Mock Tudor Condition

[kris23]

Hello

I bought a house with mock tudor cladding, which I like and gives it character. This mock tudor cladding is built on a timber frame above the window. I am concerned about the maintenance aspect.

1) When do I need to repair the timbers or paint, how does it look currently. See photo.

2) How long will mock tudor last. House was built 1988.

3) Also is the construction under the cladding weatherproof. Does this last for years. Thanks

 

[Wayners]

Some get that cladded with plastic.
You just need to treat with exterior wood stain every 4 years.
Looks ok

 

[kris23]

I've seen a few plastic ones but not sure about the authentic look. Although maintenance free would be nice.

 

[^woody^]

Your external repainting schedule would be every 5-7 years depending on the local exposure. Clean downs at half those times.

Whether you choose to do the timbers along with the render would be a matter of personal choice, but they would not need it. The issue with the timbers are those open joints and potential rot to the end grain - which no amount of redecoration will prevent.

The timbers are non structural and can often just be left to weather and will last many decades regardless. The wall structure behind is weather resistant.

The worst thing about mock Tudor is how new, perfect and artifical it looks. So it's often better to let it weather somewhat and when the time comes repair in part not replace in whole.

 

[kris23]

Thanks, that helps. The white panels above the window feel like fibre cement board and when I knock it it sounds hollow like its on a timber frame. Would this still be robust enough to not need maintenance, just painting? The other white areas are render.

Do you know how this section above the window would have been constructed? Cheers

 

[^woody^]

It's a standard timber frame bay construction, including the gable.

Cement board will last the life of the house, and does not need maintenance. However, people tend to prefer it painted