Best Practices For Finishing High Density Hardwood Decks
When it comes to finishing high-density hardwood decks such as Ipe, Torem, Cumaru and Batu application can be a highly arduous task. This is not only because these species have a relatively high density but also because they have smaller vessels than those found in other commercially available hardwoods. While the task of finish application can be difficult, there are solutions for increasing the penetration performance of finishes like Nova's ExoShield™. Enter water popping, a technique commonly used among hardwood flooring installers that promotes the effective and uniform penetration of a given finish. *Note that the water popping method is not intended for film-forming finishes that create a coating or "film" on the wood surface.
What is water popping?
Water popping, also known as grain-popping, involves the application of clean water to an unfinished wooden substrate to open or "pop" high-density wood cells. Wood is inherently hygroscopic, meaning it will readily absorb liquid water. When this occurs, water forces the wood cells to expand. As the water evaporates, the wood's cellular structure will remain open temporarily allowing it to receive finishes more readily.
Finish Penetration
When applying a penetrating oil finish, like Nova's ExoShield™ the product will attempt to absorb into the wood on a cellular level. If the vessels (known as tracheids in softwoods) of a given species are tightly closed the finish will not readily penetrate as desired. This also translates to penetrating oil finishes containing pigments which mitigate UV rays from graying out the wooden surface. Observe the penetration rate of non-water popped vs water popped Torem in the image below hard to believe it's the same board!
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By
Micah Sutfin,
12/31/24
Background Details
When we bought our house in 2007, there was a newly remodeled outdoor living space which included an upper and lower deck, both with slate tiles and wood burning fireplaces. Initially, we loved these spaces and the lower deck stayed mostly dry. Unfortunately, the construction standards were not all that great and the leaks from the upper deck got to be too much. In 2010, we ended up pulling up all the slate tile on the upper deck and resealing the substrate. We installed a beautiful 1x4 Cumaru hardwood deck which held up great for another 5 years. Then the substrate failed (again) and we pulled the hardwood deck, labeling everything so we could put it all back in the same order. This time we sealed it with a high quality 50 year guaranteed silicon sealer. Unfortunately the damage was already done and the corners of our deck began to settle. Fast forward to 2024 when we finally decided to rebuild the entire structure and do it correctly.
We were really sad to see just how much damage had occurred after only 20 years. Clearly the previous build was not done right. The posts were embedded by about 2" into the glue lam beam.
We had to pull the fireplaces on both levels of the deck. The original deck was built around the fireplace structure which allowed moisture to penetrate at the perimeter.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
10/31/24
Ambara™ is Nova's newest thermally modified, naturally durable, and high-grade clear wood for use as siding, cladding and trim.
So Why Do We Need Another Siding Option?
Western Red Cedar (WRC) has become much more difficult to source over the past few years. This is especially true in the clear grades such as A&Btr VG (Vertical Grain or quartersawn). Supply issues have simply pushed pricing levels for clear WRC to astonomical levels. Both Redwood and Alaska Yellow Cedar (AYC) have similar supply constraint issues and therefore have seen similar price increases.
Above image generated with AI. Looks like an aspirational Cedar house to us.
There is just no substitute in high-end architecture for drop-dead beautiful exterior siding in Clear Natural Wood with Transparent Finishes. The warmth and vibrance of natural wood accent walls is simply stunning when combined with concrete, metal, or painted wood. Some of the most beautiful structures in the world use natural wood accent walls to complement other materials in a perfectly balanced appearance with just the right amount of contrast.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
02/23/24
Comparing the 7 Best Commercial Exterior Siding Materials
When it comes to constructing or renovating commercial buildings, choosing the right siding is a crucial decision. Siding protects the structure from elements, and it also significantly impacts aesthetic appeal and maintenance needs.
In this article, we will explore various commercial siding options, their characteristics, and how they align with different architectural requirements and environmental considerations.
We will also introduce Nova USA Wood Product's unique siding solutions, and see they stand out in the market.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Siding
Durability and Maintenance
When selecting commercial siding, durability should be top of mind. High-quality siding should resist the elements, from harsh sun exposure to freezing temperatures, without warping or fading. It should also withstand impacts from windblown debris.
Aesthetic Appeal
Another substantial factor in selecting commercial siding is aesthetic appeal. The exterior of your building creates the first impression for visitors and passersby, and it reflects your brand's personality and values. Different siding options are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles. From traditional brick or timeless wood, to contemporary metal or innovative composite materials, each style can significantly transform your building's visual appeal.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
01/26/24
In the realm of architectural design and building longevity, rainscreen cladding systems have emerged as a fundamental component, especially in modern construction practices. Understanding what rainscreen cladding entails, how it functions, and the various pros and cons associated with it, is essential for homeowners and builders seeking to make informed decisions about their property.
What is Rainscreen Cladding?
Rainscreen cladding is a protective layer that is affixed to the exterior surface of a building structure, and is designed to shield the building from the effects of weathering and moisture. It's composed of an outer weather-resistant decorative skin, a ventilation cavity, and an inner layer. It deflects the majority of water away, while the ventilation cavity allows any residual moisture to evaporate or drain away, to enhance the building's weatherproofing and insulation properties.
History of Rainscreen Cladding
Rainscreen cladding originated in the Scandinavian countries hundreds of years ago, but it was during the 1940s that science developed a better understanding of its operation. The idea was straightforward: a double-wall construction with an outer layer to block rain and an inner layer to insulate, save energy, and maintain building integrity.
