Coastal-Wainui-Home-Vulcan-Cladding-in-Straw-Finish-Abodo-Wood-feature-image-e1608152080735

12 Jan

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo® Vulcan Cladding Compliant for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Zones

By Jocelyn Mahan In ABODO Wood, Featured In The News, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Wood University / 67 No Comments

In an unprecedented reversal of American history the US population is becoming less concentrated in urban areas. Many Americans are moving out of big cities and metropolitan areas en route to the suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas.

As more and more people live in and around forests, grasslands, shrub lands, and other natural areas—places referred to as wildland-urban interface, or WUI zones—problems related to wildfires are exacerbated. There are more wildfires due to human ignition. Wildfires that do occur pose a greater risk to lives and homes, they are hard to fight, and it becomes impossible to let natural fires burn.¹ Furthermore, the expenses to reduce fire hazards, battle rapidly spreading fires, and protect homes and human lives have risen pointedly in recent decades.

What is the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)?

The wildland urban interface consists of geographical areas where human development and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers, schools, water supply facilities, etc.) meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands.

They are locations where wildfires have their greatest impacts on people and property. WUI zones are of concern for the public, federal, state, and local governments, so wildfire mitigation and preparedness are necessary when living within WUI zones.

Where is the Wildland Urban Interface Within the US?

Across the United States, wildland-urban interface zones in areas within California, Utah, Arizona and Oregon are experiencing wildfires. California has the most densely packed WUI in the United States.². Currently, they have just over 11.2 million people living in about 4.46 million homes across 6.7 million acres. Six of the twenty largest wildfires in California history were part of the 2020 wildfire season. Five of the new wildfires ranking in the top 10 were all a part of the August 2020 lightning fires. ³

Wildland Urban Interface Zones in the United States

In the Pacific northwest and the lake states, forests are the predominant wildland fuel. In southern California, chaparral brush predominates. The plains states have grass and oak woodlands, New Jersey has Pine Barrens, and the southeast has pine and hardwood forests.⁴

Given that wildfires can occur in any wildland area; and the number of acres burned has been increasing; and the number of houses in the WUI is increasing, federal, state, and local government agencies are focusing more on promoting the concept of “fire-adapted” communities. ⁵ A fire adapted community is defined by the United States Forest Service as “a knowledgeable and engaged community in which the awareness and actions of residents regarding infrastructure, buildings, landscaping, and the surrounding ecosystem lessens the need for extensive protection actions and enables the community to safely accept fire as a part of the surrounding landscape.” ⁶

*The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network*

Introduction of Wildland Urban Interface Construction Codes

As of January 2008, the 2007 California Building Code (CBC) went into effect along with the inclusion of Wildland Urban Interface building standards. For building products to be used in the (WUI) or State Responsibility Area (SRA), regulations require that building products comply with specific directives. In terms of fire resistance and ignition resistance the primary goal of the WUI code is to hold construction practices to higher standards in the built environment. When a home or structure is designed and built with attention to detail and careful consideration of complaint building materials, it increases the chances of a structure’s survival in a wildfire.

wildland urban interface compliant exterior siding

California Fire Standards for WUI Compliant Exterior Wood Products

According to California Building Code (CBC), the minimum requirement for building envelope components such as siding/cladding is that an exterior wall covering or wall assembly shall comply with one of the following requirements:

Noncombustible material
Ignition-resistant material
Heavy timber exterior wall assembly
Log wall construction assembly
Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in ASTM E2707 with the conditions of acceptance shown in Section 707A.3.1
Wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1.

The benefits of using real wood cladding with wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1 are tremendous:

When compared to noncombustible building materials such as steel and masonry, using WUI compliant exterior wood cladding and wall assemblies offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly, carbon neutral solution.
Ignition resistant fire-retardant-treated wood is impregnated with chemicals, so the use of paints, coating, stains or other visually pleasing surface treatments are not an option.
From an architectural and design perspective, WUI compliant exterior wood cladding has many aesthetically pleasing options to suite any project, with a bevy of species and finish options to choose from.
Exterior timber cladding is a versatile, timeless building material that works well in traditional or contemporary architecture.
Not only is real wood recyclable and biodegradable, but it also has strength, toughness, and durability that rivals many other exterior facade options on the market today.

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo^® Vulcan Cladding was recently tested on an exterior wall assembly in accordance with the California Standards Code, Chapter 12-7A, SFM 12-7A-1 (Siding Materials for Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing). The test simulated wildfire conditions using full size 4′ x 8′ panels that were exposed to a flame of 150 Kw for ten minutes. After, the panels were then observed for 60 minutes to check for further flaming. In order to gather accurate results, the process was repeated three times.

