Shadowclad offers builders several unique benefits as a construction material. The plywood is so durable that it can serve as exterior wall cladding. But it’s also stylish and versatile enough to be used as lining for interiors.
Here are 5 benefits to using Shadowclad plywood for your next building project.
What is Shadowclad?
Shadowclad is a type of plywood made from high quality radiata pine.
Most builders use it as exterior cladding because of its durable yet lightweight construction.
However, it’s not uncommon to see it used for interior applications because of its aesthetic properties.
To make the plywood, manufacturers arrange the radiata pine veneers at right angles next to each other. This helps maximise the strength and durability for each individual sheet. They then bond the veneers together using synthetic phenolic (PF) resin.
You can find out more about radiata pine here.
Benefits of using Shadowclad
1. Easy to use
One of the reasons why Shadowclad is such a favourite for builders is its lightweight build. A single sheet measures between 2,440 and 2,745 mm in length and 1,216 mm in width. It also weighs only about 7 kg/m2. Since the plywood is lighter than other cladding materials, it’s much easier to handle on-site.
Shadowclad also features interlocking vertical shiplap joints. These specially designed edges help make it faster and easier to attach each panel together. You can install the plywood even without using any special tools.
2. Design flexibility
Shadowclad users also benefit from its flexibility. The plywood is workable enough to be used even on curved applications. If you’re a building designer, this allows you to come up with more ambitious schemes for your projects.
You can also use the plywood dual cladding and bracing, as well as internal lining for your spaces.
3. Durable
Another advantage to using Shadowclad is its durability. As a product on its own, radiata pine timber doesn’t offer much in terms of toughness. The softwood only has a class 4 durability after all.
However, Shadowclad manufacturers have improved its parent wood’s lack of durability. By treating the plywood in H3 solution, they’ve enhanced the plywood’s resistance to fungal and termite attack.
4. Cost effective
Shadowclad is also much more cost-effective to use than most other wall cladding options. For instance, it can save you a lot of time and money in applying expensive primers.
The plywood comes in Ultra Groove and Ultra Texture variants. Both products feature exterior grade performance coating. This allows you to apply top coats on the panels immediately on-site.
Shadowclad Ultra Groove and Ultra Texture coating has an average film build of 60-80 microns. This gives each plywood with up to 2 to 3 times the thickness of traditional wet primers. You can compare it to having an undercoat consisting of 3 coats (1 undercoat and 2 top coats).
5. Environmentally sustainable
Unlike most other timber products, Shadowclad is considered a sustainable plywood. Its parent wood, radiata pine, is a plantation softwood timber grown widely throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Since its a well-managed plantation tree, many view radiata pine as renewable resource. It can provide a dependable supply of sawn timber for generations to come.
These are just some of the benefits of using Shadowclad plywood. Give this exterior plywood a try and see its advantages for yourself. It might just be the ideal cladding option you’ve been looking for.
