Perks of external wall cladding made of thermally modified wood
Despite having been a superior construction material for millennia, wood has some disadvantages. Some of them can be mitigated through thermal modification. This results in thermally modified wood with significantly greater durability. Below, we present five reasons why thermally modified wood is one of the best materials for external wall cladding.
Thermally modified wood is an exceptional material for wall cladding due to its unique dimensional stability, weather resistance, durability and visual appeal. Due to its unique properties, thermally modified wood is becoming increasingly popular among architects worldwide.
Reason #1
Health and environmentally friendly manufacturing process
Thermally modified wood is produced through thermal modification. This is a special type of heat treatment where wood is heated at temperatures exceeding 180 °C in the absence of oxygen. During the process, changes occur in the chemical structure of wood components like cellulose, which affects the properties of the newly formed material.
The essential advantage of thermally modified wood is its durability. Some types of wood can start to rot after just a few months of prolonged contact with moisture or during extended periods of rain. Thermally modified wood is classified as a very durable building material. Even in the worst conditions, it is protected against rot for at least 25 years, which is why it is said to be practically eternal.
Another advantage of thermal modification is that no auxiliary substances are used in the process – all that is needed is heat and oxygen-free air (such as nitrogen). Additionally, the wood we use comes from sustainably managed forests, as evidenced by our PEFC certification.
Reason #2
Energy efficiency is an investment in the future
Wood is an exceptionally good insulator as it conducts heat more poorly than concrete or glass. However, thermal treatment can achieve even up to 30% better insulating properties. Therefore, external wall claddings made of thermally modified wood are an opportunity for significant year-round savings – saving on heating in winter and cooling in summer.
External wall claddings are not only financially, but also environmentally friendly. Energy-efficient construction can ensure lower energy consumption and consequently a lower carbon footprint – especially in buildings heated with wood biomass or fossil fuels. In addition to savings, external wall claddings made of thermally modified wood also promise a greener future.
Reason #3
Modern architecture swears by natural materials
Trends in modern architecture strongly rely on naturally sourced building materials. These include wood, stone, glass and metal. This way, architects and builders ensure a minimal environmental impact – both from an ecological perspective and in terms of the placement of the building itself in the environment.
However, the aesthetic value of thermally modified wood cannot be ignored. It is known for its exotic, dark and luxurious brown colour, which is the result of thermal modification. The higher the temperature used during the treatment process, the darker the colour of the thermally modified wood.
Reason#4
Resistance to extreme conditions is increasingly important
Climate change is becoming more pronounced, and its consequences are becoming more frequent and severe every year. Storms, such as heavy rainfalls or hail, are just some of the weather factors that can damage wood and threaten its structural integrity.
Unlike untreated wood, thermally modified wood is resistant to extreme weather conditions. It withstands extremely low and high temperatures, significant temperature fluctuations, prolonged exposure to rain or moisture and many other weather phenomena.
Reason #5
The best walls are walls that do not need any renovation
Due to weather phenomena and other factors causing erosion, traditional wall assemblies deteriorate over the years, so they need to be renovated every few decades. In 2022, the average price of a wall assembly in Slovenia was approximately EUR 19,000, which is a significant financial burden for the average family.
External wall claddings made of thermally modified wood are a long-term investment. Due to the durability of the material, wall claddings made of thermally modified wood can save on maintenance costs. If desired, thermally modified wood can be protected against UV light to maintain its characteristic exotic color, but without a protective coating, thermally modified wood eventually acquires a natural silvery color.
Although in Slovenia, external wall claddings made of thermally modified wood are most commonly found on new buildings, they are also suitable for existing structures. If you would like more information or a quote for external wall cladding made of thermally modified wood, reach out to us. Our experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the most suitable solution for y0ur home.