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16 Apr

Embracing the Natural Evolution of SiOO:X Wood Protection: A Journey to Timeless Gray Tones

By Jocelyn Mahan In Abodo Vulcan Slats, ABODO Wood, Exterior Cladding, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Low Maintenance Finishes, Maintenance, Sylva, Thermally Modified Wood, Wood University /   No Comments

Natural wood possesses inherent beauty and is frequently incorporated into construction designs for its aesthetic appeal. However, wood is a natural material susceptible to degradation due to climatic elements, moisture, and UV rays. To preserve natural wood’s integrity and longevity, the application of a protective topcoat is a standard practice for all timber building materials.

In the realm of wood protection, SiOO:X stands out as a revolutionary solution that provides timber with a long-lasting shield against the outside elements and delivers a captivating aesthetic transformation over time. Unlike conventional wood treatments that create a protective seal on the surface, SiOO:X penetrates deep into the wood fibers, forming a shield that enhances the durability and longevity from within.

SiOO:X leverages the natural environment and wood’s characteristics to gradually cure wood over one to three years. This unique curing process results in a protection system that imitates wood’s natural protective layer. The curing process also triggers a gradual color transformation within a short timeframe, mimicking the authentic weathering effect seen in natural wood.

Twin Gables Feat. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Curing with Nature
SiOO:X is crafted to work with nature. The curing process is intricately tied to the specific climatic environment where the wood cladding resides. The rate of change is often attributed environmental factors. Sunlight, rain, wind, and humidity are all factors that could affect the curing process*. Surfaces shielded from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions, such as soffits or non-exposed walls, may undergo a slower rate of curing and color evolution. In contrast, the cladding that is fully exposed experiences more significant fluctuations.

Understanding the Curing Process
SiOO:X Wood Protector holds a unique silicon and potassium formulation that reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction forms a protective barrier within the timber. SiOO:X’s chemical reaction can occur independently of sunlight, ensuring consistent and reliable performance regardless of weather conditions over time. It creates a long-lasting shield against moisture, and UV rays.

The Evolution of Color
As the curing process progresses, the timber undergoes a remarkable transformation of color. The wood starts out in its natural coloration before gradually transitioning to a light whitewash tone, typically within six – twelve months of application. This initial phase represents the activation of SiOO:X’s protective properties that penetrate deep into the wood fibers. The timber gradually darkens to mid-gray ‘weathered’ tones, acquiring a timeless patina that adds depth and character to the wood surface. Exposed surfaces may undergo a more rapid color evolution than non-exposed walls. However, despite the differences in the rate of color evolution, the aesthetic outcome will be consistent across all surfaces over time.

Advantages Over Traditional Coatings
SiOO:X’s natural curing process offers several advantages over traditional coatings, particularly when it comes to durability, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability. Conventional wood protector coatings’ efficiency diminishes over time with exposure to the sun, leading to fade in color and less protection against wear and tear. On the contrary, SiOO:X works with the environment and delivers a natural color evolution. Wood treated with SiOO:X offers long-lasting protection and reduces the need for frequent reapplications, which conserves resources and reduces maintenance costs.

An Eco-Conscious Formula
With a clear focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, SiOO:X is engineered with a low VOC (volatile organic compound) formulation. It minimizes environmental impact while ensuring safety for users and our planet. By enhancing the longevity of wood, the lifespan of wooden structures is extended, contributing to waste reduction in the long run. Unlike other wood treatments that may leach harmful chemicals into the soil or waterways, SiOO:X is biodegradable and poses no risk to ecosystems.

Bear Creek Residence Feat. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Embracing the Natural Beauty of SiOO:X Wood Protection
SiOO:X represents a paradigm shift in wood protection, offering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional coatings. By embracing the natural weathering process, SiOO:X celebrates the inherent beauty of wood while ensuring long-lasting protection against the surrounding elements.

Currently, reSAWN offers two thermally modified wood products with the SiOO:X wood protector: Abodo SiOO:X exterior cladding, and Sylva MONDARA exterior cladding. The thermal modification process improves the wood’s stability. When coated with SiOO:X, modified wood becomes exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding the harshest conditions while maintaining its natural charm. SiOO:X offers robust protection that enhances the inherent qualities of thermally modified wood. Together, they create a synergy that results in stunning exterior cladding.

Whether used in commercial or residential projects, reSAWN’s SiOO:X products offer unmatched longevity, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, setting a new standard in modern wood protection.

