Timber has been used in the building and construction industry, among many other applications, since time immemorial. For starters, wood is an easy and versatile material to work with. It requires minimal energy both in production and installation compared to other building materials such as concrete and steel. Wood is also an excellent insulating material thanks to its low density.
Another crucial benefit of wood is that it is an excellent carbon-sink material. This means that it absorbs carbon from the environment throughout its life, both in tree form and as a building material. Let’s not forget that, unlike other building materials, timber is a renewable resource, meaning that as long as humankind utilises it responsibly, i.e., by replacing felled trees, wood will continue to exist for millennia to come.
Shou Sugi Ban: A Timeless Wood Preservation Technique
So, what is Shou Sugi Ban cladding? Also known as Yakisugi, this is an ancient Japanese wood preservation technique that has been in existence since the 18th century. Yaki means “to heat with fire,” while sugi refers to cedar. The Japanese had to develop a way of making their timber products more durable, mainly due to Japan’s harsh climatic conditions. And thus, Shou Sugi Ban was born!
The Japanese artisans would burn the timber planks in controlled conditions to release moisture from the pores. The resultant charred timber effortlessly resists water, flame, insects, and the harsh UV rays. How? During the charring process, the soft outer cells burn off, leaving behind an all-weather carbon layer. It is not surprising that most traditional structures in Japan still stand firm, with some being over 100 years old. Imagine that!
Benefits of Charred Wood Cladding
Charred timber is timeless. It has become greatly popular outside of Japan in just over a decade now, and from the look of modern architecture, it seems like it is here to stay. Today, burnt wood is used in both exterior and interior applications. One of the most common exterior applications is cladding. Let’s discuss some of the numerous benefits Shou Sugi Ban cladding has to offer:
● Enhanced Durability
As mentioned, charred wood is resistant to water, which, in turn, makes it a long-lasting building material. This incredible property means that you can hand down your family home to your grandchildren and even great-grandchildren without worrying about cladding!
- Beauty
Modern manufacturers have incorporated creativity into their production processes. You can now find Shou Sugi Ban boards available in varied patterns and colours to suit your décor. However, unstained boards are still available if you prefer the classic charred look. - Energy Efficiency
Like raw timber, charred wood is also an excellent insulation material, meaning that your home will remain warm even during harsh winters and comfortably chilly during scorching summer days. - Economically-Friendly
Shou Sugi Ban boards are low maintenance materials. You will only need to oil your timber surfaces every 10 to 15 years. How easy is that? - Fire Resistance
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to reignite burnt wood once the fire goes off? The same is true for Yakisugi wood. Your mind can rest easy knowing that your home will be “immune” to fire.
Your Ultimate Cladding Solution
In addition to cedar, at Degmeda.eu, we have incorporated other timber varieties such as Accoya, spruce, pine, Siberian larch. Moreover, you can use our Shou Sugi Ban boards for all your projects, from siding to flooring, decking, and fencing. We also provide worldwide shipping and wood charring services to our clients. For more information, visit our website today.