Timber Wood Treatment

There are many ways to preserve timber.

Timber can be preserved in a number of ways to protect it against attack from the elements, insects or fungus. There are also a number of advantages and disadvantages to treating timber, which is also known as wood preservation.

History

Noah preserved the wood of the ark.

Records of timber treatments date back to Biblical times. Noah "pitched" the wood of the ark to seal any gaps and waterproof the timber.

Chemical Wood Treatments

Creosote is often used on garden fences.

The majority of woods today are treated chemically to increase resistance against pests and the elements. Some of these chemicals have been banned due to hazardous fumes or contamination risks.

Naturally Resistant Woods

Some woods contain organic preservatives to protect them.

Some woods are naturally resistant to the elements, pests or fungi. These include Ironbark and cypress wood.

Advantages

Treated timber can last for decades.

A correctly applied preservative can extend the productive life of timber by five to 10 times, and many are flame-retardant.

Disadvantages

Wood preservation plants can lead to contamination without the correct regulation.

Historically, poor practices in treating timber have led to areas of contaminated land and water around wood-treatment factories.

Wood-Treatment Methods

There are many timber-treatment techniques available.

Timber can be treated through brushing, spraying or dipping, as well as through pressure applications or even the use of microwave technology.

References

• Our Property: Guide to timber preservation
• Peter Cox: Timber Preservation