Ageing of Sivalbp wood cladding over time

Wood cladding is a popular solution for facades, but how does it change over time? Without a protective finish, all wood species naturally tend to adopt a grey tint. This coloring can vary in intensity and uniformity depending on the building's exposure and architecture. This natural phenomenon does not affect the technical qualities of the wood. By opting for Sivalbp wood cladding, you're choosing durability and better thermal insulation for your facades. Our saturator solutions for cladding prolong the life of wood and ensure optimal ageing of your exterior cladding, guaranteeing a beautiful color and increased longevity. Explore our projects and observe the evolution of our wood cladding over the years. You'll see for yourself how durable and aesthetically pleasing our solutions are.

Aging Douglas fir cladding on a house Sivalbp

Wood cladding Red Douglas Fir False open-joint AUTHENTIC

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Example of ageing - Douglas fir cladding / Soléa 2 / Planed solid wood - Credits: Detached house (22) - Architect: Le Labo Architecture Agency

Aging Douglas fir cladding AGORA Sivalbp (2)

Example of ageing - Douglas fir cladding / Parallélo 30 / Sésame 101 (old colour) - Credits: Haute Gironde nursery and business centre - Architect / CoCo Architecture - Project owner / Communauté de Commune de l'Estuaire - Photographer / Edouard Decam

Aging Douglas fir cladding AGORA Sivalbp (3)

Spruce wood cladding Colors Detached house

Wood cladding Nordic Spruce Traditional painted COLORS

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Example of ageing - Wood cladding Colors / Clavéa / Perle 408 - Credits: Detached house - Builder / Maison Côté Sud

Example of ageing - Alti-Cimes wood cladding - Thermo Larch / Micro 2 / Credits: Le Grand Bornand residence (74)

Wood cladding Alti-Cimes Traditional MONTAGNE

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Example of ageing - Alti-Cimes wood cladding - Thermo Larch / Micro 2 / Credits: Le Grand Bornand residence (74)

Example of ageing - Larch wood cladding / Clavéa (old profile) / Gris 102 / Credits: Altapura Residence (73) - Architect : Christophe Bachmann

Wood cladding Douglas Fir Open-joint pre-weathered NEW AGE

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Example of ageing - Douglas fir & Larch wood cladding / Parallélo 30 & Linéa profiles / Gris 102 - Credits: Building Collectif Tout Bois - Architect / A003 Architecttes - Stéphane Cochet - Photographer / Vincent Krieger

Wood cladding Douglas Fir Open-joint pre-weathered NEW AGE

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Wood cladding Larch False open-joint pre-weathered NEW AGE

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Example of ageing - Larch wood cladding / Soléa 2 profile / Grey 102 / Credits: Rosa Parks School (94)

Wood cladding Thermo Nordic Pine Traditional burnt wood VINTAGE

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Example of ageing - Heat-treated Nordic Pine cladding / Linéa profile / Café 111 - Credits: Detached house - Architect: Anna Cremnitzer

Wood cladding Western Red Cedar Traditional pre-weathered NEW AGE

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Example of ageing - Red Cedar wood cladding / Chanfréa profile / Gris 102 - Credits: Façade Delvaux - Bois Mat (Belgium)

The natural aging of wood siding: a controlled aesthetic evolution over time

The aging of exterior wood siding is a natural phenomenon that contributes to the charm and character of wood facades. Over the years, due to UV rays, weather conditions, and the building’s exposure, the wood gradually changes and may take on a more or less uniform grayish hue depending on the wood species chosen, the facade’s orientation, and climatic conditions.

This natural evolution does not compromise the performance of the wood siding. When properly selected, installed, and maintained, wood siding retains its technical qualities and lasting aesthetic appeal for many years. The choice of wood species, siding profile, and finish plays a key role in the future appearance of the facade.

How does exterior wood siding change over time?

