Surface treatment of cross-laminated timber to improve water repellency and UV resistance

IRG/WP 24-20716

M Chen, S Uphill, J Hilsenbeck, A Hughes

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as a revolutionary building material, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods. By layering and bonding multiple layers of wood at right angles, CLT creates a robust and versatile structural element capable of supporting significant loads while promoting eco-friendliness and design flexibility. However, despite its numerous advantages, CLT is not without its drawbacks. One significant concern revolves around its susceptibility to water ingress and mold issues. This paper introduces a novel sealant technology, LotusProTM, for treating CLT surfaces to control moisture intrusion and ensure long-term durability of CLT. It also presents various test methods for assessing the effectiveness of CLT surface treatments. These methods will serve as benchmarks for future research.


Keywords: cross-laminated timber, water ingress, surface treatment, water repellent, mold resistance, LotusPro

Conference: 24-05-19/23 Knoxville, USA


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