
FAQ.
Linax.
What is Linax?
Linax is wood preservative–treated pine timber that undergoes a double treatment to ensure long service life and enhanced protection. First, the timber is pressure-impregnated with a copper-based wood preservative in accordance with NTR Class AB, providing strong protection against rot. Secondly it is boiled in hot linseed oil under vacuum, giving excellent water repellency and high dimensional stability. The combination of these two treatments makes Linax highly resistant to harsh environments while maintaining its appearance over time.
Linax is supplied in Natural (unpigmented), Brown, and Grey. The treatment is transparent, highlighting the wood’s natural grain and giving a vibrant, authentic appearance. Colour variations may occur, as heartwood, sapwood and knots absorb different amount of oil and pigment. On Linax Natural and Linax Grey, a slight greenish tone may initially be visible, but this fades as the timber is exposed to sunlight.
Surface finish affects colour perception, a fine-sawn surface, such as cladding, is usually perceived as slightly darker and more colour-stable than a planed surface, such as decking. On Linax Grey, variations may be more pronounced; therefore, we recommend viewing reference images. During production, the timber is stacked with wooden slats between every, or every second, layer of timber, which means that marks from the slats may occur on the finished product.
How do you maintain Linax?
All wooden products for outdoor purpose requires maintenance, and Linax is no exception. Thanks to the Linax treatment, the timber is more resistant and requires less maintenance than untreated wooden products. Over time, the oil in the outer layer is gradually worn away by weather and precipitation, and eventual pigments will slowly fade.
To maintain Linax’s extended 50-year rot protection warranty, Bitus linseed oil glaze, the same product as used in the original treatment, must be used during maintenance. If the recommended maintenance intervals are not met, the products still retain the underlying NTR base protection for 20 years, provided they are correctly installed and that cut ends are sealed with Linax linseed oil glaze.
The recommended maintenance interval to preserve protection and appearance is every five years for decking, every twelve years for cladding, and approximately every eight years for roofs and other products, depending on location and exposure.
Which screws and nails should I use for Linax?
When installing Linax, all fasteners must be of stainless steel, minimum grade A2. Since Linax products are pressure-impregnated with a copper-based preservative, this treatment can cause corrosion of galvanized screws or nails.
This often leads to rust, unwanted black staining on the wood surface, and with time reduced structural lifespan. In particularly exposed environments, such as coastal areas or near swimming pools, we always recommend using acid-resistant fasteners (A4) to ensure maximum service life. A nail gun may be used, but it is very important to carefully adjust the pressure.
Nail heads must never be driven too deeply into the timber, as this creates moisture traps that can lead to moisture ingress and rot around the fixing. For long service life and approved installation, fasteners must be flush with the wood surface.
Pro tip: To preserve Linax’s unique protection and colour, always treat cut ends and drilled holes with Bitus linseed oil glaze in a matching colour. This effectively seals the end grain and prevents moisture absorption.
Can Linax timber be cut?
Yes, Linax timber can be cut and worked during installation, but it is important to understand that the treatment is not through-and-through. The timber is first pressure-impregnated and then boiled in linseed oil under vacuum to create an encapsulating protective layer. When cutting, this protective shell is broken, exposing the underlying impregnation, as the linseed oil no longer encapsulates the timber. It is not possible to achieve the same depth of protection with a paintbrush as in the vacuum process.
Therefore, always orient the factory-treated end grain toward the most weather-exposed side, or the side closest to the ground. When oiling cut ends on site, apply carefully and avoid excessive application. Brush Bitus linseed oil glaze directly onto the cut surface and ensure it does not run onto the visible face of the board. If excess oil gets onto the visible surface, wipe it off immediately to avoid a sticky finish after installation.
Proper sealing maintains the rot protection warranty, keeps moisture out, and reduces the risk of cracking and dimensional changes. Longitudinal cutting of boards constitutes a deviation from the warranty, as it exposes the core, which does not absorb oil as effectively as the end grain. If it is necessary with longitudinal cutting at joints and corners, we recommend to add a cover on the cutted side the timber to protect the exposed surface and ensure the long service life Linax is known for.