*In case of problems with black spores the SiOO:X system creates a barrier that prevents algae and spores from penetrating the wood. Because SiOO:X does not contain any strong toxins it cannot prevent black spores from settling on the surface. Periods of rain or damp weather are especially favorable for these airborne spores, which can often be found on wood surfaces that are in the shade or exposed to the weather. Black spores need nutrients to grow and they get these from natural sugars in the wood. These substances are leached out of the wood in the first 1–4 years. The presence of black spores also decreases as the SiOO:X silicon shield matures and gets stronger. For a full Care & Maintenance Guide, click here.

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2024 Earth Day Sustainable Solutions for Building Façades Featured Image
16 Apr

2024 Earth Day: Sustainable Solutions for Building Façades

By Blake Huang In Exterior Cladding, Featured In The News, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Wood University /   No Comments

Earth Day 2024 spotlights the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” drawing attention to the pervasive use of plastic and its detrimental effects on the environment. While plastic remains a staple material in numerous industries, its profound negative impacts on Mother Earth are undeniable. However, how do plastic and natural products diverge, particularly in building materials?

Within the domain of building façades, particularly in the wall cladding category, two prominent options stand out: wood and plastic. While both offer solutions for protecting and enhancing structures, they differ significantly when it comes to environmental impact, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability. Understanding both materials’ characteristics and their implications for sustainable construction practices will further help all decision-makers in a project make informed decisions.

Timber holds a longstanding reputation as a renewable, sustainable building material. Responsibly sourced and managed wood cladding significantly reduces carbon footprints for the environment. Wood serves as a carbon sink throughout its lifecycle, from the growth of trees to the production of timber and building materials. This process actively removes carbon dioxide from the environment, aiding in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The regrowth process of trees is also beneficial to the environment; the process sustains and balances ecosystems, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and enriching soil health. This natural process further enhances environmental resilience by storing carbon within the soil.

Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic material derived from fossil fuels. Its production process generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. While in use, plastic products degrade into microplastics over time, slowly polluting our environment. Microplastics pose significant threats to ecosystems by contaminating soils, freshwater systems, and the air, thus impacting biodiversity. Unlike wood, which biodegrades and can be recycled or repurposed, plastic persists in the environment for centuries releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into ecosystems.

While wood cladding and plastic siding offer solutions for building façades, their environmental impact, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability vary considerably. Wood is a natural resource and a sustainable option for our environment. Wood cladding offers environmental benefits and contributes to human health and well-being by connecting occupants with nature. Incorporating natural materials such as wood can elevate indoor air quality, alleviate stress, and boost productivity—fostering healthier and more sustainable built environments in the long run. By embracing a renewable, energy-efficient, and visually pleasing building material, we can all contribute to a greener future while creating beautiful and resilient structures that endure for generations.

Join the movement towards sustainability in construction. Contact us today to explore eco-friendly options for your building projects.

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08 Mar

Positive Impacts of Utilizing Wood in Commercial Projects

By Blake Huang In Exterior Cladding, Flooring, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Interior Cladding, New Products, Sylva, Thermally Modified Wood, Wood University /   No Comments

In light of climate change, there is a pressing need for everyone around the world to shoulder the responsibility to implement changes across various aspects of our lives, spanning from food consumption and transportation to energy systems and even our approach to construction. The demand for essential infrastructure continues to surge at record rates. To meet economic needs without jeopardizing the environment, the solution lies in using natural materials. 

Wood, as one of our most traditional and natural construction materials, plays a pivotal role in both balancing and removing greenhouse gasses from the environment. Since their inception, trees have been integral to the ongoing process of removing greenhouse gasses by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. This carbon is stored within their structure throughout their lifecycle, even after they are harvested and transformed into building materials, thereby continuing to contribute to carbon retention and storage. 

By leveraging wood’s natural properties, timber is less carbon-intensive to manufacture compared to cement and steel. According to ARUP’s report, Rethinking Timber Building, cement production accounted for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, while the iron and steel industry accounted for 6-7%. With the significant carbon footprint associated with cement and steel production, timber emerges as an increasingly compelling alternative.

Timber stands out as a renewable resource with ideal characteristics for construction materials. Beyond its role as a carbon sink, its tensile and compressive strength fortify building structures with enduring durability. The cellular structure of wood, consisting of strong fibers and a matrix of lignin, provides natural strength and flexibility. This composition allows the wood to bear significant loads and resist deformation. 

