Introducing Burnblock Fire Retardant with SiOO:X

Head of Technical, R&D

Russwood are proud to introduce an innovative new system which allows Russwood timber to be coated with both Burnblock® Fire Retardant and SiOO:X. This industry leading innovation is a first for the UK and is the only certified coating system where Fire Retardant and SiOO:X can be used in combination. The system promises a safer, more visually appealing, and environmentally conscious future for timber applications in construction. Russwood’s Head of Technical and R & D, Gareth Davies elaborates on this groundbreaking development in this blog.

The products

To begin, it might be pertinent to explain a little more about the two products we are discussing.

SiOO:X Wood Protection is a silicate based non-toxic wood protection system, which produces a beautiful and consistent grey appearance. Russwood have worked closely with SiOO:X for 10 years, and are proud to be SiOO:X’s primary specification partner. SiOO:X is a popular choice with architects and designers, bringing its benefits to many impressive projects such as Escapade Silverstone.

Burnblock® Fire Retardant system is a natural, non-toxic and PH neutral fire retardant, Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Gold level. Where an improved reaction to fire performance is required Russwood recommend the Burnblock® system, to achieve an enhanced reaction to fire performance up to Euroclass B- s1, d0. The Burnblock® system has been used  on many prestigious projects, including York St Johns University.

The challenge

The use of additional surface treatments or coatings with fire retardant treated timber presents a trilemma of challenges, which have historically been very difficult to overcome for exterior timber cladding.

  • The fire retardant treated material must still achieve the required fire rating after any additional surface treatment or coating is applied. This is challenging for most coating products, which can generate a lot of smoke and subsequently fail in fire tests.
  • The surface treatment or coating must still perform as expected. Fire retardant treated timber is notoriously difficult for most coating systems to penetrate or adhere to, leading to failure.
  • The supply of fire retardant treated timber, and any surface applied coating, must be specifically inspected and certified by a 3rd approved body at each step in the process. 

This ensures that factory production controls are independently audited, that the conditions of the fire test certification are followed, and that the correct application rates are accurately measured.

SILA Select® Siberian Larch factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Denholm Partnership Architects | David Barbour Photography
SILA Select® Siberian Larch factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Denholm Partnership Architects | David Barbour Photography
Lunawood Collection factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Escapade Silverstone | Twelve Architects | David Barbour Photography
Lunawood Collection factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Escapade Silverstone | Twelve Architects | David Barbour Photography

The solution

Over the past 2 years Russwood have been working with SiOO:X and Burnblock®, on a program of compatibility testing and development for using SiOO:X with fire retardant treated material.

Following an extensive program of fire testing, using a specialised formulation and application process of the SiOO:X system, we are proud to introduce Russwood’s timber cladding to the UK market with Burnblock® and SiOO:X.

  • The combined Burnblock® and SiOO:X system has been fully fire tested under EN 13501-1, and reaches Euroclass B-s1, d0.
  • Following weather testing, the SiOO:X system has been demonstrated to perform effectively on the Burnblock® treated material.
  • The Burnblock® impregnation process is carried out by our certified UK partner WJ FireWright.

Russwood are certified to apply the specialist SiOO:X system in-house here at Russwood.

Both WJ FireWright and Russwood are audited and certified by Finotrol [notified body]

The benefits of Burnblock® Fire Retardant and SiOO:X

Certified Safety Standards:

The combined solution has undergone rigorous testing to achieve industry certifications, ensuring that it meets the highest standards for fire performance, production control and supply chain management.

Architectural Versatility and Eco-Friendly Innovation:

Architects and designers now have the flexibility to incorporate SiOO:X treated timber into a myriad of structures whilst benefitting from enhanced reaction to fire performance. This dynamic combination opens the door to innovative and sustainable design possibilities.

Thermopine® RW119 Microtex® factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Galmstrup Architects | Nicholas Kane Photography
Thermopine® RW119 Microtex® factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Galmstrup Architects | Nicholas Kane Photography

Russwood is thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking system to the UK market, with the innovative combination of Burnblock® Fire Retardant and SiOO:X Wood Protection promising both safety and aesthetic excellence for timber applications in construction. For further information, please get in touch with a member of our team.

Products Used

Russwood are proud to introduce an innovative new system which allows Russwood timber to be coated with both Burnblock® Fire Retardant and SiOO:X.

Burnblock® fire retardant treatment

Burnblock® is a 100% biodegradable and natural, market leading fire retardant solution.
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SiOO:X

SiOO:X Wood Protection eliminates differential weathering and provides a consistently weathered tone.
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