MDF's Durability and Suitability for Indian Climates
MDF is a highly durable engineered panel material that can be used in the Indian climate without the worrying about humidity, heat or cold. Here’s how interior design has worked in India for centuries with subtle changes to the needs of the time and how MDF is becoming the next phase of transformation.
From ancient times, buildings in India are schematically designed on the principles of Vastu Mandala, Nav-graha Mandala, Nav-Rasa, etc. The modern-era buildings are however focused on overlooking the sun's path, climatic conditions and wind direction. These buildings rely on mechanical aspects like windows, doors, curtains, ducts, etc. to get maximum comfort.
Effect of climate conditions on People’s Choices
We have never paid as much attention to our home environment as we have since the beginning of the pandemic. The pandemic confined us to our homes and our homes needed to be equipped better to meet the preferences of the people. Interior designers and architects have been designing homes to suit the local climate but the pandemic has given a similar mind-set to the regular consumer as well. The demand for function-over-form is at an all-time high.
Function-over-form:
The importance of what a material does and the way it behaves, has become more important than the way it looks.
How MDF is taking advantage of the function-over-form
MDF takes the lead as it not only provides optimum function but is also available in a variety of grades and prelam finishes that makes your interiors/exteriors extremely beautiful and aesthetic. It is used for making cabinets, furniture, doors, panelling, and also in offices, commercial buildings, etc.
What makes MDF so durable?
MDF is made from wood fibres that are bonded together with resin under high pressure and temperature. This makes MDF extremely durable and has consistently smooth finish. The smooth finish has accelerated the use of MDF in applications where a high-quality surface is desired.
Is MDF suitable for the Indian climate?
India is a large country and the temperature in our country ranges from extremely hot to extremely cold, very humid to completely dry.
MDFs are built in a way that they can withstand the most extreme conditions while retaining their properties.
Hot Climate
MDF is known for its high density and uniformity. This makes MDF less prone to expanding and cracking during the extreme heat waves of west and central India. MDF can withstand reasonable temperatures and are available in variants that can be used on the interiors.
Cold Climate
The high density and uniformity of MDF make it an amazing raw material in cold weather. MDF is less prone to deformity and will easily withstand the cold weather of north India. It is less prone to contracting and chipping than normal wood.
Humidity
MDF is tough and long-lasting and bonded under high pressure using thermosetting resins that make it extremely durable and suitable for high-humidity environments. MDF is moisture-resistant and this makes it ideal for use along the entire coastline of eastern, southern and western India.
Termite Resistant
Termites thrive in hot weather. But they are a bigger threat in cold weather. They dig deeper and deeper until they find warmth. And if they find warmth, they will continue to weaken the surface from there on. MDF is termite resistant and will stay protected from any such damage.
Read More: Protect Your Space with Termite Resistant MDF Boards
Fungus Resistant
Moisture and cold weather are breeding ground for fungus. Fungus thrives in such weather and will affect wooden materials. MDF is fungus resistant and will prevent any such damage.
Conclusion
It is extremely important to build according to the weather in your region. Some regions face multiple weather conditions throughout the year. They get extremely hot during the summers, have a high amount of precipitation and become very cold in winter. This creates a void for a building material that can withstand all these weather conditions while also look aesthetic and complement other design elements.
MDF is the king of all-weather materials. It is a highly reliable material and will be less prone to damage under different weather conditions.
VIR-MDF is a new-age product that is a great alternative to solid wood and plywood. It is available in a variety of options and suits all your needs. You can choose from VIR MDF, VIR MaxPro, VIR Prelam, Vir ProPlus, Interior grade MDF, Prelaminated MDF, Melamine MDF board, Termite resistant, Water resistant options.