The importance of sustainable specification has never been greater than in today’s construction industry. When it comes to decking and cladding projects, architects and contractors should consider turning to alternatives such as bamboo which offer strong sustainable credentials, balanced with a modern, sleek look that performs like hardwood.
What makes Bamboo Sustainable?
Bamboo is a type of grass that grows incredibly quickly at around 1- 4 inches per day, making it one of the fastest growing plants in the world. It requires little maintenance to thrive, with no need for pesticides and is harvested every 4-5 years due to its rapid growth cycle. Once cut, bamboo regenerates from the root so there is no need for replanting and no resulting deforestation.
Bamboo naturally absorbs high levels of CO2 contributing to a decrease in greenhouse gasses. In fact, it absorbs 4 times as much CO2 as trees do. All this makes it an ideal building material alternative to traditional timber.
Engineered for Decking and Cladding
Bamboo has been used as a construction material for centuries, and bamboo scaffolding is still used in Hong Kong today. Architects and engineers such as Atelier One are looking at modern and creative ways of using this versatile material and Dr David Trujillo from Coventry University has dedicated research to the potential of bamboo in modern construction methods.
In order for bamboo to meet the demands of decking or cladding applications, it requires unique heating and compression treatments.
The result is a material which is:
- Strong & Durable – Treated bamboo is hard-wearing with the ability to withstand extreme wear and tear, making it a viable building product. The unique compression treatment increases the density of the bamboo planks, enhancing their strength and resistance, achieving hardwood-like properties which lends to warranties of 25 years.
- Rot Resistant – All our bamboo products are subjected to a unique thermal treatment which makes the boards resistant to rot and decay. The process ensures long-term durability by eliminating the appeal as a food source for fungi and micro-organisms and increases the lifespan of the board.
- Fire Resistant - Unlike other timber products, bamboo decking and cladding boards are naturally Class B fire rated.
- Modern & Seamless – Bamboo is aesthetically pleasing, blending into the natural surroundings and providing a sleek and contemporary finish for both decking and cladding projects.
- Safe & Secure – Once installed on the Grad Hidden-fix system, the bamboo boards can resist up to 300kg of uplift.
Our Eco-Friendly Bamboo Range
We supply a range of Bamboo decking boards including Bamboo X-treme Woca and Bamboo N-durance which are both compatible with the Grad hidden-fix system Both options are thermo-treated and easy to install, allowing architects and contractors to achieve a seamless finish.
For cladding projects, we have a hidden fix system Variclad. The system uses Bamboo X-treme Woca boards in 3 widths (45, 64 and 120mm) that are clipped on to the same rail, producing different looks according to the board positions and the ability to create bespoke designs and patterns. Alternatively, a uniform look can be achieved with our standard hidden-fix cladding rails.
If you are interested in finding out more on the sustainable benefits of bamboo decking and cladding for your next project or if you have a project you would like to discuss, speak to one of our experts today.
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