'There is a renaissance taking place in the use of timber for construction and considerable renewed interest in the use of timber for building envelopes. Timber is a very versatile material that serves as a (long-term) temporary storage for atmospheric carbon and has considerable potential for producing buildings with favourable environmental credentials. Wood can be used in several applications from single-family dwellings to large multi- storey buildings.' 1
SiOO:X is playing an increasing role in this renaissance using nanotechnology to modify and improve the properties of the wood and protect the substrate.
'There are many ways in which the properties of the material can be improved, but above all else, what is most important is the application of good design principles and an understanding of how this material behaves in the environment. Selection of the correct wood species and cladding type and orientation of the boards for optimal performance form a part of a functioning facade, but the protective measures achieved by design potentially affect the service life of the whole building envelope. Some of the vital measures include ensuring appropriate ventilation, properly directing splashing water and rainfall and avoiding trapping and ingress of moisture.' 1
Only through applying good design principles in combination with appropriate interventions to improve material properties will the desirable outcome of life extension be achieved. SiOO:X, when applied to building envelopes and structures where good design principles have been implemented and where sensible inspection and maintenance regimes are used, will give long life before re-treatment is needed to sustain aesthetic appearance. The beneficial protective property changes conferred by SiOO:X in the timber substrate remain throughout the lifetime of the timber product and do not change.
1 Review of the use of solid wood as an external cladding material in the built environment
Callum Hill, Maija Kymalainen and Lauri Rautkari. Published by Springer.
SiOO:X treated cedar clad house in County Kildare, Ireland designed by HOUSE7 architects
Timber cladding is being used increasingly as a priority choice amongst architects and designers for use as a protective skin for buildings. This is a reflection of the natural and unique quality that wood provides. Whether the project is a large scale development or a small private dwelling, timber cladding gives greater flexibility in design, is versatile, attractive and environmentally friendly. Having made a significant investment in timber cladding the question of how it is best protected arises.
This natural look is increasingly sought after but the challenge is, how to achieve it without taking the risk of uneven weathering on different aspects of the building, or in protected areas, such as overhanging eaves.
Discoloured untreated larch facade
Discoloured untreated Western Red Cedar facade
SiOO:X provides a solution by mirroring the natural ageing process and accelerating the creation of the silver-grey appearance and giving long life protection in a completely environmentally friendly way.
SiOO:X penetrates the wood and gives a light surface that is pleasant to touch. Apart from the surface being beautiful, SiOO:X provides a protective envelope. The surface is very easy to wipe down making maintenance simpler. The SiOO:X treatment reinforces and strengthens the wood surface and is very easy to apply. It requies less maintenance compared with oil based coating systems.
To achieve the best penetration and optimum results, use sawn timber or at the least prepare the timber surface by sanding with no finer a paper than 60 grit. Avoid applying to dressed surfaces as any mill glaze resists penetration and can result in less than optimum performance. Because of better quality control, factory treatment by an approved applicator is strongly recommended with treatment to all sides of the cladding boards to achieve full envelope protection.