Special
Invisible fastening systems for exterior wood & composite wall cladding
CLIP SYSTEMS GIVE WALL CLADDING ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE INVISIBLE FASTENING GUARANTEES A LONGER LIFESPAN
Photo – Plastivan/Durasid®
The benefits of invisible fastening systems for wooden wall cladding are the same as those for terraces: quicker fitting, no nails or screws in the planks or boards, no splinter formation, a longer lifespan, and a much better-looking result since there are no visible fasteners. Although wooden wall cladding is subjected much less to mechanical pressure (you simply don’t walk on it), several of these systems are nevertheless recommended all at once for both terrace wood and wall cladding.
Other points for attention It sounds rather strange, but there are some renowned and greatly respected technical bodies in the construction industry which still ignore invisible fastening systems. There are all sorts of regulations regarding the initial damp content of the planks, the choice of wood sort, the nature (width) of the profiles, ventilation, fire safety, and such like. As far as invisible fasteners are concerned, there is hardly any technical input at all. We can therefore say that vendors of these systems are some way ahead of the market. And so, it is no surprise that those vendors are usually the same ones who have made a (patented) spearhead of invisible fastening for wooden terraces.
48
Floor Forum International 111
The visible dictates the invisible The visual possibilities are infinite in various ways. For instance, you can cover an entire wall with wood, a part of the wall, or even simply add a highlight. As regards plank sizes, there are no limits. The possibilities range from narrow slats of barely a few centimetres wide to panels of one or more square metres. Visually, the size gives an entirely different picture. You can use varying widths. Then there is the choice between horizontal and vertical fitting and between ‘open’ or ‘closed’ planks. The latter in particular has a huge impact on the substructure, especially as regards the ventilation.
Protection against damp Two elements are vitally important in the context of protection against damp: the creation of an air cavity and the provision of a damp screen. The damp screen, which is obligatory for most types of fitting, should be fitted continuously onto the insulation along the side of the air cavity. The screen should be watertight, airtight and damp-proof. The damp screen should have an md value (also called an sd value) of 0.5m. In the case of open wall cladding you should choose a damp screen which can withstand UV rays, frost, and wind.
