1. I am planning to install wall cladding. What precautions should I take?
You will find a downloadable document (Data Sheet on the Implementation of Exterior Wall Cladding) on our Web site that explains the major principles to be respected during installation. The basic principle is to ensure throughout the service life of the wall cladding that it is well protected from repetitive and prolonged humidity that could reduce its durability (protection by construction systems and ad-hoc finish products). Before designing any wood wall cladding, it is important to refer to the DTU 41.2 (exterior wood coverings) specifications.
Okoume is known for its durability in permanent humidity environments: plywood has a long service life if the edges are protected and the panel can breathe. Furthermore, it is also renowned for its good machinability: easy cutting and the cleanliness of the finished product. Its paint, varnish or lazure finish is recognized to be very easy-to-maintain compared to many other species. PLYSOROL VSIG okoume panels guarantee excellent compatibility with the main types of finish systems, thanks to the neutrality of the gluing resins used.
A service class determines the environment in which the product in suitable for use. There are 3 such classes. Therefore, service class 1 corresponds to a material moisture content corresponding to a temperature of 20°C and relative humidify in the surrounding air only exceeding 65% for a few weeks per year. Service class 2 is characterized by a moisture content corresponding to a temperature of 20°C and relative humidity in the surrounding air exceeding 85% for a maximum of a few weeks per year. Finally, service class 3 is characterized by climatic environments resulting in moisture content levels exceeding those defined for service class 2.
4. What product can I choose for protecting the edges of panels used as wall cladding?
Any plywood used for exterior (and even in sheltered exterior environments) must have its faces protected by an ad-hoc finish system and its edges sealed. Good engineering practice in France (defined, among other things, by the DTU 14-2 specification) does not specify any products other than resorcinol-formaldehyde glues for protecting the edges. Apart from the difficulties involved in obtaining this resin (toxicity), it also presents the major disadvantage of staining the faces (dark brown colour). Following studies conducted by PLYSOROL, we can now recommend the use of (clear) D4 vinyl glues for protecting the edges as follows: 1. Application of two layers of saturating lazure (or one layer of primer) on both of the panel faces and on its four edges. This operation is generally performed in the workshop. 2. Drying according to the technical requirements defined by the finishing system supplier. 3. Brushing of the D4 vinyl glue onto the four edges, in two layers (wet-to-wet). Drying for 12 to 24 hours. 4. Varnish sanding of the face (very lightly on the 4 edges, if necessary). 5. Application of the lazure (or paint) finish on the face and the four edges. This edge treatment does not exclude you from having to follow the other basic rules for working with wood wall claddings, i.e. sufficient ventilation at all times and machining of the lower edge of the wall cladding elements used as gutter overhangs (in order to prevent water stagnating in the lower part and rehumidification by capillarity).
5. Do Plysorol plywoods meet the requirements of the NIMP 15 standard?
As a result of the production procedures used (drying of veneers at temperatures above 150°C, press baking at temperatures above 100°C), all of the plywood panels sold by PLYSOROL are free of insects and fungi. They therefore comply with the requirements of the NIMP 15 standard (the international standard on regulations for packaging material made from lobed-leaved tree and conifer wood), which aims to help to significantly reduce any possible spreading of harmful organisms). However, like any other wood-based product, we cannot guarantee against later contamination despite the use of species, such as okoume and poplar, that are mostly resistant to these types of biological attacks.
The K coefficient is defined by the formula: K = λ / thickness. The λ value for Plysorol plywood (in either our okoume, poplar or spruce ranges) is 0.12 W per m and °C.
It is perfectly possible to stratify CTBX plywood from our okoume or poplar ranges. In fact, our exclusive (VSIG) gluing process guarantees compatibility with any type of veneer glue thanks to its neutral pH. In this case, ensure that you choose the appropriate product and avoid too “extreme” resetting environments (high baking time and resetting temperature both too high).
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