On Jan. 1, wood plastic composites manufacturer Tech-Wood North America (Greenwood, S.C.) announced the launch of Tech-Plank, a new siding material for the North American residential construction market. Said to be stronger and lighter (by 35 percent) and more cost-effective than fiber cement siding, the product was unveiled Jan. 19 at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Tech-Plank is based on Tech-Wood’s trademarked Wood 2.0, a patented composite material technology, on which the company offers a 50-year guarantee. The fully recyclable composite consists of 75 percent long-strand pine-wood fibers and 25 percent virgin polypropylene. The company claims that its formulation is superior to traditional wood plastic composite profiles. Offered in engineered shapes with a distinctive woodgrain look and high dimensional strength, the planks are free of preservatives and chemical biocides, yet the company says they are impervious to termites and carpenter bees. Unlike fiber cement siding, for which installers must use special cutting blades, Tech-Planks require no special tools or handling. Because of its high wood content, the composite can be cut, routed, drilled, nailed and/or sanded like natural wood and, reportedly, matches wood’s mechanical properties as well.  

The company is therefore marketing the product as easy to install and do-it-yourself friendly, reporting that Tech-Plank siding costs less to install than fiber cement siding, cedar shakes, stucco, aluminum, natural stone and brick, and is available to both homebuilders and homeowners in a range of complementary styles and colors.