Cross laminated timbers are showing up more in buildings across London and beyond, and the timing makes sense. With winter around the corner, builders are under pressure to choose materials that stay strong in cold, damp settings without dragging timelines. CLT panels give us that kind of flexibility, especially in projects where wood meets concrete or steel.
Fire protection is a big part of this puzzle. Not all coatings behave the same in winter, and not every product bonds well across different surfaces. That’s where layered solutions like CLT coatings and cement-based sprays such as Perlifoc come into the mix. These systems help us cover more bases and make buildings safer in a season when moisture and cold work against us most.
Why Timber is Making a Comeback in Modern Builds
Timber isn’t new, but the timber we’re using in current builds is completely different from the old methods of the past. Cross laminated timbers give us something we haven’t had before, a material that offers strength like concrete but weighs far less, installs quicker, and still supports clean design.
What’s drawing attention now is how well it fits into today’s job sites, especially with so many crews juggling short timelines and complex layouts. CLT panels are pre-pressed, which means they arrive ready to install with less cutting and prep time. That speeds up builds and reduces site waste, which is a win in tight urban locations.
• CLT is lighter than concrete but strong enough to span large spaces like floor sections or roofs
• Its panel construction means fewer joins, fewer gaps, and faster coverage
• It locks into all sorts of project sizes, from one-story units to mid-rise blocks
And as regulations shift, people are asking more about materials that lower carbon impact without giving up reliability. CLT has carved a clear space for itself there, and its steady rise reflects how quickly builders are looking for better, more balanced options.
Where Cross Laminated Timbers Fit Best in Housing Projects
We’ve seen cross laminated timbers used more in social housing around London, especially in newer estates where low or mid-rise blocks are going up. These sites often call for something quieter, warmer, and quicker to install than traditional materials. That’s where CLT shows its value.
Panel sizes can be big, meaning walls and floors go in with fewer joins. That cuts down on sound, makes properties easier to heat, and helps builds move faster without causing extra disruption to nearby homes or schools. It naturally fits where multiple units have to go up quickly, especially on sites squeezed into existing neighbourhoods.
Still, timber needs fire protection from the start. CLT is solid, but depending on layout, you’re often working around tight service risers, ceiling voids, or dividing walls. These areas can leave timber exposed longer than planned, especially if other trades are running cables or pipes nearby.
• Party walls need sealing before finishes go up
• Ceiling zones often bring together wood and steel, calling for mixed-layer coatings
• Without protection, smoke or heat can pass straight through timber gaps
That’s why early planning matters most on these projects. Getting the right coating on at the right time means those tight spaces don’t become weak spots later.
Fire Safety First: How CLT Coatings and Perlifoc Make the Difference
Fire stopping around timber needs care, not just product. Paint and coatings alone don’t do the job, especially on larger panels and rough cut joints. That’s where Perlifoc and CLT fire coatings come in.
Perlifoc bonds onto concrete and timber surfaces, even when they’re cold or slightly rough. It sets fast, which helps keep winter jobs moving even when rooms are unheated or the air’s damp. As a cement-based spray, it’s often used as the first layer, giving strength below the surface before we apply finishes or flexible coatings.
We use a layered approach because not all timber supports the same type of coat. CLT panels often run through core sections of a build, crossing with steel, concrete, or brick. A one-size paint doesn’t work. Instead, we treat:
• Higher-risk areas like basements or plant rooms with Perlifoc
• Timber panels with tested CLT fire coatings applied directly where visible
• Join lines and seals with intumescent products that expand when heated
In winter, drying times slow down. That delays handovers and can trigger rework if surfaces shift or crack. Perlifoc helps close those gaps quickly and firmly, making sure our builds hold their fire line before finishes ever go in.
Mixed Materials, Clear Plans: Matching CLT with Steel and Concrete
One of the biggest changes we’ve seen on site is the variety of materials used in single projects. Social housing blocks often mix CLT floors with steel columns or concrete lift cores. Those combinations create new challenges when it comes to coating, sealing, and fire proofing.
None of these materials respond the same to heat or moisture, especially in winter. Steel can warp, timber can burn through, and concrete can hold water longer than it should. Treating each with the right coating helps us keep the build safe from top to bottom.
• Cementitious layers like Perlifoc go over concrete and rough steel sections
• CLT coatings follow along runs of floor or wall panels in each unit
• Intumescent paints fill out the remaining edges, often in overhead or narrow spots
We guide our work based on where the risks live, not just what we see on paper. Cold-site conditions can stretch cure times, so we map out layering depending on how each surface reacts. On some winter jobs, you might start at the ground and move up, while others need us to coat panels before they’re even fixed to the frame.
It’s about building a system that works across all materials, so we don’t end up with trapped air, shedding surfaces, or half-covered gaps. Full coverage is the only way a fire plan holds across the life of the building.
Built to Last, Even in the Cold
Cross laminated timbers are earning their space in housing projects for good reason. They work fast, they hold strong, and when paired with smart coatings, they add to the safety of whole structures rather than take from it.
With winter conditions always putting stress on schedules and surface prep, the need for coatings like Perlifoc and CLT systems becomes more clear. When we work across timber, steel, and concrete in the same project, our fire plan works best when it’s built layer by layer, with each material treated right where it lives.
As more builds across London shift toward mixed setups and new timber designs, the call for proper fire coating will only grow. Coatings aren’t just compliance, they keep heat, smoke, and failure from spreading. And that matters far beyond winter.
At ATOL Construction, we know how important it is to protect timber early and layer properly for the best performance on housing sites. That’s why our fire plans are built to cover everything, from cementitious sprays to winter-ready coatings. When you’re working with mixed materials or starting a new social housing project in London, understanding how cross laminated timbers respond to both weather and fire risks can make all the difference. Let’s discuss what your build needs to stay safe and move forward on schedule, contact us to get started.