Abodo Vulcan Cladding SFM 12-7A-1 Siding Materials for Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing

Wall System: Exterior Wall Assembly
Combustible Components: 5/8 in. thick FlamePro Plywood sheathing, Wrapsheild RS™ Rainscreen 3 mm, Tongue & Groove Abodo Vulcan Exterior Wood Cladding

A SFM Standard 12-7A-1 pass is achieved if:

There is an absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly.
There is an absence of glowing combustion on the interior of the assembly after 70 minutes.
A test for siding in both a horizontal and vertical orientation is required to be sure of performance.

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo Vulcan Cladding is WUI Compliant

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo Vulcan cladding passed the test for both horizontal and vertical orientations for upcoming inclusion in the WUI Products Listing. A copy of the test results can be found here. The result? Abodo Vulcan cladding is now a compliant wildland urban interface building material.

SFM Standard 12-7A-1 Test Requirements	Test Results	Pass/Fail
Absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly at any time.	Flame penetration through the assembly was not observed during the full duration of the test	PASS
Absence of evidence of glowing combustion on the interior surface of the assembly at the end of the 70-minute test	Evidence of glowing combustion on the interior surface of the assembly at the end of the 70-minute duration for all three tests was not present	PASS

Abodo Vulcan thermally modified wood cladding is created from New Zealand plantation timber and engineered with a patented vertical grain orientation for superior weathering characteristics. A fine-sawn face provides beautiful grain depth and optimal coating performance.

Wildland Urban Interface Compliant Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Builders can rest-assured when choosing a wall assembly that combines reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Vulcan Cladding with fire-rated sheathing or gypsum board, the result is durable, CAL FIRE WUI compliant exterior siding that is impervious to hazardous weather conditions.

Since reSAWN’s Abodo Vulcan Cladding is pre-finished in modern, beautiful tones, architects and designers can confidently specify carbon negative, high performance, visually pleasing Vulcan exterior siding in wildland-urban interface zones. Clients are left with a stunning, natural, one-of-a-kind facade that can be easily maintained throughout the product lifecycle.

If you’d like to learn more about specifying reSAWN’s CalFire compliant Abodo Vulcan Cladding in Wildland Urban Interface zones, get in touch with us.

VIEW: Abodo Vulcan Cladding Products

19 Oct

Utilizing Wood Cladding for Modern, Sustainable Roofing Applications

By Jocelyn Mahan In Product Updates, Wood University / 65 No Comments

For specifiers and building owners who are considering roofing options for a new or existing structure, weighing the pros and cons of building material options is part of a typical build process. Roofing material is highly visible and takes a beating from climatic elements, so choosing a high performing, durable, energy-efficient material is a must on the priority list.

In the United States and throughout the world, the former and current concerns about climate change and the environmental health of our planet are propelling a large number of homeowners, architects, interior designers, and building owners to search for sustainable, eco-friendly building materials. Due to this much-needed shift in focus, timber cladding products have seen a resurgence and are steadily becoming the material of choice for many buildings and structures that we see in our cities and suburbs today.

To be clear, cladding is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer. In construction, cladding is used to provide a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, and to improve the appearance of buildings. Cladding can be made of a wide range of materials including timber (real wood), metal, brick, vinyl, and composite materials that can include aluminum, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene, wheat/rice straw fibers.[1] When we refer to timber cladding (as it’s commonly referred to in Europe), we’re referring to real wood cladding or as it’s typically known in the United States, exterior siding.

According to Statista: The green building market will be among the fastest-growing industries worldwide. The number of LEED-certified projects in the United States rose from 296 certifications in 2006 up to over 67,200 in 2018.

Revenue Forecast for Fastest Growing US Industries (2012-2017) - Statista — Revenue Forecast for Fastest Growing US Industries (2012-2017) – Statista

When it comes to roofing materials, wood cladding that is sustainably harvested is arguably one of the few environmentally-sound roofing options. It’s well-positioned as an eco-friendly alternative to Zinc roofs which have been popularized in recent years.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Abodo Vulcan Screening - SiOO:X — SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Screening – *Cardrona Cabin*

Real wood is a renewable and recyclable resource. It’s energy-efficient to produce, it performs well over its lifetime, and at the end of the product life cycle, can be disposed of or up-cycled in an environmentally sound, and friendly manner. Plus, timber stores carbon, which plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions outdoors.

