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What does Ardes Dry mean?

Ardes Dry from the Latin ARDES burn and DRY from dry English, in fact burn and dry is the production process with which Sapiens produces its products with fire treatment. This process we define Fireskin 330 indicates the burn time, the flame extinguishing, the production and stabilization temperatures of the wood and the finishing cycle.

Ardes Dry is a Sho Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi)?

Partially: only the S.S.B. version is to be considered a Sho Sugi Ban as it respects the classical canons of this ancient production technique

So what is Ardes Dry HI-TECH by Sapiens?

It’s our innovative manufacturing patent made in Italy thanks to which we can guarantee our customers a product that is extremely better than the old Sho Sugi Ban technique, solving and improving the limits that this technique placed.

What distinguishes Ardes Dry HI-TECH from Sho Sugi Ban?

HI-TECH is a nano technology that allows you to guarantee the typical look of burnt wood to the boards while avoiding the fall of soot and carbonization dust, elements that limit their use indoors, and above all with the possibility of being able to customize it with the use of modern and innovative colors also on corten and metal base.

Is HI-TECH technology made with chemical cycles or harmful toxic solvents?

No, all our production technology exclusively involves the use of water cycles on the basis of oils or hybrid oils (oil-water) without release of any pollutant.

Are Yakisugi and Sho Sugi Ban two different techniques?

Nowadays in the West the two terms are used synonymously. Originally, there were differences depending on the type of wood used, but in reality the Japanese word that has always best described the burning technique is Yakisugi, resulting from the correct pronunciation of the Japanese cedar name (bot.Cryptomeria japonica). The two names are born from the different writing and pronunciation of Chinese and Old Japanese. Over time, the word Sho Sugi Ban has been used in the West to identify burnt and oil-treated wooden planks.

Is charred wood more or less fire-resistant than normal wood?

ARDES resists fire about 35% more than a normal wood: once burned the surface naturally creates a layer much more resistant to flame, which helps to keep the inner layers cold and thus achieving greater strength and insulation.

Is there a certification that guarantees greater fire resistance than a traditional burnt wood?

Yes, the ARDES range is certified in European fire class Cs1d0 suitable for use even in public environments where less fire load is required.

How long does burnt wood last when installed in the outdoor wall?

This technique has been known for many centuries because, despite being an essentially natural production process, it is able to guarantee wood an extremely longer durability than all the techniques used to preserve wood outdoors.

Is the material attacked over the years by fungi and/or aggressors in outdoor use?

No, the material is indigestible to external aggressors who cannot decompose it in any way.

Are there outdoor environments where it is not possible to install it?

Basically you can use Ardes in all circumstances, from wet heat to intense cold. In projects where a specific length is required or the surrounding environment is extreme (for example, facing the sea or at high altitude) we suggest to use burnt Accoya wood, able to assume a greater level of dimensional stability.

Does Ardes absorb moisture after long rains?

No, the material treated with our technique, if properly installed, effectively resists water and moisture.

Does burnt wood require maintenance?

Unlike other types of wood, once burned, Ardes does not require any maintenance. It is advisable to protect the color from the aggression of the UV rays present in the outside with a simple treatment to be performed as needed on the surface.

How does color behave over time?

The color of Ardes tends to turn graying as a physiological process over the years in reaction to light.

Which type of wood is preferably chosen by Sapiens to produce Ardes?

We preferred to develop our production towards wood endemic to the European territory to reduce the impact of CO2 and in relation to its quality the best solution was logically Larch, able to guarantee the best dimensional stability and durability. In the range we also use two other types of wood, the simplest Fir and the extraordinary Accoya wood. In all cases we talk about resinous woods, suitable to welcome the treatment of burning, but offering three different types of wood, the Larch will present a texture “crocodile” Fir wood will be very present knot, and finally with the wood of Accoya we will have a texture effect “dry earth”.

Can Ardes be used on the floor?