Resin is bleeding from the knots – what should I do?
The raw material used for Linax products is always high-quality northern Swedish pine. Pine naturally contains resin, and the amount of resin varies between boards. Resin bleeding is completely normal, especially around knots or in boards with higher resin content.
This is most noticeable on south- and west-facing walls or sun-exposed decks, where the heat from the sun makes the resin more fluid. Resin bleeding is a natural process and not a defect. Over time, the resin will gradually wear off due to weather exposure. Our strong recommendation is patience, let nature do the work.
If you wish to speed up the process, the resin can be gently brushed off with a stiff brush (never use a steel brush though, as it may damage the wood). This should only be done once the resin has crystallized and hardened, which usually occurs during colder seasons. Attempting to remove soft or actively bleeding resin is ineffective. Since resin is a natural property of pine, resin bleeding is not an accepted reason for claim.
How should Linax timber be stored?
To maintain Linax’s high quality prior to installation, Linax products should be stored outdoors in a dry, well-ventilated location. The timber must be stacked well above ground level to allow free air circulation beneath the pallet. Protect the timber from dirt, preferably under a roof or in a well-ventilated shelter.
Never cover Linax timber with plastic. Since the wood is saturated with linseed oil, covering it with airtight plastic, traps moisture and can promote mold growth.
Pro tip: Make sure the storage location is level so that the boards do not bend or warp. By storing your Linax timber dry and without tight covering, you ensure that it is in perfect condition for when it is time for installation.
Does Linax crack less than ordinary wood?
Yes, the risk of cracking is significantly lower compared to untreated or standard pressure-impregnated timber. During the Linax process, the timber is boiled in hot linseed oil under vacuum, allowing the oil to penetrate deeply and encapsulate the wood fibers.
This creates an effective barrier that minimizes moisture absorption and greatly improves dimensional stability. Because the wood does not swell and shrink as much during weather changes, internal stress in the timber that cause cracking are reduced. The result is a smoother surface that remains comfortable to walk on for many years, making Linax ideal for both decking and cladding.
A correctly executed ventilation gap behind cladding is the single most important factor in maximizing durability. Good airflow allows the timber to dry quickly after rain, dramatically reducing stress in the material.
Pro tip: Even though Linax is highly resistant to cracking, we always recommend pre-drilling near end grain for added security and a flawless finish.
Is skin contact with Linax-treated timber dangerous?
No, skin contact with Linax-treated timber is safe.
Although the wood may feel slightly oily upon delivery, all active substances are fully fixed in the timber before leaving the Bitus facility. The modern timber preservation used in Linax is based on copper salts and linseed oil, making it safe for both humans and animals. This differs greatly from older impregnation methods that used arsenic and chromium, which were banned for consumer use in Sweden in 2004.
Skin contact with installed timber, or livestock licking or touching the wood, normally causes no issues. Thanks to the vacuum process that encapsulates the linseed oil, Linax is ideal for decks where children walk barefoot.
Pro tip: If Linax oil gets on your skin during installation, it can easily be washed off with soap and water.
Can I get Bitus Linax in other colours than Natural, Brown and Grey?
Linax is available in three colours: Natural (unpigmented), Brown and Grey. These colours have been developed to give the wood an attractive and durable appearance that harmonises with the Nordic landscape. The pigments are boiled into the timber together with linseed oil under vacuum, providing deep protection and colour durability far superior to traditional wood stains.
If you wish to have a different colour or change the appearance of the timber at a later stage, Linax products can be painted.
However, it is important to allow the timber to weather properly outdoors before painting. We recommend waiting at least one year to allow the linseed oil in the surface to stabilise, ensuring optimal adhesion for the new paint. When repainting, you should use a suitable oil-based paint or a paint compatible with oil-treated timber in order to preserve the wood’s beneficial properties.
Please note that overpainting Linax-treated timber voids the Bitus product warranty. Linax is designed as a complete system in which the combination of vacuum impregnation and boiling linseed oil provides its unique protection. Overpainting alters the product’s properties and surface layer, which means that our warranty no longer applies.
