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BENEFITS OF SHOU SUGI BAN
CHARRED TIMBER CLADDING
What are the Benefits of Charring timber
Shou sugi ban, developed in Japan 500-600 years ago, enhances wood's resistance to fire, insects, and rot, thus extending its lifespan. This traditional method, born from practical necessity rather than aesthetics, involves charring durable timber at 1060°C.
The resulting charred timber cladding is low-maintenance, UV-protected, and visually striking. The char repels water and protects against rain, decay, and UV damage, gradually eroding to reveal the beautiful timber grain beneath.
Below are some benefits of a charred cladding.
Maintenance Free Timber Cladding *
Shou sugi ban significantly reduces maintenance needs. Properly charred timber resists UV and environmental damage, seldom requiring upkeep. The charring process hardens the timber, enhancing its durability against the elements.
Traditional Longevity
In Japan, charred timber cladding has traditionally lasted over 80 years without oiling.
Modern Best Practices
Today, it's recommended to oil the timber once before installation and again within six weeks. Depending on local conditions, reapplication is only needed every 5 to 7 years.
Enhanced Durability and Aesthetics
Charred timber is stronger than natural timber cladding and improves in appearance over time. While some homeowners oil it every 5-7 years to maintain a fresh look, it’s not necessary.
Warranty Considerations
Although shou sugi ban is oil maintenance-free with some timbers, the timber manufacturer's warranties may require an oil maintenance cycle. where this is the case this requirement takes priority.
Stronger Stable Timber.
The Japanese developed charring timber cladding as a way of improving the strength and performance of timber homes.
The process of charring timber case-hardens the outer cell layers through very high heat conditioning. The timber becomes both stronger and more stable from being exposed to high temperatures, much like the process used in the thermal modification by Abodo Wood.
Stability in timber is critically important when reducing cupping and shrinking caused by weather changes. With our charred timber cladding we choose naturally strong stable timbers and then improve their characteristics with our unique charring technology.
Improved Natural Resistance
Charring timber cladding causes an important reaction making our timber more unattractive to bugs and fungi.
The cell structure of timber is 65 to 90% Hemi-cellulose which is a tasty sugar to bugs and fungi. The charring process causes this food source to be burnt off leaving strong, but not tasty, lignin behind.
No food source means the timber is of no interest to fungi or bugs. Additionally, the charred timber is now case-hardened making it more difficult for unwanted pests to penetrate.
The charred surface is also a natural hydrophobic protection against weathering, at the same time as being fire retardant.
Environmentally Correct.
At The Blackwood Project, we ensure a clean, healthy future by enhancing timber stability, durability, and lifespan using fire, without chemicals.
We select naturally durable species and use a low-carbon flash firing process, avoiding the high energy consumption of kilns used for thermal modification.
Timber cladding locks away carbon, with each tonne of timber sequestering 1.7 tonnes of CO2. Shou sugi ban is a chemical-free, eco-friendly method that ensures your timber lasts a lifetime, benefiting future generations.
Yakisugi offers healthier, non-toxic, natural cladding, making it the right environmental choice. Rest easy knowing you’ve contributed positively to the planet.
