Plywood cladding – surface checking

Cause

Thermal movement of timber

Repair

  • if checking is only to the top layer of the ply (approximately 1.5 mm) in 5 ply or thicker, the checking is not a problem; re-apply paint or stain using a lighter rather than a darker colour to reduce the likelihood of further checking
  • if checking is deeper than the exterior layer of ply, replace damaged sheets

Cause

Effect of weathering or UV deterioration 

Repair

  • if checking is only to the top layer of the ply (approximately 1.5 mm) in 5 ply or thicker, the checking is not a problem; re-apply paint or stain using a lighter rather than a darker colour to reduce the likelihood of further checking
  • if checking is deeper than the exterior layer of ply, replace damaged sheets

Cause

Swelling/shrinkage due to moisture absorption

Repair

  • if checking is only to the top layer of the ply (approximately 1.5 mm) in 5 ply or thicker, the checking is not a problem; re-apply paint or stain using a lighter rather than a darker colour to reduce the likelihood of further checking
  • if checking is deeper than the exterior layer of ply, replace damaged sheets

Cause

Coating failure

Repair

  • if checking is only to the top layer of the ply (approximately 1.5 mm) in 5 ply or thicker, the checking is not a problem; re-apply paint or stain using a lighter rather than a darker colour to reduce the likelihood of further checking
  • if checking is deeper than the exterior layer of ply, replace damaged sheets