[MassHistPres] Question about use of "Azak" or other synthetic polymer based products

[nat crosby]

Jade provides the most compelling argument for not utilizingany PVC products for both historic and contemporary structures. PVC is listedon the International Living Future Institute’s Red List. 

Two technologies have developed over fifty years ago are slowlymaking it to the market today. One is thermally modified wood and the other is Acetylatedwood. The woods often have a 25 year ground contact guarantee, and 50 years aboveground. Thermally modified wood is heated to 400 degrees in a vacuum and isproduced in north America and Europe. Acetylated wood is pickled and at thistime is only produced in Europe. As these products are new to the US architectureindustry they can be difficult to source, but are becoming more available. 

 

Acetylated Wood:

https://tricoya.com/

can be sourced at REX Lumber http://www.rexlumber.com/

Thermally Modified Wood:

http://cambiawood.com/

http://www.bingamanlumber.com/hardwood-products/thermo-treatment/page.aspx?id=1366

http://www.baileywp.com/html/thermo.html

 

RED List

https://living-future.org/declare/declare-about/red-list/

 

Thanks

-Nat Crosby AIA

Essex Historical Commission Chair


    On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 2:17:49 PM EDT, Judy Neiswander <jneiswander at gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Fellow Historic District Commissioners;
Our Commission is often asked to allow the use of "Azak" or other synthetic polymer based products in moist areas in lieu of lumber. Most often requested are applications at the base water table adjacent to the grade, and for fascias and soffit material backing up gutters at the roof eave. When painted this material is indistinguishable from wood of similar dimensions.
Neither the Park Service nor MHC prohibit use and we are interested how other Historic Commissions have handled these requests. We would like to set a policy for our 'Guidelines'.
Thank you for your advice.
Judy Neiswander,Commissioner,Town of Dedham Historic Districts Commission and Historical Commission.
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