If sourcing materials for construction projects is giving you a headache, then help could be at hand if you are looking for timber decking or cladding or associated products.
The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) offers a sourcing service – contacting potential suppliers on your behalf to provide a list of companies who can meet your specific needs. Alternatively, with your permission, suppliers can contact you directly. The TDCA’s member database not only includes timber suppliers but also providers of fixings, fasteners, coatings, insect mesh, membranes and pedestals.
Parts of the construction supply sector are experiencing severe shortages – making the TDCA service even more
valuable by saving you the time and effort of endless phone calls and emails trying to find what you are looking for.
Sourcing products and designing for longevity are the most popular enquiry types being received by the TDCA helpdesk.
In response, the organisation is urging designers and users of timber to tighten up on specifications by being clear about the requirements of timber durability to be in line with relevant standards. In particular, the TDCA is focussing on cladding battens and deck support structures as these can be overlooked; pressure treated timber being the most popular choice for these components.
Designing to a 15, 30 or 60 year desired service life for external timbers is the standard criteria. The service life is achieved through good design detail coupled with selecting materials of appropriate quality.
Cladding battens are assigned to Use Class 3 (above the ground, frequently wet) and should be pressure treated accordingly. Roofing battens are a lower specification at Use Class 2 (as they are permanently dry) and so should not be used to support cladding.
Likewise for timber decking substructures – using internal roofing joists is a definite no-no! The TDCA with other industry bodies is now recommending that all decking substructure components are treated to a Use Class 4 specification (external ground contact, permanently wet). That said, such products are presently difficult to find as we are in a transition period, with the requirement taking time to work its way through the supply chain. Anyone having difficulty sourcing Use Class 4 decking products should contact the TDCA for advice.
With shortages widespread it could be tempting to compromise on quality.
However, the TDCA is stressing that any corner cutting now, is likely in time, to result in costly failures.
Sourcing third party accredited materials will help in the pursuit of acquiring quality, fit for purpose products; look for the DeckMarkTM and CladMarkTM badges – they are the quality accreditation schemes operated by TDCA for its members.
TDCA has an array of free online resources covering this and other subjects which are designed to help specifiers, designers and installers to design for durability. You can also access technical help and guidance if you have a specific question.
T 01977 558147
info@tdca.org.uk
www.tdca.org.uk