There is no shortage of types of materials used in construction. With each passing year, new materials enter that list. But one of the oldest and most reliable ones is wood.
Wood is used extensively in the construction industry. Contractors like working with it because of the ease to change its shape and structure. Homeowners love it because of its easy availability, classic texture, and evergreen nature. However, one problem that exists with wood is that it is prone to decay.
Cause Of Rot
Before diving into the countermeasures, understand the cause of rot. Wood is a naturally occurring material and is organic. Other biotic organisms can attack it. Wood rot occurs due to a mixture of moisture and attack from organisms like fungi. This is one of the major reasons many contractors choose stone for building.
For the future, ask your clients to avoid exposing natural wood to moisture.
Prevent Further Damage
Examine the wooden structure and look for decay. Dampness, change in color and foul smell are some of the immediate indicators of rotting. Once you found and confirmed the area, prevent it from spreading further. To do that, you must get rid of the moisture and kill the fungal growth with chemicals. Keep in mind that this will not reverse the damage that is already done. The affected part will lose some of its color and natural strength.
Paint
You can paint wood to battle the problem at the surface level. Mix it with wood preservatives to slow down its water absorption rate. Painting provides a top coat that doesn’t directly expose the wood to the natural elements. This is not a permanent solution. Although, finishing the work with a water-repellent coat can help. The total moisture content of paint on wood should not exceed 16%.
Varnish
Varnishing the wood increases the aesthetic qualities and helps fight against decay. It is a transparent solution that leaves a film of protection and a shiny look. Varnish acts as a thin layer of protection against scratches and water spills. Stagnant water can still seep in if left for a long time. It does not protect the wood against UV rays, which means it does not save the wood against discoloration.
Linseed Oil
You can apply linseed oil directly to the wood. It fills the minute grains in the wood, giving it a glossy texture while retaining the look. Because of the natural property of oil, it performs well against moisture. This coating also improves its resistance to scratches and cracks. Linseed oil is also widely used because of its environment-friendly characteristics.
Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood should be the first choice to turn to for any outside projects involving wood. This type of wood is treated with chemicals like copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary under high pressure. These chemicals seep deep into the wood and increase its resistance to moisture, fungus, and other microbes. These have an excellent life of up to 40 years if looked after carefully.
Natural wood in its raw form has many problems. That is why experts recommend the use of other materials that can survive the harsh climate.
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