Fire retardant impregnated timber - ensuring long-term safety and aesthetics

Wood construction is gaining momentum in sustainable building practices, but fire safety is an essential challenge that must be addressed. Without proper fire retardant treatments and coatings, wooden structures are susceptible to ignition and rapid flame spread, making compliance with regulatory demands, like the Construction Product Regulation (CPR), critical.

“Wood is one of the most versatile materials in construction, but ensuring fire safety is what allows it to be used more widely in modern projects,” says Joakim Svensson, Teknos’ Head of Interior, region Scandinavia. “This is where our fire retardant coatings come into play.”

Fire retardant impregnation is a factory-applied treatment that enhances the fire properties of wood, helping meet strict building regulations for facades, cladding, and other applications. Typically, wood treated with fire retardant coating appears clear, without a visible color or film, but adding a colored or translucent coating is often necessary to meet aesthetic requirements. However, applying coatings to fire retardant impregnated wood comes with unique challenges that must be carefully managed.

Balancing aesthetics and performance

Architects and designers want coatings that enhance the natural beauty of wood while maintaining fire safety. Teknos delivers tailored solutions that protect and bring the visual appeal of fire retardant impregnated timber. With our expertise, architects and manufacturers can achieve stunning designs without compromising safety standards.

To maintain the long-term performance of coated wood, Teknos advises:

• Thoughtful design: Protect wood components from harsh conditions.
• Proactive maintenance: Regular inspections and upkeep ensure coatings perform as intended.
• Certified systems: Certification guarantees the coating system meets fire safety and durability standards.

“Our TEKNOSAFE systems make it easier for architects to design with wood confidently, knowing safety and durability are guaranteed,” explains Joakim Svensson.

One standout example of Teknos’ fire-retardant expertise is the Treet, the world’s tallest wooden apartment building located in Bergen, Norway. The 14-story, 51-meter-high structure relies on Teknos’ fire-retardant coatings to meet stringent safety standards while showcasing Scandinavian design.

“Treet is a testament to how innovative coatings can enable safe and sustainable wooden structures at scale,” says Preben Hansen, Head of Business Development, Exterior at Teknos.

Overcoming common challenges with paint fire retardant impregnated timber

Architects and builders often face unique challenges when working with fire retardant impregnated timber:

• Leaching risks: Fire-retardant additives can leach under moisture exposure, compromising both fire resistance and coating performance.
• Adhesion issues: Some treatments interfere with coating adherence, risking durability.
• Moisture uptake: Without proper coatings, wood is vulnerable to moisture, which can degrade its structure and fire safety over time.

Teknos addresses these issues through rigorous compatibility testing and by offering waterborne, low-VOC coatings that ensure durability and environmental responsibility.

“The key to successful fire retardant coatings lie in compatibility,” explains Joakim Svensson. “Without proper testing, the benefits of the treatment and coating can be diminished, impacting both safety and aesthetics.”

Let’s build safer, more beautiful spaces together

Teknos combines technical expertise and innovative products to meet the demands of modern wood construction. From tall wooden buildings like Treet to smaller-scale exterior and interior projects, our solutions deliver safety, durability, and aesthetic excellence. Our coatings are waterborne, low-VOC, and tested to ensure compatibility with fire -retardant impregnations.

“Our coatings allow architects and manufacturers to design with confidence,” adds Preben Hansen, Head of Business Development at Teknos.

Contact Teknos today to explore our fire -retardant solutions and learn how we can support your next wood project.