Pro tip: To maintain the original lustre of your Linax colour, we recommend refreshing the surface with matching Bitus linseed oil glaze when the timber begins to look dry.
This revives the pigment and reinforces moisture protection in a simple and effective way.
LINAX Care & Warranty Documentation | Linax oil for façades | Linseed oil for outdoor use
In what way is Linax environmentally friendly?
Linax is an excellent environmental choice, primarily thanks to its unique process in which the timber is boiled in linseed oil under vacuum. In conventional pressure-impregnated timber, some copper leaching always occurs over time. The Linax treatment encapsulates the wood preservative and reduces leaching to an absolute minimum.
This protects the surrounding environment and ensures that the active substances remain in the wood where they are effective. The product’s environmental profile is further strengthened by the fact that Linax is assessed by both SundaHus and Byggvarubedömningen, ensuring that it meets strict requirements for sustainability and material content.
The raw material consists of high-quality northern Swedish pine, available as certified timber, representing responsible forestry. Combined with its long technical service life, Linax becomes a smart environmental investment by significantly reducing the need for material replacement over time.
Pro tip: Choosing a product with a long service life is one of the most important environmental contributions you can make in a construction project.
The longer the timber lasts, the lower the total environmental impact over the entire life cycle.
Can linseed oil soap be used on Linax?
Technically, linseed oil soap can be used, but Bitus strongly advises against it.
It is important to be aware that using linseed oil soap on Linax products voids Bitus extensive product warranty. Linseed oil soap is highly degreasing and may damage the protective surface created during the Linax process, in which the timber is boiled in linseed oil under vacuum to achieve its unique resistance to moisture and decay.
To maintain your warranty and ensure optimal care of the timber, we recommend cleaning the surface with lukewarm water and a soft brush instead. In case of heavier soiling, a mild facade cleaner may be used, but always avoid strong chemicals, bleach or highly degreasing agents.
By following Bitus care instructions and using only recommended cleaning and maintenance methods, you ensure that your Linax products remains protected and in good condition for decades to come.
Pro tip: If your Linax surface starts to look dry after a few years, do not use soap to try to “re-oil” it. Instead, refresh the surface with Bitus linseed oil glaze in the correct colour. This strengthens both the pigment and the deep protection in a way that is fully approved under the warranty conditions.
How often should Linax-treated timber be oiled?
For Linax decking, we recommend an interval of five years between oil treatments, although more frequent maintenance may be required in particularly exposed locations with strong sunlight and wind.
For Linax cladding, the maintenance requirement is significantly lower, with a recommended interval of 10–12 years. Other structures such as fences and pergolas should be treated approximately every eight years. It is important to note that Linax timber is fully saturated when delivered as a newly produced product.
Over-oiling or oiling too frequently may cause the surface to become greasy and sticky, attracting dirt and dust. Before treatment, ensure that the timber is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry, with a moisture content not exceeding 20%. Always use Bitus linseed oil glaze in the same colour as the timber and follow the instructions on the can carefully.
By adhering to these recommended intervals, you preserve the timbers attractive appearance and ensure that Bitus extended product warranty remains fully valid. Waiting until the timber actually needs re-oiling is best for both the final result and the product’s service life.
Bitus offers an extended rot protection warranty of 50 years, provided that the maintenance plan is followed and Bitus linseed oil glaze is used.
If the recommended maintenance intervals are not followed, the products are still covered by an NTR base protection valid for 20 years (provided the products are correctly installed and all cut ends are sealed with Bitus linseed oil glaze).
Pro tip: If you notice uneven fading caused by strong sunlight, you can carry out a light maintenance treatment with Bitus linseed oil glaze on the exposed areas. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil to avoid a sticky surface.
Can untreated or ordinary pressure-impregnated timber be treated with Bitus linseed oil glaze to achieve the same colour and properties as Linax-treated products?
