J Gibson McIlvain Co

Fine Imported & Domestic Wood Products

Cladding Care & Maintenance Guide

Proper maintenance of solid wood cladding is crucial to ensure its longevity, beauty, and continued performance as an exterior finish. By following the steps outlined below, you can protect your investment and keep your wood cladding looking its best.

Cladding Installation Best Practices

Please be sure to consider the following as it relates to your specific cladding installation. This is an organic material, and it will move seasonally. Wood will continue to move regardless of finish applied or how old the wood is. Wood movement is normal, and with proper installation and compensation for movement, wood movement will not be a problem. To prevent buckling, twisting or cracking, the following MUST be considered prior to installation.

Air Flow

Cladding performs best with air flow behind the boards, and this air flow can be encouraged by installing either a furring strip or fastener system. This air flow regulates moisture on all sides of the board. It is not recommended to install the cladding directly against masonry or concrete. When cladding butts up to windows, doors, or rooflines, allow a 1/4″ gap for airflow and any water drainage as well as wood expansion. *See wood movement below*

Exposure

Areas of direct sun as well as darker finishes will absorb more heat, and individual cladding boards may expand and contract a greater amount. Likewise, the backside of cladding boards will not expand as much and can create a board that cups or twists. *See below on wood movement*

Account for Wood Movement

When butting horizontal cladding boards up against roof lines or windows, allow for an expansion either between the previous cladding board or between the window/roof and the last cladding board. Conversely, when installed vertically, expansion room should be allowed when adjacent to windows and doors that are fixed objects.

Acclimation

Unwrap the cladding bundle and store on blocks to keep it off the ground. Store under cover, but do not tarp, for a period of 7-14 days before installation. Boards that are flat after acclimation and before install will stay flat if properly installed. Any movement during this period will allow you to adjust your install plan and fastener placement.

Profiles

Specific profiles and fastener systems will perform better in certain applications and may require additional steps during installation. Please consult with your sales representative if you have specific questions about your chosen profile. The most stable installations will have full support along the entire edge of the board. Hidden clips and fasteners do not offer this full support; if installing in a high sun or extreme weather situation, consider a hidden fastener installation that relies on the wood profile and not a clip.

Key Benefits of proper Cladding maintenance

  • Preservation: Regular maintenance helps preserve the natural beauty and strength of the wood. Dirt and grime can lead to fungus and mold. Cleaning cladding – and, if necessary, recoating it – will keep it performing year after year.
  • Moisture Resistance: Sealing freshly cut ends with finish (supplied with your order) prevents water ingress that will lead to swelling, warping, and buckling of your cladding boards.
  • Durability: A well maintained cladding will resist the elements and last longer
  • Color Retention: Prevent the natural fading of wood over time with proper finish applications. Revisit your finish annually to determine if finish should be reapplied.
  • Ease of Upkeep: Most maintenance procedures can be performed without the need for sanding or stripping**, greatly simplifying the process.

Annual Cladding Maintenance Steps

Step 1: Fresh End Cut Sealing

Before installation, seal any freshly cut board ends of the solid wood cladding using the finish supplied with your order. This step is ABSOLUTELY crucial to protect the ends from excessive moisture uptake and to prevent buckling.

Step 2: Cleaning

Annually clean the wood cladding using a gentle soap and water solution or a commercially available cleaner/brightener designed for wood products. You may do this by hand or by using a pressure washer on a moderate setting so as not to damage the wood.

Step 3: Reapplying Finish

After cleaning, see if water still beads up on the surface of the wood. If not, then it is time to reapply a coat of the recommended finish. Contact your J. Gibson McIlvain sales rep for details or to purchase additional finish. Longevity of the finish will depend heavily on climate and exposure, so it is important to revisit this once a year. Finish may last several years in some areas of shade, while ocean fronts and direct sun areas may require treatment more frequently. No sanding or stripping is needed** before application of the new coat. Be sure the cladding is clean and dry before application. New finish should only be applied in conditions above 60 degrees F and in dry conditions. New finish can be brushed or rolled onto the surface. A wet looking coat should be applied, and the finish will absorb into the surface without the need to wipe back. Don’t overbrush the surface.

**This only applies to finishes supplied by J. Gibson McIlvain. Other manufacturers and types of finish may need to be sanded or stripped.

Additional Maintenance Tips

  • Inspection: Regularly inspect the cladding for signs of damage such as cracks, decay, or loosened boards.
  • Repairs: Address any damaged areas promptly to prevent further deterioration.
  • Trim Plants: Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from the cladding in order to allow air circulation and to prevent mold or mildew growth.
  • Gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are functioning properly in order to direct water away from the cladding.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can enjoy the full range of benefits that your solid wood cladding offers and the aesthetic appeal it brings to your property. Please direct any questions to your J. Gibson McIlvain sales representative about your specific installation.

Milled and Finished Products Inspection: 

It is the responsibility of the customer and the installer to inspect milled product prior to installation.  If before or during installation the installer discovers a defective, incorrect, or unsatisfactory product, please stop installing the product.  Installed products are deemed as accepted, and J. Gibson McIlvain Co. will not cover the cost or bear the responsibility for replacement products or labor when products are installed.

Rough sawn Products Inspection: 

It is the responsibility of the customer to inspect rough sawn products prior to milling.  If before or during the milling process you discover any defective, incorrect, or unsatisfactory product, please stop milling the product.  Client milled products are deemed as accepted, and J. Gibson McIlvain Co. will not cover the cost or bear the responsibility for replacement products after the client has milled the product.  

Care & Maintenance Guide PDF

Download this care and maintenance guide in PDF format (click the icon)

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