How water-resistant is BWP plywood? There is indeed a more “scientific” way to determine that answer, and that is by completing a boiling-water test. The boiling-water test will demonstrate how BWP plywood is the most appropriate for extreme moisture conditions. You probably hear the term “BWP plywood” often when selecting plywood for damp areas of the home.
The Meaning of BWP Plywood
BWP has the meaning “boiling water proof”. Basically, the plywood is manufactured with the ability to endure a prolonged environment of exposure to water, including hot boiling water while maintaining its structural integrity. While both conventional and moisture resistant plywoods are primarily used in areas of the home where there is significant moisture present, BWP plywood is primarily manufactured for those areas where there is constant and unavoidable moisture in the atmosphere.
So What Is the Boiling Water Test?
The boiling water test is a standard test method for assessing the water resistance and bonding strength of BWP plywood. BWP plywood samples are submerged in boiling water for a period of hours, removed from boiling water, and then dried for a short time, before being returned to boiling water. Following this process, the plywood sample is visually checked to confirm if the core of the plywood and/or the layers of plywood were to separate.
If the layers of plywood remain bonded and the board continues to maintain structural integrity, it passes the boiling-water test, which means it is BWP grade.
Reason Why BWP Passes the Boiling Test
The reason that BWP plywood passes the boiling-water test is that it is manufactured using high-quality hardwood veneers and phenolic resin glues. These adhesives are extremely water- and heat-resistant, and they will not break down or soften when subjected to boiling conditions. Because of this, there is virtually no way for water to penetrate into the core of the plywood, thus preventing any swelling of the board or delamination or bending of the board.
Thus BWP plywood has a tremendous advantage over commercial plywood and moisture-resistant plywood when they are used in wet environments.
Boiling Test: What It Does and Does Not Mean
Therefore, just because it passes a boiling-water test does not mean that BWP plywood is totally and completely “indestructible”. Passing a boiling-water test only means that the internal bonding of the BWP plywood will not fail due to exposure to extreme moisture environments. Therefore, when you are using BWP plywood for construction purposes in your home, BWP plywood will perform extremely well during the Indian monsoon season, high humidity, and, of course, everyday water use.
Don’t forget! In order to maximize the longevity of BWP plywood, it is also very essential that BWP plywood be installed properly. Inadequate edge sealing, extended periods of standing water, and/or incorrect fastening will shorten the lifespan of BWP plywood, regardless of the BWP plywood grade.
Ways to Use BWP Plywood in Indian Homes
When it comes to BWP plywood being used in an Indian home, a prime example would be to use BWP plywood in a kitchen base cabinet, vanity, provide a work/storage space for utility. In the case of BWP plywood for these types of applications BWP plywood quality and reliability in highly saturated moisture environments has caused many homeowners and professionals to select Royale Touche BWP Plywood.
Conclusion
So is BWP plywood utterly water-proof? Based upon the boiling-water test, BWP plywood has the highest water resistance rating available of any plywood grade available today. If BWP plywood is authentic, correctly certified, and properly installed, BWP plywood will give you superior durability, even under the worst wet conditions.