the
vertical dpc Vertical cavity barrier not required
in England and Wales and
Northern Ireland

9.8 Junctions between heavy- and lightweight claddings

Heavy claddings such as brickwork or blockwork are constructed from
the foundations and tied back to the timber frame structure with flexible
ties to allow for differential movement between the timber structure and
the cladding. Lightweight claddings such as timber, render or tile
hanging are fixed directly to and supported by the timber frame wall
structure.
Vertical junctions should allow for differential movement and limit water
penetration between the two claddings. A typical detail is shown in
Figure 9.34.
~ _ _ _ _ _ _ Preservative
_ treated
Figure 9.34 Typical detail of cavity batten
vertical junction between
heavyweight and lightweight Additional studs may be
reauired in wall Dane1to
claddings
Note: Breather membrane, dpcs
etc not shown for clarity

10 - I5mm - space must be

’ ~ sufficient to enable end of
cladding t o be maintained
i-Wall tie

Horizontal junctions can be of two basic types; those where the upper
(thinner, lightweight) cladding is fixed to the wall panel and either
flashed over or flared out over the thicker cladding below, and those
where the upper wall panels are projected to allow the claddings to be in
the same plane or project beyond the lower level cladding. (Figure 9.35)
See Section 6.7 for the structural implications of this arrangement.

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Figure 9.35 Typical detail

at junction of lightweight
and heavyweight claddings Lightweight cladding
on treated battens/ -
using an overhanging counterbattens as required
platform floor

Solid blocking between joists

200mm from
wall face

The upper cladding can be flashed over the cladding below using a tiled
sill, preformed brick or precast concrete sill. Typical details are shown in
Figure 9.36. This method can be used with all types of lightweight
cladding. It is important that allowance is made for differential
movement between upper and lower claddings and that the cavity to the
brick cladding is closed to satisfy the requirements of the Building
Regulations. When cladding occurs over window and door openings, the
soffit cavity should be closed with either 38 mm thick timber or a fire
resistant board material to prevent fire penetration to the floor above.
Draining and venting to the cavity above the window (above the cavity
barrier) can be via small openings in the cladding, similar to the open
perpends above brick openings, outside the breather membrane in the
batten space.

Figure 9.36 Typical details of lightweight cladding over heavyweight cladding using a tile or brick sill

as required
4
1- II I
I i i
/Ii
I I I Lightweight claddingon battens I I
or counterbattensas r e q u i r e 4 1 I
Breather membrane I i
II
;I
!! ! Polvthene and lead
I
/I ~

Differential movementgap
membrane
Differential movement ga
Code 4 lead flashing

Double tile sill

Mortarbed
~ /&
t

i
1 ( j
;c&!y;;ashing
Lead flashing dressed
breather membrane

j<
Bricksill

Preservativetreated i
timber batten to provide
support to mortar bed

i i- Brick tie

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9.9 Location and fixing of external joinery

Joinery components should be detailed so that they are fixed to the
timber frame structure. This enables them to be fitted in the factory or, at
an early stage after the timber structure is erected on site, enabling the
structure to be secure and weathertight as early as possible.
Sealing to the timber cavity barrier is recommended rather than sealing
to the external cladding. It avoids the problem of differential movement
stressing the sealed joint and also keeps the seal protected from the
direct weather and UV light which can cause deterioration. The seal can
be gun-applied mastic although a pre-compressed impregnated foam
tape or strip is preferable as it is vapour permeable and can
accommodate any movement of the timber that may occur. Because of
the risk of cold bridging at the edge of the joinery frame, the joint should
be filled with mineral wool or blown polyurethane foam.
Fitting joinery in the factory allows the wall panels to be fabricated
accurately around the door and window components. This makes it
relatively easy to make a consistent joint between the panel and the door
or window frame. Care is required to prevent damage to projecting
joinery components during transport and erection.
Fixing joinery on site makes it necessary to detail the interface joint
carefully in order to achieve a well sealed joint and avoid cold bridging.
A 10 mm fitting tolerance between the size of the opening and the size
of the joinery component provides a joint that can contain both insulation
and the weather seal to avoid cold bridging and air leakage.

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