A revised TRADA wood information sheet “Specification and use of wood-based panels in external conditions” sets out the correct specification, detailing, installation and maintenance for panels to provide the desired service life and performance.
Exterior use covers anything from full exposure, such as in contact with water, to more protected situations, including soffits under porches and lorry decks.
The guide describes the key “service class” and “hazard class” criteria when specifying panels for exterior use, while three classes – dry, humid and exterior – are defined in the structural design codes BS 5268-2 and BS EN 1995-1-1.
