The Thermowood process begins with the selection of high-quality raw wood, primarily sourced from sustainably managed Nordic forests. Species commonly used include pine, spruce, and sometimes deciduous trees like ash and birch.
2. Drying:
The wood is first dried to decrease its moisture content to near zero. This initial drying phase is crucial as it prepares the wood for the heat treatment process, ensuring uniformity and minimizing the risk of deformation.
3. Heat Treatment:
Once dried, the wood undergoes a heat treatment process. This involves heating the wood in kilns at temperatures ranging from 180°C to 230°C. The process is carried out in the absence of oxygen to prevent the wood from burning. During this phase, chemical and structural changes occur within the wood fibers, which are responsible for the enhanced properties of the final product.
4. Cooling and Conditioning:
After reaching the desired temperature, the wood is gradually cooled. Subsequently, it undergoes a conditioning process to reintroduce a certain amount of moisture back into the wood. This step stabilizes the wood, making it less prone to cracking or warping.
5. Post-Treatment Inspection:
The final step is a thorough inspection and quality control to ensure that the wood meets all the required standards and specifications. Only the best-quality Thermowood progresses to the market.
Thermowood Applications in Costa Rican Cabins
Natural Cabins: Build 100% natural wood cabins with Lunawood, harmoniously integrating with Costa Rica’s natural surroundings. The heat-treated wood provides a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally safe refuge, ideal for maximizing the landscapes and unique climate of the region.
Key Properties of Thermo-Treated Wood
1.Moisture and Humidity Resistance: ThermoWood significantly lowers the wood’s equilibrium moisture content by 50% compared to untreated wood, maintaining this property even under high humidity conditions.
2.Dimensional Stability: The process reduces swelling and shrinkage by 3-5 times in softwoods and up to 15 times in hardwoods, enhancing the wood’s structural integrity.
3.Aesthetic Qualities: Thermo-treatment produces a uniform, attractive golden brown color throughout the wood, which can vary with the temperature and duration of the treatment.
4.Physical Properties:
•Density: Reduced by 5-10%, potentially lowering shipping costs due to lighter weight.
•Hardness: The process can alter the hardness of the wood, generally increasing it depending on the treatment temperature.
•Permeability: Water uptake is reduced up to 5 times, affecting the use of water-soluble glues and paints.
5.Durability Enhancements:
•Insect and Rot Resistance: Increased resistance to common wood pests and improved durability against rot, although it remains less suited for prolonged damp conditions.
•Fire Resistance: Comparable to untreated wood, with slightly better performance in terms of delaying ignition.
6.Environmental Impact: Thermo-treated wood is produced without the use of chemicals, supporting environmentally sustainable building practices. It is fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle, emitting lower levels of volatile organic compounds compared to traditionally kiln-dried wood.