Although Bitus linseed oil glaze can technically be applied to other types of timber, the final result will not be the same as timber that has been Linax-treated from the outset. The key difference lies in the industrial process in which Linax timber is vacuum-impregnated and boiled in hot oil. This provides deep saturation and form stability that cannot be achieved by simply brushing oil onto standard timber afterwards.
Applying an oil with a high linseed oil content to timber that has not undergone the vacuum process also significantly increases the risk of biological growth in the form of “black spots.” Linseed oil itself is a nutrient for microorganisms, and without the industrial process, too much oil remains on the surface.
If you wish to match the colour of your Linax products on other timber products, we recommend instead having a specialist paint supplier mix a conventional paint or wood oil in a matching shade that is better suited for surface application.
Pro tip: Use Bitus linseed oil glaze primarily for its intended purpose – maintaining existing Linax surfaces and sealing cut ends and drilled holes during installation.
This is the best way to help the timber retain its properties over time.
Can Linax-treated timber be painted?
If you wish to have a different colour on your Linax cladding than the ones we offer, it is possible to paint over it. To achieve good adhesion on the linseed oil-treated surface, you must use a proper oil-based paint.
Once you choose to paint the cladding, all future maintenance must also be carried out using oil-based paint to ensure good adhesion and protection. However, it is very important to be aware that painting over the Linax timber voids the Bitus product warranty.
Linax is designed to function as a complete system in which the combination of vacuum impregnation and linseed oil boiling provides its unique protection. Overpainting changes the product’s properties and surface layer, which means that our warranty responsibility ceases to apply.
Pro tip: If you plan to paint your Linax cladding, we recommend allowing the timber to weather outdoors for at least one year before painting.
This allows excess linseed oil in the surface to stabilise, giving the oil-based paint the best possible conditions for proper adhesion.
What does the Linax product warranty and rot protection warranty cover?
When you choose Linax, you receive one of the most extensive protection packages on the market for timber products. The warranty is divided into two parts to provide maximum long-term security. All products in the Linax range are covered by an extended rot protection warranty of 50 years from the date of sale.
This reflects the long durability achieved through the unique combination of pressure impregnation and boiling linseed oil under vacuum. In addition to the long-term rot protection, the products are also covered by a 12-year product warranty relating to the timber’s dimensional and colour stability. This means that Bitus guarantees that our standard range retains its good properties and resistance to major deformation during the first twelve years, provided that installation and maintenance instructions are followed.
To ensure that the warranties remain valid, it is important to read and comply with the full terms and conditions of the Bitus product warranty, including requirements for documentation and maintenance. If the recommended maintenance intervals are not followed, the products are still covered by an NTR base protection valid for 20 years (provided the products are correctly installed and all cut ends are sealed with Bitus linseed oil glaze).
A correctly constructed ventilation gap behind the cladding is the single most important factor in maximising the product’s durability over time. When air can circulate freely behind the timber, it dries quickly after rain, dramatically reducing stress in the material.
Pro tip: To ensure that your 50-year rot protection warranty remains valid, it is essential that all cut ends, drilled holes and other types of processing of the timber are sealed with Linax oil immediately during installation. This prevents moisture from penetrating the wood core through where the seal of the industrial treatment has been damaged.
Thermo.
What is Bitus Thermo?
Bitus Thermo is an environmentally classified timber product that combines traditional Swedish forestry with modern technology. The raw material consists of high-quality, sound-knot northern Swedish pine from certified forests.
What makes the product unique is the thermal treatment process itself, in which the timber is placed in a chamber and heated to over 212°C under vacuum. The entire process takes between 36 and 72 hours to ensure the highest quality. The high temperature initiates natural chemical and physical changes within the timber.
The result is a dimensionally stable timber with a beautiful brown tone that is naturally resistant to both rot and fungi, without the addition of any chemicals. Bitus Thermo is designed for above-ground use and is an ideal choice for everything from elegant façades and decking to public environments such as playgrounds, park benches and noise barriers. It also works excellently as interior wall panelling thanks to its stability and natural finish.
Pro tip: As the Thermo process makes the brittle more brittle than standard timber, it is especially important to use sharp tools and to pre-drill near the end grain.
