At Carrefour du Bois 2026, Durieu presents the WFS 100 Saturator and the Durieu Academies

Its aesthetic and insulating qualities make it the material of the 21st century. In a context where fire regulations and sustainability are essential, every player in the timber construction sector is seeking solutions that combine performance, aesthetics, and compliance. Contrary to popular belief, timber structures offer good fire resistance when equipped with appropriate fire protection.

Classification, reaction and fire resistance, details...

European fire classification for wood

There are 3 Euroclasses for construction timber in terms of reaction to fire: B, C and D; B being the best.

In 90% of cases, the wood is Euroclassified D, some are Euroclassified C, and to meet Euroclass B, the wood must have been fireproofed.

Fire reaction and fire resistance are two very distinct entities.

Fire reaction is the ability of a wood material to contribute or not to the spread of fire.

Fire resistance is the ability of wood to retain its structural properties in the presence of a fire (to burn slowly or not and possibly to collapse or not).

• The lower the reaction to fire, the less the resistance of the materials will be tested, and the better the structure will withstand.
• Fire resistance, however, depends on the strength of the wood and the structure.

Fire safety and regulations for dwellings

Thus, when we talk about reaction to fire, we mean a material's behavior in the face of fire, including smoke release (s for smog) and potential smoldering (d for drop). In France, there are several types of housing, and reaction to fire is considered according to each type. For single-family homes or multi-family dwellings not exceeding three stories, the French standard requires a minimum Euroclassified wood rating of D, s3, d0; for other types of housing, the requirements are stricter.

Thanks to its unique composition, WFS 100 helps prevent further spread and/or additional smoke release. Fire safety regulations are maintained*.

Note: applying a saturator that protects the wood while maintaining its Euroclass also helps to reduce costs because there is then no need for further treatment such as fireproofing.

Protecting the wood without altering its fire resistance: solutions from a pioneer

Building on its expertise in wood protection, the Durieu Group offers in its Industry range a protection solution that meets regulatory requirements for reaction to fire.

The Owatrol® range was the first to offer a saturator that allows you to maintain Euroclass D, C and B, with WFS 100 (concept patented by Durieu SA).

In practical terms, this means that the application of this finish does not alter the fire reaction performance of the substrate, a crucial issue for wooden facades or buildings subject to strict regulatory requirements.

The protected structure retains the classification it had at the time of construction.

A non-degrading saturator that protects wood

WFS 100 embodies the DNA of Durieu saturators, focusing on interior protection through impregnation. It combines three technologies, uniting three resins that provide wood with exceptional durability.

Universal, thanks to its pervasive power.

It is applicable to all types of wood with the same effectiveness, even dense and oily exotic woods.

Enhanced UV protection

It ensures optimal wood durability against greying.

Humidity regulator

Once protected, the wood can breathe and does not suffer the destructive effects of moisture.

Non-film-forming

It helps prevent film peeling and reworking.

Fast drying

An essential advantage for handling and storage.

39% bio-based formula

WFS 100 contributes to the eco-responsibility of the structures where it is applied and its water-based, odorless formulation also improves working conditions.

WFS 100 live

On the Nudge construction site, it was necessary to protect 11.000 m2 of Euroclassified C larch cladding with a non-degrading saturator and a well-defined tint.

Fibex, the company in charge of the wood protection application for this construction site, chose to work with the Durieu Group and its WFS 100 saturator which met both requirements.

Wood passion for lasting, protecting, shaping and perpetuating

The eco-friendly advantages of wood in terms of durability and insulation, as well as its aesthetic and warm qualities, tend to make it indispensable in construction. And to guarantee the longevity of its unique advantages, it is essential to follow best practices implemented from the very beginning of a project.

Protecting first and maintaining second are two reflexes that must now be part of the specifications. Wooden structures must be proposed or designed with durability and the material's evolution over time in mind.

Protecting and training: solutions from a group passionate about wood

In line with its mission to ensure the protection and maintenance of wooden structures, the teams at Groupe Durieu have decided to offer tailored training to stakeholders in the timber industry in order to master best practices, particularly regarding application rules.

Why is proper training essential?

Because a lack of preparation, poor application or poor qualification of customer needs can be costly: in time, margin, credibility, litigation, and lost opportunities.

Did you know?

On average, remedial work represents up to 10% of the total cost of French construction projects. The quality of the deliverables is often called into question.

To avoid these quality problems, which in addition to impacting costs also cause problems for the reputation of the company concerned but also for the wood industry as a whole, certified training makes it possible to guarantee the mastery of the execution of a project under the right conditions.

The Bois Durieu Academies

The Durieu Wood Academies are dedicated to companies that wish to structure their skills, professionalize their teams and guarantee optimal results when working with wood.

Their purpose is to enable professionals to train in the mastery of wood substrates, their pathologies and appropriate protection solutions.

The course is adapted according to the profiles for: applicators, site managers, architects and project owners.

Please note: the training courses are managed by Alfordif, a Qualiopi-certified organization. They are eligible for funding through OPCOs.

(*) This property is validated by tests according to standard NF EN 13501-1, with classifications confirmed by FCBA