Each type of wood has its own unique way of aging. Siding made of Douglas fir, larch, red cedar, or heat-treated Nordic pine may take on different shades as the seasons change. Some projects intentionally seek this natural patina, while others prefer to preserve the wood’s original appearance for longer with a suitable finish.

Pre-weathered wood siding, in particular, allows for a predictable and uniform aesthetic evolution right from the moment of installation. This solution is ideal for architectural projects that wish to incorporate the appearance of weathered wood immediately while controlling how it changes over time.

Does wood siding require maintenance to preserve its appearance?

The maintenance of wood siding depends mainly on the desired aesthetic effect. Untreated wood will gradually take on a silvery-gray hue, while siding protected with a suitable finish will retain its original color longer.

To extend the aesthetic lifespan of a wood facade, it is recommended to follow best maintenance practices and choose solutions suited to the wood species and the cladding’s exposure.

Find all our tips in our guide dedicated to maintaining exterior wood siding.

Wood siding projects that demonstrate long-term durability

Observing wood siding after several years provides a better understanding of how it actually behaves when exposed to outdoor conditions. Sivalbp’s projects illustrate various possible changes: natural wood that develops a patina, finishes that retain their color, and pre-weathered siding designed for controlled aesthetic evolution.

These projects allow architects, builders, and homeowners to envision how the cladding will look over time and choose a solution that meets their aesthetic and technical expectations.

Choose Sustainable Wood Siding with Sivalbp

As a specialist in wood siding, Sivalbp helps professionals and homeowners choose sustainable solutions tailored to their construction and renovation projects. The selection of wood species, profiles, and finishes allows you to create attractive, high-performance wood facades designed to last.

To take your project to the next level, explore our various lines of wood siding, our available wood species, and our tips for creating a stunning exterior facade.

FAQ – Aging of wood siding

Does wood siding always turn gray over time?

Yes, unfinished wood siding naturally changes over time due to UV rays, rain, and weather variations. This change typically results in a silvery-gray patina, which develops more or less quickly depending on the type of wood, the facade’s exposure, and environmental conditions. This phenomenon is purely aesthetic and does not affect the siding’s performance.

How long does it take for wood siding to turn gray?

The time it takes varies depending on several factors: the type of wood, the orientation of the facade, the local climate, and exposure to the elements. The first signs of weathering may appear after a few months, while it may take several years for the full patina to develop. A facade facing south or west will not weather in the same way as a more sheltered facade.

Is the gray color uniform across the entire facade?

Not always. Natural aging is influenced by exposure to the sun, rain, sheltered areas, and surrounding vegetation. It is therefore common to see variations in color during the first few years. Over time, the appearance generally becomes more uniform.

Is it possible to preserve the original color of wood siding?

Yes. Applying the right finish helps slow down the natural graying process and preserves the wood’s original color for longer. However, periodic maintenance is necessary to maintain the desired appearance over the years.

Does the aging of wood reduce its durability?

No. Graying is a natural surface phenomenon that primarily affects the aesthetic appearance of the wood. When properly selected, installed, and used in accordance with recommendations, wood siding retains its mechanical properties and durability.

Is there any wood siding that's already weathered?

Yes. Pre-weathered siding provides a uniform, weathered appearance right from the moment it is installed. This solution is particularly popular for architectural projects that aim to avoid the variations in color typically seen during the early stages of natural aging.

Discover Sivalbp’s New Age Collection, a line of pre-weathered wood siding designed to offer a contemporary look, a harmonious evolution over time, and excellent long-lasting aesthetic appeal.

What factors influence the aging of wood siding?

Aging depends primarily on the type of wood, the finish applied, UV exposure, weather conditions, the orientation of the facades, and the quality of installation. All of these factors contribute to the aesthetic evolution of the siding over time.

Where can I see examples of wood siding after several years?

The projects presented by Sivalbp provide a glimpse into the actual aging process of wood siding that has been in place for several years. They showcase the various weathered finishes that result from different wood species, finishes, and exposure conditions, helping homeowners, architects, and professionals visualize their future projects.