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How do you protect a CLT construction?

Wood preservation
13.10.2023

From prefabrication to storage and assembly, CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) panels are exposed to the risk of damage. In order to offer a durable material, it is recommended to protect them against biological agents and humidity.

The advantages of a CLT construction

There are several reasons why CLT panels are becoming increasingly popular! The advantages of this material are :

  • Quick to install: because it’s prefabricated in workshops, the job can be done quickly and stays dry!
  • Its performance: thanks to its cross-ply construction, CLT panels offer superior thermal efficiency and mechanical strength.
  • Its ecological solution : unlike concrete, timber is a renewable material. CLT constructions are also a carbon sinkand store around 460 kg of CO2/m3.
  • Its rationality: CLT walls are around 85mm thinner than concrete walls. This increases the surface area of the rooms by a few m2.

Risks of deterioration of CLT wood

Despite all these advantages, CLT, like any other wood material, remains sensitive to moisture. On a CLT site, the main risks of damage to the material are :

  • The risk of damp during transport and construction.
  • Difficult drainage and water traps that can lead to swelling, cracks and biological attack.
  • The risk of stains coming into contact with other materials.

Long-term protection for CLT constructions

For optimum durability, we recommend that our customers protect CLT panels when they are assembled in the factory. At the industrial stage, the moisture content of the material is controlled. For optimum effectiveness, we recommend applying the protective product to panels with a moisture content of no more than 25%

Groupe Berkem has developed a concept under the name AXIL CLT SYSTEM , which provides protection for CLT panels.

1.   Fungicide and insecticide protection

Thoroughly protecting CLT panels before they are installed at the end customer’s premises. As with all wood materials, insects with wood-eating larvae and termites can feed on the wood and eventually cause damage that threatens the solidity of the building. To combat insects and fungi, we strongly recommend applying a fungicide and insecticide.

2.   Waterproofing

Without a water repellent, the moisture content of CLT panels can vary when in contact with water (leaks, bad weather, etc.). In this way, they can go from a humidity level of 10% to 40%, which is conducive to the development of fungi.

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