We must make a distinction, in the Ardes collection we have two families with two different types of processing, DRY and FLAME. The Ardes DRY collection is not used for flooring as it would be too soft in the footfall and at the level of mechanical strength. In the FLAME collection, we also offer profiling for decking.

Why does the Ardes range tend not to use the male and female profile?

On thicknesses of 20 mm in certain wood types, installing a stave with M/F profile on the wall would mean guaranteeing the slat connection on an element too thin, in these cases we prefer R3Q side profiles, that guarantee an extension of the average life of the product. However, by increasing the thickness and changing the wood type, we can also guarantee profiles with male/female system (PRO/MUST). On the basis of customer requirements, we propose the most technically suitable solution.

Is Ardes an expensive product?

Our materials are significantly cheaper compared to any other traditional outdoor wood solution. Considering the minimum maintenance required (washing, brushing, filing and cost of oils and scaffolding), compared to the extraordinary durability in an average cycle of 20/25 years, Ardes is extremely convenient in the quality/ price ratio compared to its competitors.

Are special operations required for installation or specific labour?

No, Ardes does not require special installation steps. It is mounted like any ventilated wooden facade.

Can I install wood planks directly on the walls?

No, it is necessary to use an anchor substructure that allows proper ventilation and air circulation. In addition, the substructure must be suitable to support the wood itself over the years in terms of strength and dimensional stability.

Can boards be installed against each other on the wall?

It is a good professional rule to ensure the slats a few millimeters of margin to encourage a right expansion especially in profiling R3Q. This space can be protected in advance by installing our black aluminum curtain net that prevents nesting.

What is the scope of the Ardes line materials?

Normally they are mainly used in the field of ventilated facades, false ceilings, panelling both in the outdoor and indoor field. In the Ardes range we can also offer applications in the world of furniture and design accessories through special resination treatments.

What are the differences between the Ardes Dry range and the Ardes Flame range?

Basically the texture obtained from the burn. In the ARDES DRY collection we have a surface that is hardly traceable to wood, it seems a new material, also thanks to the special technology, applied exclusively on the DRY line we can obtain very material and new aesthetic effects, expanding its installation also indoors. In the FLAME collection, however, through the burning, and the subsequent brushing we go to enhance the grain of the wood itself, this collection was born only for outdoor applications.

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Why do we at Sapiens define the wood of Accoya ³ as “molecular wood”?

Because Accoya, thanks to the process of acetylation undergoes a transformation, the initial wood essence, “Pino Radiata” is deeply transformed in its structure, This process generates an irreversible transformation that changes at the molecular level the structure of the pore of the wood that transforms improving its characteristics of durability and dimensional stability as in general its resistance over time.

What is the wood of Accoya made of?

The Accoya wood is made from radiata pine trees grown in New Zealand, then taken and transferred to the Netherlands, where they undergo a process of modification, more specifically known as acetylation. This process transforms the pine radiata in the most stable wood in the world, the Accoya.

What is the treatment to which Pino Radiata is subjected in order to become Accoya? And what is the name of this treatment?

It’s called acetylation! You should know that wood naturally contains some acetyl groups, but also many “free” hydroxyls, to which water binds causing problems. During production, the process uses acetic anhydride – comparable to a very strong vinegar – to increase the acetyl content of wood and thus replace hydroxyls. The moisture contained inside the wood is incredibly reduced, preventing the wood from swelling and contracting and removing water from the list of problems.

Where does Accoya® wood come from?

Accoya wood originates in sustainably managed forests in New Zealand, such as Pino Radiata. These forests are all approved by FSC, this certification ensures responsible forest management, confirming that the forest is managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and brings benefits to local people and workers. Radiata pine has a very rapid growth especially in this part of the world, and is shipped from here to the Netherlands for the transformation process.

If wood is reforested in New Zealand, how can it be defined as sustainable with such a long transport?

