Timber iQ October - November 2017 // Issue: 34 | Page 42

FEATURES
Use wood to create a dramatic entrance.
Untreated wood can be susceptible to insect infestation,
especially termites. But this problem can also be addressed
through maintenance and there are a variety of products
available that prevent insects from making holes and
laying eggs in the wood.
WORKING WITH WOOD
“One should not use timber windows and doors where
there is not adequate overhead cover,” cautions De Villiers.
“Wood is durable, but it does need some overhead
protection.” Van Acht recommends 600mm of direct
overhead roof cover.
While wooden doors and window frames can be further
customised with paint, it is not always recommended.
In fact, it is advised not to paint or varnish timber
windows and doors as varnish and paint do not penetrate
or nourish the timber. “It only forms a surface layer that
still allows the wood underneath to deteriorate over time.”
Wood that is regularly maintained and protected from
the elements will last hundreds of years. Wood used
externally will gradually decay over time, but this decay
can be extended by many decades, provided the timber is
cared for.
Wood should be treated with a penetrating oil-based
wood sealer and be re-oiled annually, especially if the
product is highly exposed to the elements. “A light
sanding, with fine steel wool to remove access dirt and
pigmentation build-up before re-oiling, is also
recommended,” she adds.
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Timber windows can be fitted with burglar bars on their
opening sections; this offers a decent amount of security.
Timber doors, however, do not offer much resistance from
items like crowbars and axes.
Wood is very forgiving in the hands of designers and is
quite easily repaired. You can also laminate and plain
timber in certain instances to reduce or add to the
overall dimensions.
Wood, like most other materials, is prone to changes in
size. Being a natural product, it can warp and bend in some
conditions, especially after prolonged rainfall, which
can make the opening of doors and windows
somewhat problematic.
Wood moves as its moisture content changes. On
average, wood gains or loses about 1% of moisture content
for every 5% change in relative humidity.
BAD SHAPE
Aluminium windows have cannibalised much of the
demand. Van Acht speculates that this is due to the
maintenance concerns people have when considering
wooden windows.
De Villiers believes the industry is also underequipped
with the appropriate skills and expertise, despite the fact
the material is forgiving and easy to work with.
“Unfortunately, we are sitting with a massive skills
deficit in South Africa, and much of the bad reputation that
timber windows and doors receive is due to inexperienced
builders and carpenters who do not follow the correct