Timber - how to protect it (Outdoor Design Backgrounder)
30 November 2011
Timber, a type of wood that is widely used for an assortment of jobs, is quickly finding its way to every other household. Extensively used in the making of furniture, floors and even roofs, timber is nature’s treasure trove without a shadow of a doubt.
Beautifully encompassing appeal and charm, timber is quite a delicate organic material and when not treated properly, the result is cupping and shrinking, and ultimately sabotaging its allure. In addition, good life span of timber can only be ensured by proper usage.
There is no reason you cannot enjoy timber for a long period of time but just like all the other types of wood, it is susceptible to certain elements. If it is left untreated, it fails to offer the support and stability it is expected to provide.
In order to treat timber yourself, there are a number of things that can be a vast help. If it’s your garden furniture, fences or sheds, the entire treatment can be just a weekend job. However, bigger constructions will take up more time and you may also have to seek professional help.
If your home or property is relying on timber for support, start taking measures today because it won’t be long before the structure will start crumbling. Since timber is very delicate, treating it after it has been left to rot for a while can cost you a fortune. Immediately measures are, therefore, strongly suggested.
How to Remedy Your Ailing Timber
The following are the answer to all your quandaries regarding timber treatment.
Strength of Sodium Silicate
Sodium Silicate has natural protective properties. Not only does it protect your timber goods from insects, it also promises some flame retardant properties. Hence, Sodium Silicate emerges as the ideal solution for extending the life of timber-made products.
Woodworm Treatment
One of the primary reasons that wood rots is insects and the biggest threat to timber is woodworm. Not only do they love making homes in timber, they leave your goods hollow from within, destroying them completely.
To offer timber protection from woodworm, use woodworm protection. Moreover, you can also use dry rot treatment or wet rot treatment. You can find a lot of products that offer both these types of protection.
Treatment from Water
When water comes in contact with timber the results can be devastating. Severely damaging your timber, it is important that you waterproof it one way or the other. By waterproofing it, you can make sure that no water or moisture seeps inside and damages your timber.
Remember if timber is left untreated, it will soon lose all its beauty, making things useless and unstable. To make sure your timber lasts a lifetime, treat it accordingly.
This article is published by Outdoor Design Source, Australia's most comprehensive external works directory of products and services. Featuring suppliers for landscaping, playground equipment, shade structures and outdoor lighting in all its applications to erosion control, drainage, street & outdoor furniture, retaining walls, wholesale nurseries and so much more. Outdoor Design Source is the essential reference for all specifiers in the landscape, civil and amenities industry.
