The phrase “Charred Timber Cladding” is synonymous with “Shou Sugi Ban,” which refers to an old Japanese method for charring wood. Yakisugi is another name for the technique. To give hardwood planks the impression of being old and burned, the surface may be torched with a low flame to create a charred effect. This technique is also known as Shou Sugi Ban in certain circles. It is known by a great deal more than just those two names. This method gives the wood cladding a lovely charred look, which, in addition to its apparent appeal to the senses, also has a number of applications in the realm of practicality.
What Advantages Does Charred Timber Cladding Offer?
There are several advantages to using charred timber as cladding, one of which is that it helps to preserve the gorgeous wood species’ inherent beauty while also guaranteeing the cladding will survive for many decades. Using charred wood as cladding also has the added bonus of being eco-friendly. In addition to the aesthetic benefits that result from the charring process, charred wood is prized for its extraordinary longevity.
How Is Charred Wood Produced?
In Japan, the art of charring wood using the Shou Sugi Ban method has been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. The finished result of this Japanese wood burning procedure is hardwood timber battens with an appealing appearance and a finish that may vary from very light grey to extremely dark black, depending on a variety of variables and your own personal choice. It is standard practise to colour wood by holding flames to timber plans and boards and allowing the flames to burn the surface of the wood as they move along the timber. This causes the wood to take on the desired colour.
Can Fire and Water Damage Charred Wood?
While burning wood, a coating of carbon forms on its surface. Because of the carbon coating, the wood is more resistant to water than it would be without the treatment or processing. The exterior charcoal layer makes the inner core of the product more difficult to penetrate with heat, slowing the rate at which it burns and making this charring procedure more fire-resistant. Charring may be accomplished using a number of different tools, such as an electric torch, gas torch, or blowtorch.
Does Charred Wood Withstand Decay and Insects?
Charring is an effective way to prevent decay. By destroying some of the wood’s natural nutrients via the charring process, wood loses some of its attraction and becomes more attractive to pests like termites, insects, and other wood-eating creatures.
Is It True That Charring Wood Makes It Stronger?
Charring wood does, in fact, make the hardwood timber battens structurally stronger. This is due to the fact that when timber is exposed to fire, the wood grains are fused tighter together, resulting in wood that is more durable and stronger. Charring can be accomplished by heating the wood in an oven at a high temperature. When lumber is exposed to fire for an extended period of time, it will begin to decay and develop ugly burns and cracks. This is why it is important to limit the amount of time that it is exposed to the flames on purpose.
Which Wood Is Ideal for Charring?
Charring is a great way to use Western Red Cedar since it is one of the least complicated methods and poses no danger of burning or scorching the wood. Knotty Grade Western Red Cedar is the optimal material for these aesthetic transformations because of the wood’s natural knots. On top of its already impressive structure, performance, and sustainability, Western Red Cedar has strong fire resistance, acoustic properties, thermal insulation, and a fire rating.
How Is Charred Timber Cladding Finished?
Even though the charred finish provides an additional layer of natural protection, it is still highly suggested that you apply a protective oil sealant to your cladding in order to prevent moisture damage. Because all of the wood cladding materials we sell at Cedar Sales are created to order and arrive pre-finished, it will be much simpler for you to choose the perfect design for the next cladding project you have in mind.
How Long Is It Going to Last?
When it comes to estimating how long your charred wood cladding will survive, the kind of timber material that you choose for your subsequent project will be the most important factor. The longevity of your charred lumber will be determined by a number of factors, including the quality of the installation, the location of the installation, whether or not it is sun-facing, the weather conditions (how frequently it gets wet), and the sun’s angle. In general, Western red cedar is a strong wood that calls for very little maintenance. However, if you take the necessary precautions, the charred timber cladding on your home might survive for decades, perhaps even more than 50 years!
Conclusion
The use of charred timber cladding in both traditional and modern architecture has produced jaw-dropping results. We’ve noticed a rise in demand for applications in both the interior and the exterior, and we believe this is more than just a passing fad. The historical process results in a building material that is environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and stunningly attractive. Both the appearance and the integrity of the wood are maintained.