The application of exterior wood cladding protects structures from outdoor elements like sun, wind, rain, and snow and helps to maintain the structural integrity of the built environment as well.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Shelter Island Pool House Monogatari — reSAWN’s MONOGATARI Exterior Cladding – *Shelter Island Pool House*

The Revival of Real Wood Siding in the Built Environment

Evidence of the timber cladding revival becomes increasingly obvious when we look to current day exterior and interior designs in the architecture, design, and high-end construction industries. Timber is regarded as the ‘natural’ building material of choice and its use denotes an industry shift to choosing building products that are a good fit for the built environment and our planet.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Kebony — Kebony Wood – **Architect**: WAM Design **Photo by**: Urban Front

Examples of timber-clad roofs can be found in areas within northern Europe, like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond. Scandinavian style, vertically laid timber-clad structures have been an eco-friendly, highly-stylized choice for many architectural designs throughout history and in modern applications as well.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Kebony Clear Exterior Cladding — Kebony Clear Exterior Cladding – **Architect**: Pitman Tozer **Photo by**: Nick Kane

The United States has seen an uptick in interest for timber roof cladding and timber clad structures within recent years – especially in progressive areas like the Hudson Valley region of New York state, Los Angeles, California, and the Hamptons on the southeastern end of Long Island. The design typically utilizes the same timber cladding species and finishes on the exterior walls and the roof which creates a bespoke, avant-garde, seamless timber-clad structure. Exterior cladding can be installed in many different configurations and patterns, though timber-clad roofs are typically installed vertically. This style is ideal in modern architectural designs where the slope of the roof is highly considered and regarded as a key focal point.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Accoya Wood on Exterior — Accoya Wood on Entire Exterior: Façade, Roof, Outside Deck and Dock – *Cabin by the Sea* **Architect:** Tommie Wilhelmsen

Weathering Characteristics of Real Wood Roof Cladding

When real wood cladding is exposed to environmental elements such as moisture, sunlight, and wind, the physical attributes of the material will change in appearance in a few months or years, aesthetically evolving over time. Weathering should not be confused with rotted or decayed wood. Wood rot is a form of decay that results from a combination of fungi (microscopic organisms) and moisture. Wood must be consistently damp to foster fungi growth since fungi will not grow on dry wood. On the other hand, weathering is a surface phenomenon that typically only affects a small portion of the surface area. The material will stay almost unaltered for a long time. If modified wood is used for the application, maintenance is not needed to keep a warranty valid with certain manufacturers, like Accoya. The weathering characteristics of real wood cladding create a unique, timeless, and durable roofing material. The benefits and style cannot be recreated or mimicked with any other roofing option on the market today.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Reed House — **Architect:** S3 Architecture LLC – *Reed House*

Timber Roof Cladding Benefits

Timber cladding is a versatile, timeless building material that works well in traditional or contemporary architecture.
Real wood cladding offers a range of aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly species & finish options.
In most cases, a timber-clad roof does not need to be replaced in its entirety. If damage is found on a wood plank roof, only the damaged boards need to be replaced.
Aside from bringing warmth and beauty to the exterior of a home/structure, timber cladding is dimensionally stable, water-tight, and high performing. It handles harsh weather conditions with grace.
When it comes to weathering of wood plank roofing, the shift from day-one color to soft greys & light brown tones is an aesthetic by-product to be savored and celebrated.
When you choose wood cladding for your clients you can guarantee a modern, one-of-a-kind aesthetic that cannot be replicated. Each board works cohesively together, yet each board has its own visual story.
Wood has the lowest carbon footprint of any conventional building material. It requires less energy to create the finished product than other manufacturing materials such as concrete, metal, or plastic. Plus, most of the energy used comes from renewable biomass like sawdust which is a natural byproduct when timber is sawn and milled.
Due to air pockets in its cellular structure, wood is a natural insulator. Therefore, it is 15 times better than masonry, 400 times better than steel, and 1,770 times better than aluminum, according to Planet Arch.
Not only is wood cladding as a roofing material renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, but it also has strength, toughness, and durability that far exceeds many other roofing options on the market today.

Timber Roof Cladding Product Options

Modified wood brands like Accoya, Kebony & Abodo are great options for timber roof cladding. State-of-the-art wood modification processes enhance the performance of real wood, resulting in improvements in the longevity of timbers – stability, decay resistance, reduced water absorption, less expansion/contraction, etc. In addition, since most advanced modification processes are environmentally friendly, the materials can still be disposed of properly at the end of the product life cycle.

reSAWN TIMBER co. - Wood Roof Cladding - Cabin by the Sea — Accoya Wood – *Cabin by the Sea* **Architect:** Tommie Wilhelmsen

Selecting clear vertical grain timbers is also an option since straight-grained timber is more dimensionally stable in challenging environmental conditions. WILLIWAW by reSAWN TIMBER co. features Alaskan yellow cedar that is sourced from Alaska to Oregon and intended to provide a high performing, natural material with a weathered aesthetic. In addition to modified wood and Alaskan yellow cedar, reSAWN offers a multitude of high-performing exterior species that include western red cedar and Atlantic white cedar. We also offer charred designs, which are inspired by the Japanese tradition “shou sugi ban.”

