Wood is a natural material, and decay is a natural process that leads to a decrease in its mass and volume. Also, it changes the colour, as its mechanical properties weaken, which leads to a gradual deterioration in appearance.
This process can be prevented. That is why wood, as a building material, must be protected from the weather impacts. In this article, we discover 9 reasons why it is necessary to apply the wood treatment.
1. Wood treatment prevents decay.
The wood used in construction should be pre-treated to become resistant to destruction and last for years. Outdoor wood used for houses, windows, decking becomes environmentally sensitive due to weather exposure all year round. Using good quality wood treatment helps to prevent wood rot, which is a common problem in the UK climate.
2. Protection from pests.
An unprocessed wooden house is a good source of food for many pests. The presence of insects leads to the irreversible destruction of wooden buildings. Also, pests can migrate to furniture, and neighbours’ houses. However, insects avoid preserved wood, as it has a protective barrier coating.
3. Prevent allergy.
When wood is frequently exposed to moisture, mould can easily reproduce. Although the mould itself does not affect the mechanical resistance of the wood, its presence stimulates fungi to multiply, which ultimately destroys the wood.
In addition, mould spreads its spores in the air, which is very unhealthy. The development of allergies is often found in people who inhale air contaminated by mould spores, which makes them more susceptible to other viruses and infections. Do not remove mould with a dry cloth, as this allows more spores to spread through the air. There are special chemicals on the market for it.
4. Prevents fungal growth.
There is a wide variety of wood fungi, that destroy cellulose and cause weakening of the material. Hence, the wood begins to crack and deform.
5. Requires less maintenance.
Before buying a house with timber framing, wood decking, sheds, extensions or any other structure made of this material, it is recommended to check whether the wood is treated with preservatives. The wood treatment guarantees a long service life, which preserves its aesthetics. Also, with the wood treatment, you will not need to spend your savings on frequent repairs.
6. Heat retention!
Applicable for houses, lofts, extensions and garden studios intended for residential use. Wood that has been destroyed by various microorganisms loses its thermal insulation properties. In order to save on heating, it is recommended to saturate the boards with wood preservatives.
7. Prevents wood expansion, contraction, and shrinkage.
Lignin is a wood component that makes up approximately one-third of wood weight, provides durability and antimicrobial properties. Lignin undergoes the separation process when wood is exposed to ultraviolet rays, humidity, temperature changes, and water/rain. As a result, the wood begins to warp and may expand or contract depending on environmental conditions, which causes discoloration, turns grey. Because of this, wood easily cracks, and moisture penetrates deeper into cracks, creating a favourable environment for various microorganisms that multiply and spread, that ultimately leads to the deterioration in the wood quality.
8. Environmental impact.
Treated wood lasts much longer, which reduces the need to replace old timber with a new one. Therefore, fewer trees need to be cut down.
9. Financial aspect.
A residential house with preservative-treated timber does not need to be repaired as often as unprocessed wooden structures. For example, when the wood is not processed, after a couple of years the first mould and fungi appear.
For more information, prices and estimates please visit Hampstead Decorators and get in touch.