Composite Timber Decking | Composite Wood | Cladding
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NATURAL WEATHERING & RECOATING

To delay the effects of fading, INNOWOOD is supplied factory precoated. However, no matter what kind of coating is used, after years of sunlight and different levels of ultraviolet exposure, the products will still gradually fade to different levels.

If the surface of the INNOWOOD colour begins to show signs of severe discolouration or if there is a desire to change the colour tone then follow the instructions specified in the INNOWOOD Recoating Procedure Guideline, to maintain the colour of the product. 

NATURAL WEATHERING

The degree of discolouration of the coating can also be caused by several other reasons including, the reflection of sunlight from a close reflective surface like metal or glass onto the INNOWOOD product. Situations like severe air pollution, excessive dust accumulation or stains can also adversely affect the colour retention performance of INNOWOOD products as well as the durability of the coating.

The weather resistance of precoated products depend on the following factors:

  • Amount of direct or reflected sunlight
  • Precipitation, debris, pollution and dust
  • Wear and tear
  • Foot traffic for decking.

Tone Down

THE DEGREE OF NATURAL WEATHERING CAN HIGHLY DEPEND ON FACTORS SUCH AS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT UV SUNLIGHT.

RECOATING

If the surface of the INNOWOOD colour begins to show signs of severe discolouration or if there is a desire to change the colour tone then follow the instructions specified in the INNOWOOD Recoating Procedure Guideline, to maintain the colour of the product.

Please bear in mind that quality and performance of recoated product is highly dependent on quality of application. Also it needs to be understood that the recoating will differ from the factory precoat in both colour and finish.

Re-coating - Before and After -01

EXAMPLE OF HOW RECOATING CAN REJUVENATE COLOUR GIVEN THE INNOWOOD MATERIAL WILL NOT SPLIT OR CRACK OVER TIME.

The degree of discolouration of the precoated product and the durability of the coating are difficult to measure and cannot be specifically guaranteed, depending on the environment in which the product is installed.

This can be illustrated by the installation of the same material with the same coating and surface treatment in two different locations. After a period of time products exposed to direct sunlight appear to fade faster than products exposed to less sunlight. This is not a product or coating issue but is a natural phenomenon found in all natural materials where the colour is affected to different degrees dependant on the level of direct sunlight.

Similar to natural wood materials, INNOWOOD products will naturally fade over time under the influence of weathering factors such as sunlight and UV. But unlike natural wood, INNOWOOD products will not mould, split or crack.

INNOWOOD products when installed outdoors will gradually fade over time. The degree of fading depends on the intensity of UV and the duration of sunlight exposure. If the Innowood product is installed in an area with little or no exposure to sunlight, the product may exhibit no discoloration or only a minor colour change. Therefore, different orientations over time in a building may result in varying colour discolorations.

Generally speaking, the colour will fade gradually, and will turn completely off-white and silver-grey tones in about 5-7 years.

In places and areas of high UV intensity, long-term continuous direct sunlight or extreme weather, including being close to reflective sources such as meatal roofs and glass walls, will accelerate product discolouration due to increased heat load. Environmental factors can lead to problems like rapid fading. Properties located near the sea, bays, coasts, and beaches are especially vulnerable due to the salt-laden sea air as well as airborne sand which can cause the paint to peel. *Additionally prolonged exposure to intense sunlight in elevated areas can accelerate the deterioration of the material’s paintwork Issues arising from these environmental factors are inevitable and as a result the coating’s resistance to weathering might diminish more quickly, potentially lasting only 2-4 years before the colour completely fades.

Due to various outdoor environmental factors, the time required to recoat is difficult to measure. Recoating also depends on the individual’s preference for the degree of natural weathering of the product.

The above guidelines are based on INNOWOOD’s 15 years of experience in Australia’s UV intensity, weather and external environment, and the guideline only applies for the weather resistance of the coating.

(Our warranty does not cover the natural product discolouration or other damage caused by air pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals or natural weathering. For full disclosure/details, please refer to the product warranty in the support section below.)

Natural Weathering
‘As per the picture above, the Mowbray Apartments exterior cladding was completed over 5 years ago. The difference in discoloration is dependent on the direction of the sunlight. Greater direct sun exposure leads to more greying.’
Reflecting roof
‘Any cladding which is above a reflective surface requires spacing to heat source and the battens to be installed at maximum 225mm centres for any area of cladding which is within a 1.2m radius of the reflective surface  (in any direction).’
glass reflection 1
‘Please bear in mind that UV and heat reflection from the glazing, glass doors, windows or balustrading will accelerate the natural weathering process. When cladding, decking, screening, shading products are installed in a way that absorbs reflected UV and heat, the colour retention performance of the products will reduce.’
Angle Installation
‘When external cladding profiles are installed with an angle greater than 30°, the surface will age more rapidly as a result of the increased solar radiation and the fact that rainwater may pool on the surface.’
Natural Weathering

It has been 15 years since INNOWOOD’s first major high profile project for the Sydney Wildlife Zoo in 2009.  Innowood products have withstood the challenges of hot summers and the environment by the seaside at Darling Harbour. This proves that the Innowood products are both durable and environmentally friendly. The designer of Sydney Wild Life Zoo decided to change Innowood’s colour from the original Weathered Wood to the Red Cedar colour. INNOWOOD is as flexible as natural wood and can be recoated at anytime to a colour of the choice of the designer or individual.

complete greying
(The Original Finish)
Original
(The Fading After A Several Years)
Darling Harbour
(Complete Greying)

LOCATED IN DARLING HARBOUR AND COMPLETED IN 2007, WHARF 8 & 9 IS ONE OF SYDNEY'S ICONIC DEVELOPMENTS THAT FEATURES INNOWOOD ON THE TIDAL LINE.
NATURALLY, THE COLOUR HAS TONED DOWN OVER THE LAST 14 YEARS TO CREATE AN EVENED GREYING FINISH BUT THE INNOWOOD MATERIAL CONTINUES TO REMAIN STRUCTURALLY SOUND WITHOUT RECOATING.

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PRODUCTS

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DISTRIBUTORS

AUSTRALIA
INNOARC

NEW ZEALAND
NZ – The Building Agency

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CONTACT INNOWOOD

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1300 787 717 (AUSTRALIA WIDE)
+612 9630 8388 (INTERNATIONAL)

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