Modified Wood Siding: The Ultimate Guide to Benefits, Types, and Maintenance

Modified wood siding is a popular choice among homeowners and builders alike due to its durability and sustainability. One type of modified wood siding that has gained popularity in recent years is thermally modified wood. This process involves heating the wood to high temperatures, which changes its chemical and physical properties, making it more resistant to decay, insects, and moisture.

Thermally modified wood siding is an excellent option for those looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly material. The process uses only heat and steam, making it a chemical-free and environmentally friendly way to modify wood. Additionally, thermally modified wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring that the material is sustainable and renewable.

In addition to being sustainable and eco-friendly, thermally modified wood siding is also highly durable. The modification process makes the wood more resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, making it an ideal choice for exterior applications. This type of siding also requires minimal maintenance, as it does not need to be treated with chemicals or sealants to maintain its durability.

Overview of Thermally Modified Wood Siding

Thermally modified wood siding is a type of wood siding that undergoes a process of thermal modification to enhance its durability and resistance to moisture, fungi, and pests. This type of siding is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and builders due to its unique properties and aesthetic appeal. Here is an overview of the thermal modification process and the benefits of thermally modified wood siding.

Understanding Thermal Modification Process

Thermal modification is a process that involves heating wood to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process causes the wood to undergo a chemical change on a cellular level, resulting in a more stable and durable material. During the thermal modification process, the wood is heated to temperatures ranging from 160 to 250 degrees Celsius. The process takes several hours to complete, depending on the type of wood and the desired outcome.

Benefits of Thermally Modified Wood

Thermally modified wood siding has several benefits over traditional wood siding. One of the primary benefits is its enhanced durability and resistance to moisture, fungi, and pests. This makes it an excellent choice for exterior applications where non-toxic durability is required. Additionally, thermal modification can improve the insulating properties of the wood, potentially leading to energy savings.

Another benefit of thermally modified wood siding is its stability. All exterior wood siding will expand and contract outdoors, depending on the moisture content of the wood. When it is drier, wood siding will shrink somewhat. When exterior woods get wet, they pick up moisture and will expand, especially widthwise. Thermally modified exterior wood siding will expand and contract, too, but to a lesser degree than untreated wood siding. This makes it an ideal choice for regions with extreme weather conditions.

Finally, thermally modified wood siding is a sustainable option for homeowners and builders. The thermal modification process uses heat and steam to modify the wood, without the use of chemicals or preservatives. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.

In conclusion, thermally modified wood siding is a durable, stable, and sustainable option for homeowners and builders. Its enhanced durability and resistance to moisture, fungi, and pests make it an excellent choice for exterior applications, while its stability and energy-saving properties make it an ideal choice for regions with extreme weather conditions.

Types and Species

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Modified wood siding is available in both hardwood and softwood options. Hardwood is denser and more durable than softwood, which makes it more resistant to decay, insects, and weather damage. Softwood, on the other hand, is less expensive and easier to work with. In general, hardwood is a better choice for siding because it has a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance.

Popular Wood Species for Siding

Some of the most popular wood species for modified wood siding include pine, poplar, and oak. Pine is a softwood that is easy to work with and has a warm, natural appearance. It is also affordable and readily available. Poplar is another softwood that is often used for siding because it is lightweight and has a smooth surface that is easy to paint or stain. Oak is a hardwood that is known for its durability and strength. It is also resistant to decay and insects, which makes it a good choice for siding.

When choosing a wood species for modified wood siding, it is important to consider factors such as cost, durability, and appearance. Hardwood species are generally more expensive than softwood species, but they also last longer and require less maintenance. Pine and poplar are both affordable and easy to work with, but they may not be as durable as hardwood species. Oak is a strong and durable hardwood, but it is also more expensive than other wood species.

Overall, there are many different types of wood species and grades available for modified wood siding. Homeowners should choose a wood species that meets their specific needs and budget.

Design and Aesthetics

Wood siding is a popular choice for homeowners and builders due to its natural beauty and versatility. Thermally modified wood siding offers a unique design and aesthetic appeal that sets it apart from traditional wood siding options.

Profile Options

Thermally modified wood siding is available in a variety of profiles, including shiplap, tongue and groove, and channel rustic. These profiles offer different installation options and can be used to create different design elements.

Finish and Color Variations

Thermally modified wood siding undergoes a thermal modification process that changes the wood's chemical and physical properties. This process results in a more durable and stable wood product that is resistant to rot and decay.

The thermal modification process also creates rich tones and natural color variations in the wood. Over time, the wood will experience color change due to exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. This natural color change adds to the unique and beautiful aesthetic of thermally modified wood siding.

To further enhance the natural beauty of thermally modified wood siding, a variety of finishes and stains can be applied. These finishes and stains can help protect the wood from weathering and UV damage while also enhancing the wood's natural color and grain.

In summary, thermally modified wood siding offers a unique and beautiful design option for homeowners and builders. With a variety of profile options and natural color variations, thermally modified wood siding can add a touch of natural beauty to any home or building project.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper Installation Techniques

Proper installation techniques are crucial to ensure the longevity and durability of thermally modified wood siding. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for installation. The installation process may vary depending on the type of siding, such as shiplap or tongue and groove. It is recommended to use stainless steel nails or screws for installation to prevent rust stains on the siding.

When installing thermally modified wood siding, it is important to leave a gap of at least 1/8 inch between each board to allow for expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. It is also recommended to install a moisture barrier between the siding and the sheathing to prevent moisture from penetrating the siding and causing damage.

Maintenance and Care

Thermally modified wood siding requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood siding. However, regular maintenance is still necessary to ensure the longevity and beauty of the siding. It is recommended to apply a UV protective surface finish to the siding to protect it from the sun's harmful rays and prevent fading.

Cutek Extreme Penetrating Oil is a popular choice for maintaining thermally modified wood siding. This oil penetrates deep into the wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection against moisture and UV damage. It is recommended to apply the oil every 12-18 months or as needed to maintain the protective barrier.

Regular cleaning is also important to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris on the siding. It is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to clean the siding. High-pressure washers should be avoided as they can damage the wood fibers and strip the protective finish.

In summary, proper installation techniques and regular maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity and durability of thermally modified wood siding. Applying a UV protective surface finish and using Cutek Extreme Penetrating Oil can help maintain the beauty and protect the siding from moisture and UV damage.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Thermally modified wood siding is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional wood siding. It is made from sustainably harvested wood, which means that the forests are managed in a way that ensures the long-term health and productivity of the ecosystem. This type of wood siding is also a natural product, which means that it is not made from synthetic materials that can have a negative impact on the environment.

One of the biggest advantages of thermally modified wood siding is that it is domestically sourced. This means that it is produced and manufactured in the United States, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Domestic sourcing also ensures that the wood is subject to strict environmental regulations, which helps to minimize the impact on the environment.

Thermally modified wood siding has a number of other environmental benefits as well. For example, it requires less maintenance than traditional wood siding, which reduces the amount of energy and resources needed to maintain it. It is also highly durable, which means that it lasts longer and reduces the need for replacement. Additionally, thermally modified wood siding is a renewable resource, which means that it can be harvested and replanted indefinitely.

In conclusion, thermally modified wood siding is an excellent choice for those who are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional wood siding. It is sustainably harvested, domestically sourced, and a natural product. It also requires less maintenance, is highly durable, and is a renewable resource.