Architects, Siding Contractors, and Homeowners are navigating the rising complexities of construction in wildfire-prone areas. Prioritizing safety and code compliance yet not wanting to sacrifice curb appeal. Mataverde SaferWood has shown itself to be an exceptional choice for those who are unwilling to compromise. A recent interview from a Tahoe homeowner illustrates precisely why Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR proved to be the optimal selection for his home exterior renovation.
Innovative, durable Mataverde SaferWood siding addresses this crucial balance. This advanced siding solution not only meets stringent IWUI (International Wildland-Urban Interface) fire codes but also offers a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Last year, a mountain home in Tahoe, California, was still displaying its circa 1980 pastel siding. However, unlike the enduring appeal of Cyndi Lauper, this particular residence appeared undeniably tired and dated.
New owners Andrew and Liz Byer, with their creative vision, immediately recognized its inherent potential to transform into their ideal Tahoe home. They eagerly anticipated a lifestyle rich with outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, winter sports, and beach access, all conveniently nearby. Andrew humorously added that they "tolerate the snow to allow us to ski and snowboard”. As an artist, Liz would have breathtaking views to inspire her work.
However, the initial phase of their project required critical decisions regarding the siding design and material selection in a high-fire-risk zone. Andrew sought inspiration and engaged with experts to bring their vision to life. The result is a home that now boasts a completely reimagined exterior with Mataverde SaferWood siding.
The home’s façade had previously featured T1-11 plywood siding, characterized by a "peachy-pink paint color" and "small, octagonal windows that looked like portholes," as Andrew described. In stark contrast, his vision encompassed a contemporary lodge-inspired exterior, featuring natural, clear vertical grain wood siding that would blend with the wooded surroundings, a commanding heavy timber entryway, and expansive windows.
Andrew and his home designer drew design inspiration from various online sources, including the comprehensive Mataverde Wood Siding Project Galleries. Ultimately, he settled on a captivating aesthetic that contrasted the natural appeal of ignition-resistant Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR in a Nickel-Gap profile contrasted with natural stone and sleek black trim.
See it for yourself. Get your sample of Mataverde SaferWood now.
When asked about his decision to select Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR over other fire-treated wood siding options, Andrew stated emphatically that Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR "fit everything I wanted." This comprehensive satisfaction included a real wood siding option with superior fire treatment, cost-effective, compelling aesthetic and color, and remarkable versatility.
After installation, the ThermaWood FR siding was given an oil-based finish
Class A Fire Rating: Provides the highest level of fire resistance for building materials.
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Approved: Specifically designed and tested for use in areas prone to wildfires.
International Wildland-Urban Interface (IWUI) Approved: Meets rigorous international standards for wildfire safety.
Ignition-resistant
Passed the 10-Year California Weathering Test: Demonstrates exceptional long-term durability and performance under varying environmental conditions – a test very few fire-retardant treated woods have passed.
Sustainable and Recyclable: Made from responsibly sourced Hemlock and can be recycled, minimizing environmental impact.
Proprietary Fire-Retardant Treatment: Unique Thermex-FR treatment that bonds deep in the wood fibers, not just the surface. It is permanent, non-leaching, and non-toxic to people, pets, and the environment.
Fire-resistance won't wash, flake or wear off over time: It's worth noting that surface fire treatments diminish over time, losing fire resistance. A significant advantage of the fire-retardant treatment used on Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR is its ability to bond with the wood at a cellular level.
Andrew shared that he initially considered Mataverde Garapa hardwood for its stability, durability, lighter color, and low upkeep. However, given the residence's location in a wildfire-prone area, utilizing fire-treated lumber that fully complied with updated California fire codes was non-negotiable.
Andrew then learned from our team about Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR, a thermally modified fire-retardant treated hemlock. Beyond the superior fire treatment process, Andrew found that the richer, natural tones of thermally modified hemlock were more suited to the exterior design than the lighter, golden-blonde hues of Garapa wood. Andrew also appreciated that thermally modified wood offered comparable durability and insect resistance to traditional hardwoods. While lower maintenance wasn't an initial driving factor, he was pleasantly surprised by the reduced upkeep requirements and associated cost savings of Mataverde thermally modified wood.
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR also offers these distinct benefits for exterior projects:
Thermally modified lumber presents a lower upfront material cost compared to most hardwoods and other softwoods. It boasts reduced upkeep expenses versus non-modified softwoods and is notably easier to cut than hardwoods, saving time and tools. This combination makes it a comprehensively budget-friendly solution while still meeting rigorous project criteria.
We encourage you to explore this comparison of recent siding costs to see how Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR siding measures up against other options you might be considering.
Ready to see if Mataverde SaferWood meets your budget criteria? Request a project quote here.