This ensures a neat final result without cracks around the screw heads.
Is Bitus Thermo the same as ThermoWood?
Although the end result and the excellent properties are the same, the manufacturing methods differ. ThermoWood is a trademark for a patented process in which the timber is treated in a chamber using heat and steam. At Bitus, we instead use an advanced vacuum-based chamber.
This vacuum technology is safer from a production standpoint and gives us very precise control over the process. Despite the difference in technology, Bitus Thermo achieves exactly the same high-quality product properties as timber treated in a steam chamber.
This means you get timber with the same high dimensional stability, resistance to decay, and beautiful, fully penetrated color tone. By using vacuum technology, we can ensure an even and gentle treatment of northern Swedish pine, resulting in a premium final product suitable for both façades and decking.
Pro tip: When comparing different types of thermally modified timber, it’s the quality of the raw material and the final result that matter.
The Bitus vacuum method is a modern and safe advancement of thermal treatment technology that guarantees a durable material for Nordic conditions.
How should I store Bitus Thermo timber?
To ensure the timber retains its optimal properties until installation, uninstalled material should be stored in its unopened original packaging. The timber packs should preferably be placed outdoors on a level surface, well elevated from the ground to avoid contact with ground moisture.
Ideally, the storage location should be under a roof or otherwise well covered to protect the timber from direct sunlight and precipitation. If you use a tarpaulin to cover the timber packages for a shorter period, it is very important that it does not extend all the way to the ground, as good ventilation is required to prevent condensation. You should not open the timber packs until immediately before use.
Keeping the packaging intact for as long as possible protects the thoroughly dried product from absorbing unnecessary moisture, which facilitates installation and results in a better final appearance.
Pro tip: If you must open a timber pack and only use part of the contents, make sure to rewrap the remaining timber properly and preferably re-strap the pack.
This prevents the top boards from warping or changing moisture content faster than the boards below.
Can Bitus Thermo products be cut?
Yes, Bitus Thermo can be cut without any concern that the timbers properties will deteriorate. One of the major advantages of our thermal modification process is that the timber is treated throughout its entire cross-section, all the way to the core.
In practice, this means that cutting, drilling, or other processing does not require any special post-treatment with protective agents to maintain functionality or durability.
Since there are no chemicals in the wood that can leach out, and the resistance to decay exists in every fiber, the protection remains intact regardless of how the timber is shaped.
This makes Thermo a very user-friendly material for detailed constructions.
What should I consider before installing Thermo?
Before starting your project with Bitus Thermo, it is crucial to understand that the thermal modification process gives the timber unique properties but also slightly reduced strength compared to untreated timber. Therefore, the structure must be adapted accordingly—for example, by using closer joist spacing for decking than you would with traditional timber.
The product is intended exclusively for above-ground installation, and you must always ensure good ventilation and airflow behind cladding and under decking to avoid future moisture problems. Regarding fasteners and contact with other materials, strict requirements apply. All fasteners, screws, and connecting metals that come into contact with the timber must be made of stainless steel grade A2 or A4.
This is an absolute requirement to minimize the risk of corrosion and unwanted discoloration, as thermally modified timber contains natural organic substances that can affect sensitive metals. If lacquered sheet metal is used in connection with the timber, underside surfaces that will be inaccessible after installation, must be protected with a coating and visible undersides of mounting plates must have a painted surface.
When soldering sheet metal parts, the paint coating must be removed before the procedure, then cleaned and touch-up painted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All installation must be carried out on a clean and dry substrate and handled professionally.
By carefully following these guidelines, you ensure that the aesthetic and functional benefits of the material are preserved throughout its entire service life. For complete details on specific dimensions and construction solutions, please refer to our full installation manual on our website.
Pro tip: Because Thermo timber is more brittle than regular wood, it is especially important to pre-drill at end grain and near edges, even when using self-drilling stainless steel screws.
This prevents cracking and ensures a professional, long-lasting result.
What screws and nails should be used for Thermo?
