When it comes to choosing the right material for your next construction project, stability is a top priority. Whether you’re designing a home in the desert, building a modern urban retreat, or creating a long-lasting outdoor structure, you need materials that withstand the elements. This is where Thermory stands apart from the competition.
The Science Behind Thermory’s Stability
All of our wood undergoes a unique thermal modification process that significantly improves its stability. By heating the wood to high temperatures in a controlled environment, the structure of the wood changes, making it more resistant to bending, warping, and cracking. Our fine-tuned process results in a product that thrives – particularly in extreme climates.
1. Chemical Changes for Greater Stability
Thermal modification alters the wood’s core components — cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin – enhancing its stability.
Cellulose: The heat partially breaks down cellulose, which reduces the wood’s ability to absorb moisture. This leads to improved dimensional stability, meaning the wood won’t expand or contract as much in response to humidity changes.
Hemicellulose: This component is more vulnerable to heat, and when it breaks down, the wood becomes more resistant to moisture, decreasing the likelihood of swelling or warping.
Lignin: Heat causes lignin to restructure, which makes the wood more rigid, further improving its overall stability.
2. Reduced Moisture Absorption
Thermory’s thermal modification process reduces the amount of moisture the wood absorbs. This is critical for preventing the expansion and contraction that leads to warping or cracking, especially in regions with fluctuating humidity levels. Thermory wood stays intact and visually appealing over time, even in regions with extreme weather.
3. Rot and Pest Resistance
Thermal modification removes the sugars in the wood that feed decay-causing fungi. This not only makes Thermory naturally resistant to rot but also to pest damage. For exterior applications, this means less maintenance and longer-lasting designs.
4. Long-Term Durability
The combination of reduced moisture absorption, enhanced resistance to warping, and improved structural integrity gives Thermory wood an exceptional lifespan, for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Case Study: HAUS5 Flourishes in the Heart of the Desert
One of the best demonstrations of Thermory’s stability is its application at Haus 5, a modern home built in the Sonoran Desert. The project’s design incorporated Thermory’s Benchmark Ash cladding, providing both aesthetic appeal and unmatched performance in extreme heat.
Tom Knutson, Co-Founder K2 Signature Homes, explains, “In a climate as unforgiving as the Sonoran Desert, Thermory wood proves its worth. Our extensive experience with this material ensures that even under extreme heat, it performs exceptionally well, offering long-lasting durability and aesthetic richness. The cladding and ceiling treatments provide warmth without compromising the home’s clean, modern lines.”
Thermory vs. Other Wood Treatments
It’s important to understand how Thermory’s stability compares to other types of wood treatments:
Heat-Treated Wood: Typically exposed to lower temperatures (around 130°F) to kill pests, but it doesn’t enhance the wood’s properties like thermal modification.
Chemically-Treated Wood: While chemically-treated wood is resistant to rot and decay, it may release harmful toxins.
Thermally-Modified Wood: Preserves the wood’s natural beauty without substances, making it ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
The Physical Changes: How Thermal Modification Transforms Wood
In addition to the chemical changes, thermal modification also results in physical transformations:
Moisture Content Reduction: Makes the wood less prone to mold and fungal growth.
Increased Dimensional Stability: Ensures the wood won’t expand or contract significantly with humidity fluctuations.
Color Change: Darkens the wood (a result of the breakdown of lignin), resulting in a rich, deep color that enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Stability Meets Service
At Thermory, we prioritize distinction in every board we produce. As Mark Challinor, CEO, states, “Our mission is to supply beautiful and long-lasting wood products to the construction industry, providing an alternative to tropical woods, chemically-treated woods, and man-made products that rely on plastics and adhesives. The primary value driving us is ‘excellence’—excellence in both quality and customer experience.”
This commitment to quality is reflected in every product. Kevin DeMars, former CEO, adds, “We want to make the lives of contractors easier when they choose Thermory. We want architects to be inspired. We want homeowners and developers to feel good about choosing Thermory. Our motto is ‘Leave a lasting impact.’”
When it comes to creating lasting, stable, and beautiful wood products, we set the standard. By choosing Thermory, you’re not just selecting a material—you’re investing in a product that offers unmatched performance. That’s why Thermory.
Image Credits: Jason Roehner. Marita Mones.
