•	Caliper swell when saturated in water improves 1-1/2 to 5 times comparing Extira panels to MR grade and typical MDF.

CMI manufactures another product, MiraTEC trim, using the same ingredients and manufacturing technology, which has performed exceptionally well since its introduction in 1998.

Why are Extira panels better than wood?
• Extira panels have stable pricing and availability.
• No knots or voids, therefore offering 100% yields.
• Resists checking, splitting and cracking.
• Provides green benefits.

How are Extira panels like wood?

•	Extira panels are 90% wood so they retain some of same attributes. They handle and machine well.

Do Extira panels contain urea formaldehyde?

•	Extira panels have no added urea formaldehyde. This is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, certificate number SCS-MC-01802.
•	Through repeated testing by the Composite Panel Association (CPA), a third party certifier for the ATCM rule, Extira panels have demonstrated formaldehyde emissions equivalent to background levels found in the environment.

What is zinc borate?

•

Zinc borate is an EPA-registered biocide. It is a wood preservative that provides protection from wood destroying organisms for wood composite materials. It is added during the manufacturing process to control the growth of white and brown rot decay fungi. Zinc borate is a broad-spectrum fungicide with no demonstrated adverse environmental effects.

How do Extira panels perform in laboratory testing?
CMI conducted field tests for rot and termite resistance on Extira panels and southern yellow pine. The testing was performed by Louisiana State University in the swamps of southern Louisiana. Each test was run for 3 years, with observations recorded every six months.

Termite Resistance
Test standard:
AWPA E7 - Standard Method of Evaluating Wood Preservatives by Field Tests with Stakes.

Test dates:
June 2003 through June 2006.

Test variables:
Extira Panels 3/4" and 1".
Southern Yellow Pine 3/4" and 1".

Rating scale:
The rating scale is from 0 to 10, where a score of 0 represents complete failure and 10.0 represents no termite activity.

Test results:
After 18 months of exposure, Extira panels showed less than 25% termite activity on both 3/4" and 1" samples. Over the same evaluation period, the southern yellow pine was completely destroyed. The full test data for both 12-month and 18-month observations are recorded below.

TERMITE TEST:



Rot Resistance
Test standard:
AWPA E16 - Field Test for Evaluation of Wood Preservatives to be used Out of Ground Contact: Horizontal Lap-Joint Method.

Test dates:
May 2003 through June 2006.

Test variables:
Extira Panels 3/4" and 1".
Southern Yellow Pine 3/4" and 1".

Rating scale:
The test is rated on a 0-5 scale. A score of 0 indicates no evidence of rot and a score of 5 represents a total failure (eg. test sample was destroyed by rot). A score of 1.0 indicates that the sample shows trace attacks of rot, limited to superficial damage. Observations were recorded at the joints and laps (outside). Lap measurements are reported in this document.

Test results:
After both 18 months and 3 years of exposure, Extira panels scored a 1.0 for both 4/4 and 5/4. A full breakdown of the observations follows.

After 3 years of exposure, the southern yellow pine showed total failure, scoring 5.0 for both thicknesses tested. After 18 months, the southern yellow pine received a rating of 3.1. A rating of 3.0 indicates moderate attack with softening of wood evident, consistent with rot decay in areas greater than 0.5".

ROT TEST:

Thickness Swell
As measured by ASTM D1037-99, Extira panels showed thickness swell approximately 40% less than MR 50 MDF. Moisture Resistant Grade 50 MDF has a maximum thickness swell of 5%.

Accelerated Aging Test
As measured by ASTM D1037-99, Extira panels retained 90% of its original strength after the 6-cycle accelerated aging test. The accelerated aging test is a means of testing the durability of a product when it is submitted to seasonal changes. To do this, the product undergoes cycles of freezing, thawing, soaking, and heating to mimic conditions in areas of seasonal change in terms of humidity, temperature and moisture.

What can I make with Extira panels?

•	Any non-structural paint grade application for interior or exterior use
•	Extira panels have been used for exterior millwork such as fluting, rosettes, dentil mould, raised panels; shutters, fenestration (door and window parts); exterior signage; marine, landscape and nursery applications; underlayment for countertops and countless other applications.

How do I paint or finish Extira panels?
Click here for the complete answer as a PDF document.

Can Extira panels be laminated?
Click here for the complete answer as a PDF document.

How can Extira panels be cut?
Fine tooth hand saws or power saws with combination blades work best. CMI recommends carbide tipped blades. Cut into the face of the material. Extira panels can also be mitered for applications such as joints or column posts. Extira panels can be routed or shaped for a variety of molding patterns and will machine similarly to standard MDF.

Can Extira panels be sandblasted for exterior signs?
Yes, Extira panels have been successfully sandblasted. Since there are so many variables involved in sandblasting (type of abrasive used, air pressure, psi, etc.), CMI recommends that you test a sample before producing a full-size sign.
Click here for the complete answer as a PDF document.

How can I fasten Extira panels?
CMI recommends traditional fasteners, such as glue and adhesives. CMI recommends polyurethane-based adhesives. Some general guidelines: 1) Position nails no closer than ½" from the edge; 2) Drill pilot holes when putting a screw into the edge of the product. This isn’t necessary when you drill into the face. CMI does not recommend nailing into the edge of the product.

What kind of tests did CMI or other testing bodies perform on Extira panels before introducing the product to the market?
1) EMMAQUA Testing: Accelerated weathering test conducted in the Arizona desert. The product was tested on a vertical test fence with southern exposure. During the day, an array of mirrors concentrates sunlight on Extira for maximum UV exposure. During the night, it is submitted to a series of soak, freeze and thaw cycles.
2) CMI Technical Center Rainwall Testing: Wet and Heated Dry cyclical testing.
3) Mechanical Property Testing.
4) Test Fences at three separate locations (Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Illinois).
5) Termite, rot and 6-cycle Accelerated Aging tests.

CMI manufactures another product, MiraTEC trim, using the same ingredients and manufacturing technology which has performed exceptionally well on the market since its introduction in 1998.

Do Extira panels provide green building benefits?

• No old growth wood is used in the manufacture of Extira panels. They are made from leftover wood that is of no commercial timber value and is the byproduct of other operations. This wood is also detrimental to the overall vitality of the forest. CMI uses 100% northern hardwoods. All wood comes from an area within a 200 mile radius of the Towanda, Pennsylvania production facility.
• Extira panels have no added urea formaldehyde. This is certified by Scientific Certification Systems, certificate number SCS-MC-01802.
• Due to their physical composition, Extira panels are not subject to the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure 93120 (ATCM). This measure enforces limits on formaldehyde emissions. If they were subject to the ATCM rule, Extira panels would meet the specification for the designation "ultra low formaldehyde emitter."
• Through repeated testing by the Composite Panel Association (CPA), a third party certifier for the ATCM rule, Extira panels have demonstrated formaldehyde emissions equivalent to background levels found in the environment.
• Extira panels contribute to industry programs such as LEED® 2009 for Commercial Interiors, LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations, LEED for Homes and NAHB - National Green Building Standard™.