Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41 | Page 44

FEATURES
Once penetrated, water can have a detrimental effect on wood, resulting in swelling and cracking of the timber.
Continued from page 40
too often the timber is left to fall into an appalling state
before any maintenance is done. Usually by this time the
timber has cracked, dried unevenly, warped, splintered, or, if
untreated timber was used, rotted away.”
Greeff says the factors that will have the greatest
influence on longevity include the correct preparation of the
surface, correct product choice, and correct application.
Apart from that, surfaces should be kept clean, he adds.
“Any spills should be wiped up as soon as possible –
water should never be left to pool on outdoor surfaces and
pollution from berries or bird droppings should be promptly
removed. Indoor wood should be treated from time to time
with a good maintenance product. Outdoor wood should be
regularly inspected for damage to the coating due to
weather or mechanical damage and re-treatment done
before deterioration of the wood commences,”
highlights Greeff.
He continues, “We so often hear about consumers using
products formulated to be used in outdoor conditions,
indoors, because they think the product is ‘stronger’ – this is
completely wrong. Indoor products are generally formulated
to dry relatively quickly and hard. They also do not contain
UV absorbers and other additives necessary in outdoor
products. This makes them specifically suited to indoor use.
42 DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 //
“Outdoor products are formulated to dry slower, as they
must remain flexible for longer periods to be able to survive
the large temperature fluctuations that outdoor wood is
subject to. This means that they will tend to remain slightly
soft and ‘sticky’ if used indoors. They also contain a
multitude of additives required for their survival in outdoor
conditions which make them somewhat more expensive
than indoor products.”
MAINTAINED TO LAST
Ryder recommends a good maintenance cycle will prevent
the timber from becoming unusable. “We usually
recommend an 18-month refurbishment cycle to prevent
problems from occurring,” he notes.
Ryder points out that the latest trend is to leave tropical
hardwood decking uncoated. “While this grey-looking
timber may be desirable, the damage that is caused to the
timber is immense and the timber will start to splinter
and can actually cause cuts and gashes to feet if damage
is undetected.”
Greeff notes that there’s a definite shift towards eco-
friendly products. “Eco-friendly solutions will become more
important as the public becomes better informed about the
advantages of eco-friendly products and treatments,”
he says.
See more on page 44
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