The supply from New Zealand involves a long total distance traveled by our timber. During the growth phase the tree compensates for CO2 for at least 26 years. For transport we use the lowest possible impact mode, namely bulk maritime transport in accordance with IMO 2000 standards, with efficient ships and slow steaming, which can minimise transport emissions. The lifespan of our products further reduces the relative impact of transport on carbon emissions.

Are there any certifications that guarantee the quality of Accoya’s products?

Quality is our goal: from KOMO certification to Cradle to Cradle Gold certification and many more. “Quality” concerns both our processes and our products, but of course making sure our customers are satisfied with Accoya¹ is also a top priority. Although there are species of timber with faster growth such as bamboo, the pine we use has been selected for its rapid growth, for the incredible yield that this type of tree offers. These factors allow Accoya ³ to meet the growing demand for low impact wood products, thanks to sourcing from sustainable forests in New Zealand.

What’s the acetylation co-product and what happens to it?

Acetic acid is the chemical element in the acetylation process that can be used in various sectors (including food) or converted into acetic anhydride, making the process a closed cycle and allowing total recycling.

Can acetic acid be dangerous if released in the environment or in close contact with humans?

Absolutely not, as it is an organic chemical element obtained from the fermentation of vinegars; it is normally used by the food and pharmacological industries without problems. When used indoors, during the first few days you can perceive a slight smell of vinegar, which will fade within a few days.

If not painted Accoya® deteriorates or rots?

Like other woody species, unpainted Accoya wood changes its appearance over time: if left outside and exposed to the elements, it takes on an elegant silvery grey colour. Unlike other woods, however, the weather does not affect the durability, stability or performance of the Accoya. During the process of adaptation to weather conditions, the color of the surface Accoya ³ may appear uneven due to the different levels of sunlight and rain that come into contact with wood, but with time it is uniform in a refined silver grey effect that can last for decades.

Can Accoya® be recycled?

Certainly yes. Where possible, recycling is preferable to the combustion of Accoya, because the final product is 100% recyclable.

How to clean and maintain an Accoya® wooden terrace?

Wooden floors and walls are subject to natural weathering and require regular cleaning. Each terrace requires an individual maintenance interval, depending on the location, intensity of use and personal preferences. Under normal circumstances, an Accoya blanket should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year, preferably in spring, with a slight cleaning throughout the year. More frequent cleaning may be required if the terrace is permanently in the shade, for example on the north side of a house or in the immediate vicinity of bushes, large trees and forests. Cleaning of the terrace Accoya can be carried out with a rigid brush and clean water. The process is improved by wetting it before cleaning, as the soaking softens any incrustations and dirt stains. For the most persistent stains, you can use a wood cleaner; we recommend a product with a pH value of less than nine and rinse the decking thoroughly with clean water. Planned surfaces are easier to clean than rough sawn surfaces. The use of a pressure washer is absolutely unsuitable for wooden decorations and is expressly not recommended: high pressure water jet can damage the wooden boards, regardless of the wood species.

Is Accoya® a hard or soft wood?

Accoya is a modified wood. It was born as conifer wood, known as radiata pine, but is modified through the acetylation process. Although it remains a normal wood, it is characterized by an incredible durability and is absolutely not toxic. It has a Class 1 durability, is extremely stable and structurally certified.

Which paint to use on Accoya®?

Different finishing options are available for the Accoya, from natural-looking oils to high-performance paint systems, all in an infinite variety of colors. There is no specific brand of paint to use. However, within each brand there may be some products more suitable for use on Accoya than others in certain situations. It is also important to follow the correct procedures for the preparation and application of paints and dyes. It is important to understand that once the painting is done it will be necessary to carry out a maintenance to the paint itself, as in the external area the UV rays tend to deteriorate the color.

Can Accoya® be attacked or damaged by particular substances?

Accoya is a wood with very high durability and dimensional stability without maintenance. However, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with metal materials (such as iron or galvanized iron and in general with all unprotected metals at an anti-corrosive level), as oxidation phenomena may be generated with surface stains on the wood.

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