Abodo Vaaro® IR – Frequently Asked Questions​

Abodo Vaaro IR is an ultra durable feature timber, engineered with fire retardant properties locked into the wood’s cellular structure and tested to major international fire standards. It is supplied as a complete, tested product range from a single manufacturer.​

Vaaro has been independently tested, including before and after weathering, to major international standards, including ASTM E84 Class A (USA).​

Vaaro® IR has achieved up to Class A when tested to ASTM E2768 and ASTM E84 extended 30 minutes surface burning following ASTM D2898 accelerated weathering, with a flame spread index (FSI) of ≤25, an smoke developed index (SDI) of ≤100, and no evidence of progressive combustion, making it compliant as an ignition resistant material ready for exterior use in WUI zones in compliance with UBC No. 8-1 and SFM 12-7A-5 per Chapter 7A of the 2019 California Building Code and California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Title 24, Part 7 with January 2026 Errata.​

Vaaro IR may be specified where ignition resistant material is required. This includes high fire risk Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. It can be used in WUI areas where compliance with IWUIC (International Wildland-Urban Interface Code) or California Building Code Chapter 7A is required.​

Vaaro IR is the only ultra-durable, fire compliant* timber available as a complete coated, tested product range – all from one trusted manufacturer.​

No. Vaaro IR is not a surface coating – it is a timber with fire retardant properties, achieved by pressure impregnating a resin‑based fire retardant treatment into the timber, which is then thermoset cured. This locks the fire retardant into the wood cells rather than relying on a sacrificial surface layer.

Yes. Vaaro IR is designed for exterior façade and cladding applications and has been tested in both coated and uncoated forms, including after weathering, to give confidence in long‑term performance. See Question 2 for the international compliance standards that Vaaro has met.​

Yes. Vaaro IR is designed for interior wall and ceiling lining/panelling applications and meets emissions requirements of California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Japan Super E0/F**** (JIS A1460) and European E1 (EN717-1) standards. See Question 2 for the international compliance standards that Vaaro has met.​

Yes. Vaaro IR is supplied as a complete, tested product range – the timber, fire retardant treatment and approved coatings – from a single manufacturer. This removes uncertainty associated with multi‑supplier or site‑applied treatments.​

No. Vaaro IR is sold as a tested siding (cladding) material that forms one component of a wall or ceiling system. Wall build-ups are designed specific to each project, of which Vaaro may then contribute to meet specific performance requirements such as an FRR (Fire Resistance Rating).​

Vaaro IR is fully tested with the Abodo Protector™ semi‑transparent coating range. Using tested coating systems is critical to maintaining validated fire performance.​

Unlike surface‑applied coatings that can burn off, peel, or degrade over time, Vaaro IR’s fire protection is integral to the timber. The resin‑based system is highly leach resistant and remains effective after weathering, making it suitable for long term exterior applications. Vaaro can be cut on site without the need to re-treat cut ends of timber (in order to maintain fire compliance).​

Vaaro IR demonstrates very high leach resistance, with no change in classification when subjected to internationally recognised pre-weathering standards such as ASTM 2898. The thermosetting resin system is specifically designed to restrict the fire retardant treatment from leaching out due to weathering, which is a known issue with many conventional fire retardant timber products.​

Vaaro achieves durability class 1, which is the highest durability class for natural timber. Vaaro provides excellent long‑term resistance to fungal decay and is backed by a 40 year durability warranty, subject to warranty conditions. The durability of Vaaro timber is enhanced through Abodo’s proprietary thermal modification and resin impregnation process.​

Yes. Vaaro can be re‑machined after treatment by up to 4mm (1/8") combined, subject to specific conditions. Any re‑machining must comply with Abodo’s technical guidance to maintain performance.​

No. Vaaro IR provides a tested, compliant* material option, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional fire engineering advice. Final compliance must always be confirmed by a qualified fire engineer in accordance with local regulations.​

All technical data, fire compliance test results and installation guidance are in the Abodo Vaaro Fire Product Guide, which should be used as the initial reference during specification. Further information including test certificates can be supplied by Abodo on request.

Vaaro IR is manufactured from high grade FSC®‑certified, rapidly renewable New Zealand plantation timber. Sustainability and responsible sourcing are core to the product’s design and performance.​

An EPD for Vaaro is currently in progress. In the meantime, initial calculations indicate that the product will still store carbon after processing.​

See the Vaaro Product Guide for more information on Abodo forestry sources and Vaaro environmental compliance.​

The finished wood product is non-hazardous. However it is not suitable for composting as the in-ground durability is too high (similar to heartwood of high durability tropical hardwoods). It can be re-machined and repurposed into another product, disposed of in landfill or burnt in approved furnace.​

There are no hazardous chemicals present in the finished product and the treated timber is non-toxic. There are no heavy metals, boron, halogens, phosphates or sulphates that can be of concern with fire retardant treated products. The treatment is made from two components: a thermosetting polymer resin and an organic nitrogen-based fire retardant. The fire retardant treatment is a low toxicity organic molecule. Once cured these components are locked into the cells of the timber and become inert.​