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University of Wisconsin Platteville Sesquicentennial Hall feat. REED Reclaimed Hemlock Wall and Ceiling Cladding

Though exterior applications like cladding may render wood vulnerable in certain environments, ongoing investments and advancements in preservation techniques, including thermal and chemical modifications, have bolstered its reliability as a sustainable building material over the years. Given the paramount importance of employing safe and dependable building materials for commercial projects, there remains a steadfast commitment to this cause. Simultaneously, the burgeoning emphasis on the health and comfort of occupants continues to garner increasing attention and significance in the construction industry.

When considering indoor health and comfort, the availability of natural materials is known to reduce occupant stress levels and heightened positive responses. Natural materials such as wood play a pivotal role in fostering biophilic design within commercial projects, integrating natural elements seamlessly into the built environment. A biophilic design approach in interior space enhances cognitive function and elevates mood and productivity for occupants. The warmth and organic qualities of wood create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, evoking human’s natural sense of connection to nature. 

In addition to psychological well-being and comfort, natural materials help maintain better indoor air quality. Certain synthetic materials may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health hazards. Opting for wood in construction and furnishing choices enhances the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of spaces and supports a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the emission of harmful chemicals. Incorporating wood into a biophilic design can fulfill green building certification criteria due to its inherent environmental benefits.

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Vitus Project feat. MATE European White Oak Flooring

Wood is renowned for its durability as a building material, often enduring for over a century when properly maintained. Nevertheless, as with all materials, there comes a point when wood reaches its end-of-life. When this moment arrives, the options for its disposal extend far beyond mere waste. The common options typically encompass disassembly, adaptation, and reuse, ensuring the longevity of wood as a building material while minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Through thoughtful practices, wood can continue to contribute to sustainable construction and design, embodying the principles of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.

Wood isn’t just a conventional building material; it plays a vital role in advancing sustainability in construction. Wood stands as one of the most organic building materials, exhibiting reduced carbon intensity in manufacturing when compared to synthetic alternatives. Its inherent characteristics, including carbon sequestration throughout its lifecycle, remarkable durability, and renewable nature, wood emerges as a key player in environmentally friendly building practices. As we navigate the future of construction, prioritizing wood in commercial projects will continuously make positive impacts on our environment. 

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Sylva™ thermally modified product line presents domestically sourced and manufactured wood cladding suitable for both interior and exterior applications, providing environmentally friendly options with a minimal carbon footprint. Thermally modified wood further enhances the wood’s structure, transforming the wood into a material with improved durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities. Selecting a product that is both locally sourced and modified reflects a commitment to mitigating climate change and endorsing sustainable design for future buildings. 

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21 Jun

Introducing Grey Through Body Color Accoya® : For Interior, Exterior Cladding & Decking

By Jocelyn Mahan In New Products, Product Updates /  4

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s offering of Accoya® wood is expanding to include Accoya that has been impregnated with a non-toxic grey pigment for a through body color that is intended to be a living finish that will weather naturally in place and requires no maintenance – OXFORD, MARENGO, and GREY MATTER.

Accoya-Grey-Product-Chart

The advantage of these materials is that they are grey from day 1 and can be used to achieve consistent color on all exterior surfaces regardless of facing (north, south, east, west) or application orientation (cladding, roofing, soffits, underside of canopy). This grey color can also be seamlessly carried into the interior walls or ceilings.

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OXFORD Through Body Color on Accoya Cladding

WHY SPECIFY ACCOYA?

Accoya is wood, but not as you know it. It is modified timber in which a process called acetylation, a cutting-edge patented technology, enables it to resist rot, defy the elements and stay strong for decades. With warranties starting at 10 years and going up to 50 years, its performance and properties are remarkable. From joinery for the home to bridges submerged in water, Accoya wood is a leading material that stands up to every application challenge – decking, cladding, and more.

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OXFORD Through Body Color on Accoya Decking

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THROUGH BODY COLOR ACCOYA?

  • Guaranteed durability backed by warranties:
    • Commercial Warranty: 10 year warranty on Decking; 50 year warranty on cladding, trim, and millwork
    • Residential Warranty: 25 year warranty on Decking; 50 year warranty on cladding, trim, and millwork (except in Florida – for Florida commercial warranty length applies)
  • Beautiful grey color: The day one grey color means no wait time for a naturally grey product. The through body color grey ensures a consistently beautiful appearance from day one.
  • No maintenance: Due to the through body grey color, OXFORD, MARENGO, and GREY MATTER do not have to be re-oiled regularly or re-colored after scratches.
  • Barefoot friendly: In addition to Accoya’s durability and dimensional stability, Accoya wood rarely warps and hardly cracks or splinters. OXFORD, when used as decking, will feel soft underfoot in the long term.
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OXFORD Through Body Color on Accoya Decking & Pool Deck Surround

WILL OXFORD, MARENGO, AND GREY MATTER STAY GREY?

