thermally modified wood siding

The thermally modified wood siding process was originally developed for softwood lumber, but because Lennon and Friolet wanted to use maple, ash, birch, and oak imported from mills in Quebec and Ontario, as well as New York, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, the equipment they purchased had to be converted. Over 200 unique treatment recipes were developed and tested for each hardwood species to ensure optimal performance. The wood, carefully stacked with a two-inch space between each layer to allow heat and steam to circulate clockwise, is loaded into the propane-heated kiln at the optimum temperature and duration, which varies by species.

Through this process, the wood is physically transformed at a molecular level, altering its sugars to become hydrophobic and naturally resistant to insects and decay. This prevents moisture absorption, making thermally modified wood sidinghighly resistant to water damage, warping, swelling, and rotting. An added benefit is its rich, even coloration, which deepens the longer it remains in the kiln.

“Treating hardwood to create a stable, insect- and mold-resistant product has allowed these species to play in markets they couldn’t have entered before,” says Lennon. “They would normally be designated for furniture or interior use, but because of our process, we can take them outside.” This innovation has resulted in a line of thermally modified wood siding, decking, and outdoor furniture components, in addition to interior products such as flooring, wall and door paneling, furniture, and butcher block countertops.

ThermalWood Canada’s finished hardwood products, including its thermally modified wood siding, are shipped across Canada—with distributors in Alberta and British Columbia—as well as to the United States, several European countries, and the Caribbean. European consumers appreciate the benefits of thermally treated softwood and are excited by the range of durable hardwood options, while the product’s termite-resistant properties make it particularly valuable in the Caribbean. “Architects in Barbados took a piece of our wood and shoved it into a termite mound, and the termites didn’t touch it for six months,” Lennon says.

Profiles

Our thermally modified hardwood siding can use the same technology as our Snap-To-It decking. Machined grooves on the backside of the siding allow these boards to be fastened to the wall using our GRAD clips. Simply screw the clip onto your strapping and snap the siding in place.

Save up to 30% on your installation time! If that does not work for you, we have other fastening options. Siding comes with a 60-year warranty against rot, In addition you still get that superior structural stability in high humidity and an increase in insulation properties.