Best Practices and Installation Suggestions for Wood Roof Panels

EJOT® EJOBAR PVC – The Simple-Fix Solution for Reinforced PVC Membrane

EJObar is a multi-purpose bridging bar that creates a fixing base for a wide range of applied systems, including wood roof cladding. It’s easy to use for almost anything that needs to be secured onto or over the single-ply membrane system.

Simple to Use and Easy to Install

EJObar can easily be installed to new or existing reinforced PVC single-ply membrane roofs where approved by the specific membrane manufacturer. For applications where an item needs to be restrained or secured to an approved reinforced PVC membrane, like wood cladding, especially where resistance to uplift is required, EJObar should be hot-air welded by a suitably qualified installer.

EJObar Benefits:

Clean, professional solution – no penetration of the roofing membrane is required
Creates a strong, watertight fix
Ideal for most single-ply membranes
Ideal for carrying applied cladding systems
Practical, adaptable, and low in cost
Easy to weld or can be used free-standing
The profiles can be fitted on a new build and just as easily on an existing roof membrane as long as it is in good condition
The lightweight profile can be used as carrier support for cedar shingles, metal or wood planking, or as a carrier for trellising for vegetation.

EJObar is supplied in a number of helpful lengths and consists of a PVC profile that encases a solid aluminum insert with two end caps sealed tightly. Contact us for section details of recommended roof assembly when using EjotBar and reSAWN Cladding.

EJOT, the maker of EJObar is a family-owned business headquartered in northern Germany. The company was founded in 1922 and consists of 5 manufacturing sites in 10 countries.

reSAWN TIMBER co. is dedicated to providing high-performance, long-lasting wood roof cladding material, and has developed its product line based on observations of experienced industry leaders and a first-hand understanding of architectural market needs. If you’d like to learn more about using our timber cladding as a roofing material with the EJObar, get in touch with us. We’re happy to assist.

FIND OUT MORE :: Wood Roof Cladding

reSAWN makes no claim to the effectiveness of the designs or the performance attributes that can be expected if any of the following details are executed on a project. As is always reSAWN’s recommendation, all project conditions should be executed ahead of time via performance and/or a visual mock-up well in advance of material delivery to the project site. All architectural details and attachment solutions should be vetted by an architect or engineer prior to installation.

reSAWN TIMBER co weathered western red cedar

31 Mar

Benefits of Specifying Pre-Weathered Exterior Wood Cladding

By Jocelyn Mahan In Wood University / 2 No Comments

Wood is a natural, sustainable material. As such, when it’s continually exposed to environmental elements such as moisture, sunlight, and wind the physical attributes of the material changes and aesthetically evolves over time.

WHAT IS WEATHERING?

Weathering is defined as the chemical and physical changes that take place when timber is exposed to weather. Weathering factors that are responsible for the changes are: moisture (rain, snow, dew, and humidity), oxygen, solar radiation (ultra-violet (UV), visible, and infrared light), and temperature.¹

It’s important to note that weathering should not be confused with rotted or decayed wood. Wood rot is a form of decay that results from a combination of fungi (microscopic organisms) and moisture. Wood must be consistently damp to foster fungi growth since fungi will not grow on dry wood. On the other hand, weathering is a surface phenomenon that typically only effects a small portion of the surface area. In the absence of decay, wood exposed to the weather can last many years since the performance and durability of the materials are not affected. As such, weathering should not be regarded as a problem, but rather a natural process that needs to be taken into account when planning for the preservation and protection of outdoor wood.

170829_SKA_HAN_127_NIGIRI_shousugiban_lores

13 Feb

What is Modified Wood?

By Jocelyn Mahan In Wood University / 7

Modified wood is a generic term that describes the application of chemical, physical, or biological methods that are used to alter the cellular structure of the wood. The U.S.D.A. ‘s National Forest Service Library defines modified wood as “wood that is processed by chemical treatment, compression, or other means, with or without heat, to impart permanent properties quite different from those of the original wood.”

The aim of modified wood is to overcome the shortcomings of standard timber. The modification process enhances the performance of the wood, resulting in improvements in the longevity of timbers – dimensional stability, decay resistance, reduced water absorption, less expansion/contraction, etc. In addition, since most advanced modification processes are environmentally friendly, the materials can still be disposed of properly at the end of the product life cycle.