Finland Color Plywood Corporation

Parklex 1000 was developed to be used as an exterior panel product. It has been used throughout Europe by architects who were looking for a product of extreme durability combined with the warmth and beauty of wood. Parklex 1000 is uniquely suited for exterior applications due to its weatherability and resistance to varying climatic conditions.

2. What is the composition of the Parklex 1000?

Parklex 1000 is a unique exterior wood panel. It is composed of wood veneers treated with phenolic resins on both the front and back faces, laminated with a bakelite inner core (bakelite is kraft paper treated with thermo-hardened resins, which are compressed under extreme pressure at high temperature). Parklex 1000 is a non-toxic material.

3. How does the performance of the Parklex 1000 compare with that of typical wood siding?

Because of its superior performance and durability, Parklex 1000 is an economical alternative to other wood panel products that require constant maintenance and refinishing. Parklex 1000 is virtually maintenance free; the panel has been used in Europe for many years without any problems or refinishing issues. The panels are highly resistant to varying climatic conditions, resist mold, mildew and fungus and are impervious to termites. Parklex 1000 is a cost effective system for commercial and residential projects and is suitable for both new and restorative applications.
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4. Is Parklex 1000 an environmentally "green" product?

Please refer to our Parklex 1000 Environmental Statement.

5. Is Parklex 1000 non-toxic?

Parklex 1000 is a non-toxic material. Its formaldehyde content meets a classification of Class 1, with <1mg/100g, which is the lowest available (UNE-EN 312-1:1.997). Toxicological Report (PDF file, 4 pages, 88k)

6. Will the Parklex 1000 panel expand and contract over the change of seasons? Will the panels be affected by changes in humidity or exposure to the elements?

Parklex 1000 is highly resistant to varying climatic conditions, including temperature and humidity changes. The panels are dimensionally stable and will not delaminate or rot. Improvements to Parklex 1000, put into production in 2003, add increased protection against humidity absorption, increasing the dimensional stability of the panel.
In detailing your wall system, the panels should be fastened in accordance with our installation guidelines. We recommend you provide a well ventilated system and appropriate joint conditions to allow for expansion (1/4" expansion joint is recommended between panels). For more information about detailing your wall system, please refer to our Installation Guidelines.

Parklex 1000 is highly resistant to varying climatic conditions, including UV ray exposure and extreme changes in temperature. Parklex is composed of natural wood veneers and some color change is normal. Colors may change within normal parameters due to normal oxidation and UV exposure; color change may be more or less depending upon the intensity of UV exposure. Parklex 1000 has been tested for its resistance to a multitude of stains; in each test performed there were no visible changes observed to the material (the highest rating was achieved).
Improvements to Parklex 1000, put into production in 2003, increase the age resistance of the panel, greatly increasing the UV resistance and color stability of the face veneer.

Weathering Resistance Report [229k]
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8. Does the panel require special installation details or maintenance when exposed to extremely wet weather conditions?

Color change is considered normal for the product (see information on color changes above). Providing a minimum 30mm (approximately 1" minimum) air space between the panels and the substructure will allow air circulation and prevent damp condensation behind the panels. Please follow our Installation Guidelines to minimize any adverse effects (see section 2.1 Edge Protector). Specifically, refer to the section Joints Between Panels.

9. Will the panels ever require maintenance?

Because of its superior performance and durability, Parklex 1000 does not require specific maintenance such as sanding, refinishing or topcoating.
The non-porous nature of the Parklex 1000 panel prevents dirt from penetrating its surface. Superficial dirt can be removed with a damp cloth and soap or any mild non-abrasive household detergent.
Due to UV exposure over a number of years, it is possible for the panels to gradually lose their original luster. This gradual dulling of the surface does not effect the performance of the panel. If, for aesthetic intent, it is desired to renew the surface shine, an application of Parklex 1000 Restorer (alkyl-silicon resin aqueous emulsion) will restore the panel's original reflective quality.
Improvements to Parklex 1000, put into production in 2003, increase the age resistance of the panel, increasing the stability of the surface gloss of the finish and therefore, greatly reducing the effect described above and the need for applying restorer.

10. Can the panels be used indoors?

Parklex 1000 can be used for interior applications, such as walls and countertops. Parklex 1000 is not recommended for use as a flooring material because thickness tolerances may vary slightly from panel to panel. For flooring, please see our commercial wood flooring, Parklex 2000.
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11. Is it possible to customize the color or species of the veneer?

Custom colors and species are not available. Parklex 1000 is currently available in Boak-Natural, Boak-Brown, Ayous-Natural, Ayous-Light Brown and Ayous-Dark Brown. The product is manufactured using these wood species due to their consistent quality and secure supply.

12. Can the panels be cut down to a different module size?

Parklex 1000 is manufactured in full size (4' x 8') panels. Parklex 1000 has the ability to be easily adapted on site; panels can be readily cut in the field using a saw with a precision carbide or tungsten tipped blade. Our factory can mill panels to a specified module size at an additional cost.

13. Do the cut edges of the panels need to be finished in any way? What is generally done to detail the panels at a corner condition?

In 2004, the scientists at Parklex have developed a water based Edge Protector for Parklex 1000. This Edge Protector is factory applied to each panel and is required to be re-applied in the field on a newly milled edge with Parklex 1000 Edge Protector applicator. Joint detailing is up to the designer; joints at corners may be left exposed, mitered, rabbeted or designed in conjunction with a channel system. Please see Installation Guidelines, section 2.2.
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14. What are the available thicknesses of Parklex 1000?

The standard thickness for Parklex 1000 is 10mm (approximately 3/8"), which is recommended for most design applications. It is also possible to order the panels in alternate thicknesses of 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 13mm and 15mm.

15. If choosing a concealed screw installation method, do I need to choose particular panel thickness?

When fastening from behind for a concealed fastening installation, we recommend a 10mm thick panel, and screwing to a depth of 8mm. For more information on panel installation, please refer to our Installation Guidelines.

16. Can the edges be machined to accommodate joint details?

For joint details requiring a machined edge condition we recommend using a 13mm thick panel. Our factory can prepare a machined edge at an additional cost.
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17. Is it possible to bend the panels?

Yes; we suggest using a 4mm, 6mm or 8mm thick panel for curved applications. The panels are generally capable of a 10m radius (in the 8mm thick panel); tighter radiuses may be achieved by kerfing the panel.

18. What is the fire rating for this product?

Parklex 1000 has been tested for Surface Burning Characteristics determined by ASTM E-84 (twenty-five foot tunnel furnace test method) and meets Class B (II) - 75 or under flame spread, with a flame spread of 40 and a smoke developed index of 35. It is possible to manufacture the product to achieve a Class A (Class I) rating, at an additional cost. Please contact us directly for information.

19. Is Parklex 1000 protected by a product warranty?

Parklex 1000 exterior panel products are protected by a Limited "Product Only" Warranty. Copies are available upon request.

20. How long has Parklex been available in the United States?

Finland Color Plywood Corporation has been the exclusive importer and distributor of Parklex products to the United States since 1999. Currently there are many completed projects in the U.S. and several dozen projects currently under construction and due to be completed by years end 2001. There are currently hundreds of built projects using Parklex 1000 in Europe (including Spain, Portugal, England and Germany), where Parklex has been available since 1992.
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For all other inquiries, or to request a sample of Parklex 1000 or any of our other products, please submit your request via the Contact Us page on our website, www.fincolorply.com.

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