ThermaPro Wood
Features & Benefits
Improving wood naturally.
Unfortunately, the beauty of real wood comes with its fair share of concerns.
It is prone to rotting, warping, cracking, and pesky wood-loving insect damage.
Thermally modifying wood naturally alters its internal cell structure making it highly stable and durable. By durable we mean rot, warp, fungi, and insect-resistant. Plus, a host of other features that make thermally modified wood the perfect, all-natural building material.
By using only heat and steam, thermally modified wood is completely non-toxic and low-emitting. For our architect and contractor friends, thermally modified wood qualifies for green building projects and several LEED credits.
Non-Toxic
The process of thermal modification occurs throughout each piece of wood and is permanent therefore its lifespan is lengthened beyond that of natural as well as chemically or pressure-treated wood.
Longer
Lifespan
Many factors affect the sustainability of a product from how the wood is grown, its environmental impact, and more. ThermaPro Wood is a natural product that is sustainable, renewable and recyclable. For a full rundown on sustainability, visit our News & Knowledge page.
Sustainable /
Renewable
The second change that occurs is ‘polysaccharide conversion’ which dehydrates the hydroxyl groups within the polysaccharides and condenses those contained in the lignin. These sugars are a food source for bugs and fungi, therefore removing them makes the wood less attractive to insects and fungal growth.
Insect
Resistant
Thermal wood has a high solar reflectivity rating which means
a. It reflects solar radiation back into space so it does not contribute to global warming
b. It does not absorb the sun's heat as much as plastic materials. This means your feet won’t burn when used for decking or walkways.
High
Solar Index
The thermal modification process increases the density of the wood improving its insulating properties by up to 30%.
Increased Density
Increased
Density
During thermal modification, one of the main physical changes that occurs is hydrolysis of the hemicellulose and cellulose. Achieving Hydrolysis makes the wood hydrophobic meaning it does not absorb as much water. By reducing absorption sites for water molecules, you reduce its propensity to rot.
​
This also improves the wood's dimensional stability. Expansion and contraction are reduced by up to 90% thereby reducing the warping, cupping, and cracking experienced with non-modified wood.
Movement
Resistant
Weather
Resistant
Moisture
Resistant
