Autoclave wood treatment
In the construction and interior fittings sectors, wood remains the material of choice for its aesthetic, ecological and technical qualities. However, exterior wood structures require protection to ensure their long-term durability and performance in the face of weather and moisture. Among the available treatment solutions, the autoclave impregnation process is a preferred technology for professionals.
In this article, read more about why autoclave treatments are essential for your outdoor projects, how they work, and the benefits they offer in terms of sustainability, compliance, and cost optimization.
The 5 steps for autoclave wood treatment
Autoclave treatment is a precise industrial process, consisting in deeply impregnating wood with protective products. This process increases the wood’s resistance to undesirable biological agents (lignivorous fungi, xylophagous insects) and climatic conditions. The autoclave treatment is carried out in 5 steps :
- Preparing the wood: The pieces of wood are carefully calibrated and placed in a long airtight cylinder called an autoclave.
- Creating a vacuum: The autoclave extracts air and moisture from the wood fibers, preparing the material to receive preservatives.
- Pressure injection: The treatment products are injected under high pressure, ensuring uniform penetration into the wood.
- Final vacuum phase: A last suction phase removes the excess product on the surface for a clean finish.
- Drying: The wood is dried to stabilize the treatment and prepare it for use.
This method provides deep protection that is much more effective than simple surface treatments.
Applications of autoclaved wood
Autoclaved wood is intended for outdoor use, where it is exposed to prolonged adverse conditions that may cause premature wear (for use in wood service class 3.2 to 4). This type of treatment provides effective protection against weathering (rain, UV rays) and moisture (which can cause mold and attract xylophagous insects).
Autoclaved wood guarantees strength and durability for applications such as cladding, decking, terraces, outdoor furniture (e.g. pergolas and fences).
Advantages of autoclaved wood
Prolonged resistance to biological aggressions. Outdoor works are constantly exposed to conditions that favor fungal growth or insect attack. Autoclave treatments provide long-lasting protection even in harsh conditions.
Adaptability to a wide range of outdoor uses. Autoclave treatment is suitable for lumber used in a wide variety of applications, from framing to exterior cladding. This process is particularly recommended for woods subjected to prolonged moisture or in direct contact with the ground (usage class 3.2 to 4).
Compliance with standards and regulations. Modern autoclave treatments meet the requirements of European regulations such as the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Respecting sustainability standards, they guarantee safe use for both professionals and the environment.
Groupe Berkem’s AXIL 3000 P+ autoclave wood treatment
Groupe Berkem offers a range of products specially designed for autoclave treatment, to ensure sustainable wood production solutions. These solutions combine efficiency, security, and compliance to provide comprehensive protection for business projects. AXIL 3000 P+ is one of the essential wood preservatives that can be applied by autoclave.
The preventive treatment AXIL 3000 P+ can be applied in an autoclave to prevent the appearance of fungi, insects and termites (up to usage class 3.2). This treatment preserves the appearance of the wood, making it particularly suitable for use where aesthetics are an important consideration and need to be maintained. AXIL 3000 P+ is compatible with the AXIL® Color Collection of professional finishes, resulting in aesthetic woods that retain their fungicidal and insecticidal properties.
AXIL 3000 P+ meets the protection, performance and sustainability needs of construction professionals.