When timber is thermally modified at high temperatures, parts of the hemicellulose break down and form organic acids, primarily acetic acid. This gives the timber a lower pH value than conventional timber and increases the risk of corrosion if incorrect materials are used.
Therefore, stainless steel fasteners are recommended. A2 is suitable for normal outdoor environments, while A4 is the safest choice in more exposed locations with high moisture levels. Galvanized fasteners should be avoided as they may cause discoloration, but they may be considered if the timber will be fully painted.
Fastening is done using timber screws or panel nails with a length adapted to the board thickness. The number of fasteners depends on the board width. For boards up to 92 mm wide, one screw or nail per fixing point is used. For boards 117 mm and wider, two must always be used to prevent cupping.
Screw heads and nail heads should be flush with the wood surface and must not be driven too deep, as small indentations collect water and cause discoloration. If a nail gun is used, the pressure must be carefully adjusted to the timber density, and any protruding fasteners must be driven in manually.
Since thermally modified timber is more brittle than standard timber, pre-drilling at end grain is recommended to avoid cracking.
What does Bitus Fire Retardant Treatment contain?
Bitus Fire Retardant Treatment is a salt-based solution that provides effective fire protection without compromising the environment. The liquid is colorless, natural, and biodegradable. It is approved for both indoor (INT1 & 2) and outdoor (EXT) use and provides fire class B-s1,d0, which is the highest possible classification for wood.
For the Swedish market, our Thermo panels are sold with the SP Fire 105 certificate. The impregnation is assessed by Byggvarubedömningen and Sunda Hus and is also Swan-labeled. This makes it a safe and sustainable choice for environmentally conscious projects.
Because the treatment is salt-based, a superficial salt crystallization may sometimes occur after installation. This is a natural process and completely harmless to both people and the environment. Outdoors, the salt disappears through exposure to weather.
If the panel is used indoors, any salt deposits can easily be wiped off with a lightly dampened cloth. By choosing fire retardant treatment for your Thermo pine panel, you gain durable protection that contributes to a safer building structure.
How do you maintain Bitus Thermo products?
Bitus Thermo products are essentially maintenance-free thanks to the natural resistance created during the thermal modification process. If you choose to leave the wood completely untreated, it will gradually develop a beautiful silver-gray patina. No treatment is required to maintain the wood’s technical properties such as dimensional stability and resistance to decay, as these are built into the material from the start.
For those who want a grey façade but prefer a more uniform appearance during the aging process, the OneLayer system is available. This is a pigmentation designed to gradually wear off as the timber naturally greys. Without treatment, areas exposed to sun and rain grey much faster than shaded surfaces under eaves or balconies.
OneLayer counteracts this by providing a uniform appearance across the entire façade while the natural process takes place. The pigment remains for approximately two years, after which the natural greying process fully takes over, usually completed after about six years. A OneLayer panel should therefore neither be maintained nor painted over. If you prefer a specific color or wish to preserve the darker appearance, the timber can be oiled or painted.
When selecting a product, consult your paint supplier to find a treatment suitable for thermally modified wood, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for future maintenance. For cleaning, it is usually sufficient to rinse the surface with a regular garden hose; never use a high-pressure washer, as it can damage the surface of the timber. It is important to note that fire-retardant-treated products require extra caution during post-treatment. If you choose to oil or paint a fire-retardant panel, or apply the final coat to a factory-painted panel after installation, we can no longer guarantee the product’s fire classification.
Anything applied to the surface affects the fire protection properties, and therefore only fire-neutral products should be used in these cases.
Pro tip: If you want a uniform appearance throughout your project, we can also supply untreated Thermo with either a fine-grooved or brushed surface.
This is especially useful if you plan to combine untreated and pigmented surfaces and want the timbers surface texture to be consistent throughout.
What can I expect from the raw material and how do Bitus Thermo products age?
When you choose Bitus Thermo, you receive a product that, in its newly produced and unpigmented state, has a brown tone. Color variations between individual boards are natural, but these differences even out and break down when the timber is exposed to the sun’s UV light. When newly produced, the timber also has a characteristic scent from the thermal treatment, which gradually diminishes over time.
