Thermal-treated wood has a longer life. It resists more than two decades more than common wood - is robust in the face of climate weather: rain, snow, atmospheric humidity, extreme temperatures, sun exposure, strong wind. - does not swell from the water and does not contract cold. By default, the risk of cracking is low - is immune to the attack of microorganisms, fungi and insects, compared to ordinary wood. - keeps its aesthetics and color longer.
Thermal treatment creates a series of reactions inside the wood. Practically, its chemical structure changes, which gives the wood a lesser response to ambient humidity or dryness. The shape of the heat treated wood becomes stable. Depending on the treatment temperature, its color becomes homogeneous, dark brown, like chestnut cheeses. The thermotreated wood retains its fibrous structure. Heat treatment involves subjecting wood to temperatures up to 250ºC in a special room made of stainless steel. The process is carried out in an atmosphere of water vapor and oxygen free.
Inside, thermowood can be used for:
- Placing saunas
-Plastering walls, floors and ceilings
-For special ornaments
On the outside, the usage recommendations are for:
- Facing the facades of civil and industrial buildings
-Construction of balcony rails
-The realization of floors for terraces, swimming pools, pontoons
- Construction of fences
- Playgrounds and cottages
How is heat-treated wood made? The process of processing the thermotreated wood involves three phases, essential to give it the desired quality and color. Drying of wood (pine, spruce, ash, fir, maple) is the first phase. The temperature in the treatment room rises to 140 ºC and the humidity drops to 0%. The thermal treatment of wood is the second phase. As the wood humidity decreases, the temperature of the heating chamber constantly increases to 220-250 ºC, depending on the desired brown color. At this stage, wood removes resins. When it reaches the desired temperature, it is kept constant for 3-4 hours to get a special color.
Cooling is the last stage of heat treatment. In this final phase, the temperature in the heating chamber is constantly reduced in the presence of water in the form of a vaporous form. The wood is sprayed with water to bring it to a moisture level of between 6 and 9%.