Through body color Accoya products are colored grey from the surface to the core, requiring less maintenance. These products are grey from day one, so there is no need to wait for the wood to weather or naturally patina. The coloring will stay grey without oiling or re-dying. Since the grey color is all the way through the board, it also means scratches and scrapes are not visible.

WHY SPECIFY reSAWN’s THROUGH BODY COLOR ACCOYA?

We work with woods’ natural tendency to grey, not against it. Our products look beautiful on day one and continue to as nature takes over – with little to no aesthetic maintenance needed. Each board works cohesively together yet each board has its own visual story. The result is modern originality & inherent textural beauty with each and every project.

Samples of our Through Body Color Accoya products are available for architects and designers at no cost and shipped via UPS Ground. Click on the button below to order samples.

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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.1William C. Feist: Weathering and the Protection of Wood

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.

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reSAWN’s custom charred Accoya®
25 Nov

Broadway Market with reSAWN’s Shou Sugi Ban Receives Multiple Awards

By Jocelyn Mahan In CHARRED WOOD, Featured In The News, Inspiring Designs, Product Installs /  1

reSAWN is humbled to share that PI.KL architecture design studio in Baltimore Maryland chose our custom shou sugi ban charred Accoya®
 on their Broadway Market project. 

2019 AIA Excellence in Design Awards 

Broadway Market was recognized with two awards at the 2019 AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Awards:

  • AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Award Honorable Mention
  • AIA Baltimore Good Design = Good Business Award

It was included amongst so many deserving projects of all scales. We’re so happy to be a part of such an important community revitalization. 

“The design team did a fantastic job updating the 200-year-old market to better support business and the community. They showed great attention to detail—the doorways are amazing. You can tell a lot of care went into restoring the market. The jury was impressed with the take on the “black box”—by providing a layer of glass between the box and the facade of the brick structure, the design acknowledges the history of the building and the woodshed structure. The jury appreciated how the shou sugi ban treatment draws the user to see the difference between old and new”. – AIA Baltimore

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reSAWN TIMBER co BRIZA Atlantic white cedar
02 Oct

Introducing Rough Sawn ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR: an elegant option for both interior and exterior cladding

By Jocelyn Mahan In Inspiring Designs, New Products, Product Updates, Weathered Atlantic White Cedar /  

reSAWN TIMBER co. is pleased to announce the addition of 4 rough-sawn weathered ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR designs to our sought after cedar offering – for exterior cladding and interior wall/ceiling cladding. The new rough-sawn offering includes 4 designs: CHINOOK, FOEHN, OSTRO and SIROCCO. 

WHY SPECIFY ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR

We offer ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR because of its propensity for resiliency, beauty, and versatility. Its lightweight, straight grain, ease of machining, ease of finishing, low shrinkage, and extreme resistance to decay make it a trusted and elegant option for both interior and exterior applications.

ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR that is uncoated and exposed to weather over time will develop an attractive silver/gray patina.  The rate of that color change depends on climate zones, the orientation of the home/structure and exposure to weather.  reSAWN’s finishing process on our pre-weathered ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR designs solve for wood’s natural propensity to grey out by resembling a weathered look at the time of installation, with little change as it ages in place. 

An additional benefit to our pre-weathered designs is the ability to achieve consistent color on all differing exterior exposures and to attain a seamless interior/exterior aesthetic from day one when exterior cladding is brought to the interior (see the BRIZA image below for an example). From the start expect a soft, consistent weathered color and texture that looks natural, appealing and interesting. For interior applications, expect little to no change from the day of installation.  

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27 Sep

reSAWN’s IRUKA Shou Sugi Ban Charred Cypress featured in The New York Times

By Jocelyn Mahan In CHARRED WOOD, Inspiring Designs /  

In an article published in The New York Times, a newly-built residence in Montauk was featured, highlighting the use of reSAWN’s IRUKA shou sugi ban charred cypress. Designed by Manhattan-based firm Desai Chia Architecture, the Montauk Residence is situated just a block from the beach. Katherine Chia, FAIA, who led the design on this project, chose reSAWN’s IRUKA shou sugi ban charred cypress for the exterior and interior cladding.

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