Triwood Systems Kitset Houses
Triboard was developed in the late 1980's by Juken Nissho Ltd. Specifically for panel construction uses, such as housing (the focus of Triwood Systems). All walls, interior and perimeter, doors and ceilings can be made from Triboard. Wall panels used are typically 36mm thick, thus creating 6% more floor space on average.
Triboard is unique, being made of a strong stable core of timber strands with a smooth face of medium density fibre (MDF). The strand core has exceptional strength, resilience and dimensional stability. The fibre surface presents an excellent smooth surface which can be painted or wallpapered.
No other timber material matches Triboard. It is not made by lamination or glued layers. It is a single solid compressed sheet. Microprocessor controlled steam injection technology is the key. Steam injection cures the resin and also effectively plasticises the wood to insure total bonding, reduced thickness swell and improved board stability. Steam injection means there are no limitations to transfer, making it economical to produce boards up to 100cm thick in a single operation eliminates variations in panel thickness, density and resin cure.
Triboard is the product of many years intensive R & D, combining the most advanced international technology in resins and processing with environmentally responsible use of renewable planted foresty resources. This unique advance in timber development occured in New Zealand because it has the best climate for growing soft trees. Triboard was developed to make full use of this fast-growing resource.
Recently there has been a number of customers asking us about the relationshop between Triboard and formaldehyde. Triwood Systems has been talking to Juken Nissho Ltd, the makers of triboard on this topic.
They told us the following:
The specification for board leaving our warehouse, for use as domestic housing panels, is that it meets the E1 classification when tested in accordance with the AS/NZS 1859.1:1997 Standards. However, before any boards are used as housing panels they are sealed using a factory applied coating. This sealing has the effect of significantly reducing the amount of formaldehyde given off by the board.
We have carried out tests for airboard formaldehyde on a number of newly constructed houses built using the Triboard construction system. The test results obtained range from 0.02 parts per million (ppm) to 0.08 ppm.
Currently there are no Regulations in NZ regarding compliance to maximum levels of formaldehyde in dwellings. However, by way of comparison the Workplace Australia and NZ Occupational Safety & Health workplace exposure standard for formaldehyde is specified as 1 ppm.
Should you have any concerns on this matter, or any other relating to Triboard, please contact us at Triwood Systems.