Maintenance: How do I ensure the longevity of treated timber?
Treated timber is ideal for a variety of purposes – and whether treated with a CCA or Creosote treatment, using treated wood can ensure the longevity and lifespan of the structure or utility you have in mind for years to come.
However, there are means that you can take to ensure that your treated timber can last far into the future. Whether you simply want to ensure the lifespan of purchased timber or re-use or redecorate wood you already have, there are several steps you can take.
Remind me – what are wood treatments?
Wood treatments are designed to extend the natural lifespan and utility of timber structures and utilities and have various properties that are beneficial in repelling pests, fungi, and ensuring that timber can be used in inclement climates.
The two major kinds of pressure treatments applied to timber are creosote and CCA (standing for copper, chrome, and arsenic).
Identifying what timber you havE
The first step in understanding how you can prolong the lifespan of treated timber in your home is to identify what kind of timber you have – appreciating the differing impacts of climates, pests, or its intended use case can assist you in formulating a care plan.
Observe the wood grain
A genuine, solid piece of wood will have a distinguishable end-grain that will contain growth rings, where the development of the tree will be visible. Viewing the end-grain can not only enable you to determine the age of the wood but can also enable you to ascertain the type of timber in question.
How weighty is it?
Differing types of wood weigh differently and contain different typical masses and densities. Opting to weigh a comparative piece of timber can help you narrow down what kind of wood you possess.
When and when not to sand down timber
If you choose to sand down timber in order to resurface or repaint it, it’s vital to prepare for the task at hand. It’s worthwhile to note that caring for treated timber – particularly with either a CCA or creosote treatment – may involve several further steps when compared to renovating or restoring untreated wood.
Ensure your timber is clean
Before you begin unilaterally sanding a piece of timber, attempt to remove any blemishes, marks, stains or other impacts using either a finer or coarser grit of sandpaper as needed. Doing so can help you achieve a finer finish and a level end result.
Ensure the timber is dry
Lastly, ensure that the timber you wish to sand is as dry as is practically possible; not only will this make sanding easier, but you will further be ready to paint stain, or re-spray as needed once done.
Varnishes and paint: How do they work with CCA/Creosote treatments?
Varnishes and paint can be applied to timber treated with a CCA or Creosote treatment. However, for optimal results, it is worthwhile to proceed in a multi-step method to ensure that an application of paint bears a smooth finish.
To start, use a relevant base paint or primer for the task at hand and apply several layers before you proceed. Aluminium paints can be used for this purpose.
Once the coats of primer have been applied, you will then need to apply a lacquer-based prime sealer and a finish coat of paint for optimal results.
Mould treatments
Timber preserved with a creosote or CCA treatment will have natural anti-fungus and anti-pest properties that can ensure its longevity far beyond the lifespan of untreated wood. For this reason, it is generally not necessary to apply any further treatments.
However, should the conditions arise, another layer of creosote topcoat can be applied to timber – take note that this should only be applied for exterior use only and can be toxic. Take care to wear protective gloves, eyeglasses, and avoid skin contact.
Why using treated timber is always best
If you’re considering building a timber structure for a variety of uses – whether that includes wooden transmission poles for fibre, upright columns for a jetty, or even a timber home – it’s best to always use wood that has been treated with either a CCA or creosote treatment for optimal longevity and use.
Treated timber poles are resistant to inclement weather and can survive extreme temperature variances, and climates. At R&B Timber Group, we offer a 20-year warranty with our products that will ensure your timber has an exceptional lifespan.
Read more from our blog:
· Building timber homes in South Africa