Over time, this system evolved and improved with integrated advancements in material technology and design practices. The evolution of rainscreen cladding has been driven by the need for more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing solutions in the building industry.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
12/11/23
Wooden Wonders: A Guide to the Top Exterior Wood Cladding Choices
Exterior cladding serves a dual purpose: it protects buildings while also enhancing their aesthetic appeal. Among the most coveted materials for this type of application is wood, which is renowned for its natural beauty and versatility. However, not all wood types are equal, and selecting the right type for exterior cladding is crucial to ensure longevity and durability.
This article will consider the offerings from Nova, and will highlight their unique qualities and why they stand out as the optimal choice for wood siding on your home.
Exterior Cladding - What is it?
- Exterior cladding is a type of skin or an extra layer on the outside of a building:
- It serves multiple crucial roles in improving a building's performance and aesthetics.
- From a structural perspective, exterior cladding is used to protect the building from the effects of weather elements such as rain, wind, and sunlight.
- It creates a controlled environment inside the building and prevents the structural integrity of the building from being compromised.
- Aesthetically, exterior cladding significantly enhances the building's appearance, and provides architects and homeowners the opportunity to personalize the building's look.
Wood as a Premium Exterior Cladding
Wood is a beautiful and durable cladding product that is found on many homes of distinction around the globe. However, not all wood species perform the same when used on the exterior of your home.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
11/02/23
Decking Perfection: The Best Hidden Fasteners for a Seamless Look
When it comes to decking, the key to a sleek, clean finish lies in the details. Hidden fasteners for wood decking can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. This guide explores hidden deck fasteners, and highlights brands like Deckwise, Azek, Camo, Trex, and Fiberon, and focuses on Nova's ExoDek QuickClip for wood decking.
Hidden Deck FastenersIntroduction to Hidden Fasteners for Wood Decking
Hidden deck fasteners, a revolutionary advancement in deck construction, are an elegant solution to the traditional method of using screws or nails to fasten deck boards. They are designed to be installed on the joists between the deck boards in order to provide a clean, smooth surface that is devoid of any protruding hardware or holes.
The Basics of Hidden Deck Fasteners
Hidden deck fasteners work through an innovative design that discreetly attaches deck boards to the joists. Each fastener is inserted into the grooved edge of the deck board, which creates a concealed connection that leaves no visible screws or nails on the surface. This allows the deck boards to securely interlock for a uniform and gapless deck surface.
Advantages of Hidden Fasteners
Compared to traditional fastening methods, hidden fasteners for wood decking have several compelling advantages:
Hidden deck fasteners help create a smoother, cleaner, and more uniform deck surface since they eliminate the visibility of screws or nails. This enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your deck, and helps to make it a more enjoyable space for relaxation and entertainment.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
11/01/23
7 Modern Cladding Possibilities to Boost Your Home's Exterior
In the realm of architecture and design, cladding, also known as siding, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the appearance, performance, and durability of a structure. Today, cladding options have evolved significantly, with modern options that include a blend of functional benefits and aesthetic appeal. From metal panels, fiber cement siding, vinyl, concrete, to the likes of stone, brick and wood, the choices are diverse.
Batu RainscreenHowever, not all cladding options are created equal. Wood, one of the oldest cladding materials, often gets an undeserved reputation for being high-maintenance. This article will debunk these misconceptions and shed light on the inherent strengths and enduring beauty of modern wood cladding exteriors.
What is Exterior Cladding?
Exterior cladding, often referred to as siding, is the outermost layer of a building that serves as a skin or protective covering against wind, water, and temperature changes. It significantly adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building, and allows architects and builders to shape the building's architectural character.
Modern Cladding Options
While it comes in various materials, modern exterior cladding often blends functionality with design sophistication. Here are some options available in today's market:
1. Metal Panels
The sleek finish of metal panels offer a modern edge to buildings. Reflecting a minimalist's dream, they are often chosen for their durability and easy maintenance.
2. Fiber Cement Panels/Siding
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By
Steve Getsiv,
11/01/23
Kiln Dried vs Air Dried vs Green
The Importance of Acclimation to the Micro Climate
Natural wood products are a great choice for exterior decking. And when you're considering using a naturally durable hardwood such as Ipe, Batu, Red Balau, Bangkirai, Yellow Balau, or Torem, understanding the importance of humidity, moisture content, and acclimation are critical to the success of your project.
What is Moisture Content?
Humidity and temperature combine to create an equilibrium moisture content in wood products. Moisture content itself is defined as the "weight of water divided by the weight of the 100% dry wood that remains after all water (moisture) has been removed".
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By
Steve Getsiv,
09/05/23
"I've been installing decks for over 20 years. I don't need to read your instructions." Red faced and fuming, Joe was really pissed off when I told him you can't install a hardwood deck 4 inches off the ground with no spacing between boards. I thought he was going to throw a punch, but he was really just massively embarrassed. A decent general contractor with lots of experience, he just "forgot" about the nuances of installing wood decking after years of installing PVC's and composites.
Tangential and Radial Shrinkage in Wood
Deck spacing between boards is absolutely critical when it comes to installing wood decking. Let's start with the quick technical background. With changes in moisture content, wood swells and shrinks in thickness and width only, not significantly in length. You can always butt your boards tight without worrying about them swelling or shrinking in length. When you look at the end of tree you see the concentric growth rings radially, from the center (or pith) out, the wood moves only half as much as it does tangentially to the growth rings. This difference between radial and tangential shrinkage is critical to understand and it varies significantly between the different species of wood.
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By
Steve Getsiv,
08/24/23