The naturally occurring range of the Hemlock colors after thermal modification, shown finished Penofin oil-based UV protectant.
The naturally occurring spectrum of Hemlock colors, after thermal modification and finished with Penofin oil-based UV protectant, is truly striking.
The original lighter wood colors of the Hemlock used in Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR siding are deepened into darker, richer tones by the high heat inherent in the modification process. Thermally modified Hemlock exhibits a range of light to medium brown hues. To preserve these tones and maintain their like-new appearance, we recommend finishing with Penofin oil-based UV protectant or a similar product.
These inherent color characteristics give homeowners and designers the ability to effortlessly coordinate the siding with their desired aesthetic, ensuring that both safety and style are elegantly preserved. Andrew observed that his siding turned out "a little darker than expected … it has a nice, deep, rich color that I like even better." He also noted that it is "clear" and "without a lot of knots," which was his preference, leaving him highly satisfied with the final outcome.
Is Mataverde SaferWood the right siding for your design? Request a sample now and find out.
Discover More Inspiration: ThermaWood Hemlock Wood Siding Project Photo Gallery
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR siding utilizes sustainably sourced Hemlock wood from Canada. The carbon footprint associated with this siding is intentionally minimized, with the Hemlock completing a limited geographic journey from its Canadian source through the thermal modification and fire treatment processes in the U.S.
The thermal modification process employs only heat, steam, and high pressure, completely avoiding the use of chemicals. Additionally, the Chemco Thermex-FR treatment is non-toxic, allowing the wood to be recycled responsibly.
Chemco treats Mataverde ThermaWood FR with their innovative Thermex-FR(R) fire retardant.
Curious about this permanent fire treatment? Watch this overview on YouTube.
Andrew specifically appreciated Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR's exceptional resistance to insects and decay. Because the modification process removes most of the wood sugars from the boards, insects find it far less appealing.
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR also boasts durability characteristics comparable to hardwoods like Garapa and Ipe and significantly surpasses the durability of non-modified Hemlock.
This translates to an end to constant siding upkeep. Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding requires minimal maintenance: routine cleaning as needed and the reapplication of an oil-based finish to protect the exterior from UV damage, as required.
Working with Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding is a genuinely pleasant experience for both contractors and homeowners. Thermally modified hemlock offers enhanced strength and stability compared to non-modified hemlock, and its characteristics are comparable to higher-fiber-density hardwoods.
Modified Hemlock is notably easier to cut than high-density hardwoods, and isn’t brittle like fiber-cement, characteristics Andrew particularly valued for the custom architectural details. He and his home designer specified custom corners mitered at a 45-degree angle instead of standard siding trim, a process that was more time-intensive. Creating this detail on-site would have been more time-consuming and labor-intensive with hardwood siding, but Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR allowed the project to stay within budget.
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR's superior durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and permanent, non-toxic fire-retardant treatment are significant advantages. But can it also meet your IWUI fire code project needs and contribute to cost savings?
"Mataverde SaferWood can be put in a soffit or on exterior walls, without the use of firebreak materials in the wall assemblies. Traditionally, that firebreak would be exterior gypsum. By eliminating the gypsum, you reduce both labor and material costs, which is pretty significant."
- Perry Alibrio, Mataverde Western Regional Manager
With an increasing number of U.S. states and Canadian provinces expanding their building fire codes, architects, home designers, and builders require dependable solutions. Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR is both IWUI and WUI certified, consistently meeting and surpassing these evolving requirements.
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding is created for exterior applications, making it an incredibly versatile solution for all your siding design criteria.
Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR eliminates the need for firebreak assemblies in the wall, saving both time and expense during installation, and giving you more freedom for architectural details.
Whether you're designing a contemporary masterpiece or preserving the charm of a classic home, Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR's adaptability ensures seamless integration.
Safety is paramount, and Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding fully embraces this principle in two key ways. First, the patented thermal modification process relies solely on heat, steam, and a high-pressure kiln—no chemicals or other additives are needed to create a more stable, cost-effective siding board.
In contrast, most fire-treated woods employ Boride-based surface treatments, which can become airborne during installation and require heightened safety precautions. Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR's permanent treatment will not "shed" off when handled like surface treatments, making it safe for siding installers on site.
Furthermore, its non-toxic nature extends to its interaction with people and pets, offering complete peace of mind for every family member, whether two-legged or four-legged.
We hope this comprehensive overview demonstrates that Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding presents an impeccable blend of aesthetics, durability, and safety. With its stunning color range, minimal maintenance requirements, and user-friendly attributes, it caters to the discerning needs of homeowners and home designers alike. Unlock the full potential of your exterior design in wildfire-prone areas with Mataverde SaferWood Thermawood FR Siding and redefine your experience of safety and beauty in one remarkable package.
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