If you have a timber yard, a pile of timber products in your backyard, timber decks or floors, or perhaps even a wooden shed or fencing in your yard, it is important to treat the timber. You probably know this already, but whereas your timber is treated from insect attack and rot, it doesn't mean that it's not subject to swelling, twisting, splitting, and ageing, especially if you have kept it for long. Therefore, how do you maintain your treated timber to ensure that it has the extended life that you need? Here are certain methods you can use:
Paints
For timber that's exposed to the weather situations, such as extreme sun and rain, you need to use stains or paints to prolong the serviceability and maintain the appearance. You can choose your paints, stains or surface coating from a variety of options, including water repellent and clear sealants, semi-transparent or clear stains, and acrylic paints. If you choose the water repellent and clear sealants, ensure that you reapply them regularly.
Semi-transparent and clear will give you an edge if you need to maintain the natural appearance of your timber, such as in the case of timber shades, pergola, or deck. Acrylic stains will often last longer and may not need regular reapplication. When applying these stains, make sure that the timber is clean and dry. Application of stains and paints is simple because you only need the paint itself and a brush.
Cut Ends
You should not dress or re-saw your treated timber because doing this will reduce the surface protected by the treatment. Nonetheless, cut or rebated pieces of your timber may expose the unpenetrated heartwood to the cut surface. You can reseal these cuts with appropriate preservatives to ensure the maintenance of a satisfactory layer of preservatives for your timber. Your supplier for preservatives should be able to assist you to identify the proper preservatives depending on your wood species. Alternatively, valuable information on the same can be found on the internet to help you find the best choice.
Metal Connectors
All metal fixings, including bolts and nuts, have to be corrosion resistant. This is because the preservatives may contain copper as well as other electrolytes that can corrode when in contact with the metal fixings. For this reason, use stainless or hot galvanized steel. Also, if you're storing your treated timber, avoid placing it above or in contact with uncoated zinc-aluminium, metal sheets like roofing sheets to prevent severe corrosion.
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