Surfaces are normally delivered smoothly planed, but minor planing marks, known as cutter marks, may occur. The raw material is sound-knotted northern Swedish pine, meaning knots are a natural part of the appearance.
Cracks may occur in and around knots and in the timber over time due to variations in humidity and temperature; this is a normal characteristic of timber. Minor marks from packaging and transport may occur. Since the timber is cross-stacked with slats during the thermal process, marks from these slats may appear on the finished product.
For fire-retardant-treated products, harmless salt crystallization may be visible after installation but will naturally disappear with rainfall.
Special conditions apply when thermally modified wood is installed in pool environments. In contact with salt, chlorine, and fasteners, natural chemical reactions may occur, leading to oxidation or discoloration around screw heads. This is a natural reaction between the materials involved and is not considered a defect or grounds for complaint. Regarding surface texture, unpigmented products are smoothly planed as standard.
However, painted or pigmented panels have a fine-grooved surface to ensure optimal pigment adhesion and a more uniform long-term result. We also offer unpigmented Thermo with a fine-grooved surface to create a consistent visual expression throughout the project.
Pro tip: If you are building decking in a pool environment, it is especially important to use stainless steel screws of quality A4.
While this cannot completely prevent natural reactions between the wood’s organic substances and pool chemicals, it provides the best protection for the fasteners and reduces the risk of severe discoloration near the water.
What is the expected service life of Bitus Thermo products?
When you choose thermally modified wood, you are investing in a highly durable material, but the actual service life is determined by how well the construction interacts with its environment. As a general guideline, decking is expected to last around 10 years, and cladding approximately 20–25 years.
Experience shows, however, that a thermally modified panel installed in a correctly ventilated construction has the potential to last significantly longer, as the material’s natural resistance to decay is best preserved when it is allowed to dry out. A properly executed air gap behind the cladding is the single most important factor in maximizing the product’s long-term durability.
When air can flow freely behind the timber, it dries quickly after rain, dramatically reducing stress in the material. In addition to ventilation, service life is also affected by external conditions such as orientation, surrounding vegetation, and how well surfaces are kept clean. By following installation and ventilation recommendations, you create optimal conditions for the material to retain its function for a very long time.
Pro tip: To give your façade the very best conditions, ensure that ventilation is uninterrupted all the way from the bottom of the cladding to the eaves.
A well-designed structure that allows the timber to “breathe” is the best investment for a durable and beautiful façade for decades to come.
How should Bitus Thermo products be recycled?
One of the major environmental benefits of Bitus Thermo is that the products are manufactured using a thermal process completely free of added chemicals. This is reflected in the fact that our unpigmented Thermo products are Swan-labeled, confirming that they meet strict requirements for environmentally and health-hazardous substances throughout their entire life cycle.
When the products have reached the end of their service life, they can be sorted as ordinary wooden waste at your local recycling center. Unlike pressure-treated timber, which is classified as hazardous waste, thermally modified pine can return to the natural cycle through energy recovery (incineration) together with other untreated wooden materials.
Pro tip: If you have leftover offcuts after installation, they can be used as firewood in your own fireplace.
Since the wood is free from chemicals, it burns cleanly, and the low moisture content also provides a very good heating value.
In what way are Bitus Thermo pine products environmentally friendly?
Bitus Thermo is one of the most sustainable choices on the market, primarily because the process relies on the timbers own properties rather than adding chemicals. Through thermal treatment, the pine gains natural, through-and-through protection that gives the material very high durability and dimensional stability.
The product therefore becomes an obvious choice from both an environmental and health perspective, holding the highest environmental classification. Our Thermo pine products are Swan-labeled in both planed and fire-retardant-treated versions. They are also assessed and approved by SundaHus and Byggvarubedömningen, making them a safe choice for environmentally certified construction projects.
This also applies to the fire-retardant-treated version (unpainted), meaning you can meet high fire safety requirements without compromising environmental ambitions. By choosing Bitus Thermo, you contribute to a sustainable cycle where raw material from northern Swedish forests can return to nature without leaving environmentally harmful residues.