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A brief guide to different types of timber treatments
Timber is a great material for building with. Due to its strong structure and long term durability it has been used throughout history for different types of building materials from houses to furniture. However, timber does have one drawback; it's susceptible to moisture, foreign bodies and rotting. This can make it a hazard for construction work.
There are different timber treatments available on the market which can be used to make the wood last much longer without any of these problems. Many timber treatments include a pesticide and a waterproof layer which prevent the wood from being infested with insects whilst also stopping any moisture from entering.
In this article we'll look at the different types of timber treatments available. Some are more costly than others and some are used at different stages of the construction work. Some treatments can be added years after the construction has completed to increase the protection. Whereas some are treated before the wood is even used.
Types of timber treatments
There are three main types of chemical preservatives; water-borne, oil-borne and light organic solvents (LOSPs). Each type of chemical has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some types can only be used in the manufacturing process whereas some are safe for use by consumers with no affect on general health.
Water-borne preservatives are the cheapest form since water is the most common solvent carrier. However the water-borne chemicals have the disadvantage of causing the timber to swell which leads to increased twisting, splitting and checking than other types of preservatives. However water-borne chemicals are safer for use at home and are more readily available to consumers.
There are other types of treatments such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA), alkaline copper quaternary, copper azole, borate preservatives, sodium silicate-based preservatives and potassium silicate-based preservatives. There are also many fire retardant treatments available which remain stable even at high temperatures and don't corrode with metal which contacts the wood.
Most oil-borne preservatives are toxic, come with an unpleasant odour and tend not to be used in consumer products. However timber such as telephone poles and railway ties are coated with coal-tar creosote since it provides such a long lasting protection and doesn't need to be re-applied years later.
Treating timber
If you have a structure made from wood and it's becoming unstable it's not too hard to find the right protection for the wood. It all depends on the structure which you're protecting. Items such as fences, garden furniture and smaller outdoor items can be painted with protective paint to make it last longer. Most paints will also add a depth of colour to make it appear newer and fresher.
If you visit your local DIY store you'll find plenty of options for when it comes to protecting and treating timber. Applying the treatment can be a simple job left for the weekend or whenever you have the spare time. It's well worth the effort you put in as your wood structures will last for many years.
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Permagard for Wood Treatments
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Basement Waterproofing with Cavity Drainage Systems
When homeowners have a basement they are always on the lookout for water leaks or damage. It is a known fact that basements, at some point and time, will leak. Homes that are more than 25 years old are certain to have basement damp or water issues. While newer homes are soundly constructed, over time foundations settle and cracks or fissures form that allow moisture into the basement. One of the many possible ways to combat dampness or water in the basement is with a cavity drainage system.
A cavity drainage system is one of several ways to waterproof the basement of a home. When a basement is built, a thin film of a plastic-type material is put in place on all the basement walls and on the floor as well. During this construction, the floors are purposely sloped to facilitate the draining of water into a sump pump that has been installed for just this reason. If a home is located in an area of the country where the rains year around are only mild in nature, not resulting in dramatic flooding and repeated power outages, this type of home basement waterproofing system is likely all that is needed for effective water removal.
The disadvantages to a using a cavity drainage system for basement waterproofing are:
- The system is run solely by electric power. This means that in the event of a power outage, the sump pump will stop working and water will build in the basement.
- Over time, the plastic film that was installed will age and often become mildewed and mouldy. When this happens, it will have to be replaced completely.
It is of critical importance that homeowners are vigilant when it comes to water in the basement. A damp basement is a breeding ground for several problems that are detrimental to the people living in the house and to the integrity of the foundation. One of those problems is the onset of mould. For some people, mould is merely an irritant, but for others with asthma and such breathing difficulties or allergies and sensitivities mould can be a serious health hazard. Another problem for damp basements is the gathering and thriving of termites. Termites are very harmful to a home’s foundation, as they will eat away at it until the integrity is compromised. This will result in costly damage and eventually a dangerously unstable structure.
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Permagard for Basement Waterproofing products
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The Ultimate Guide To Preventing Damp In Your Home
Damp in your house is a serious problem. It causes many more problems such as a constant cold temperature, increased energy bills to keep the house warm. It can also affect occupants' health because illness easily spreads and germs are given the perfect breeding ground. So if you think your property might be infected with damp; you need to get it sorted.
Your goal, ideally, is to prevent the damp completely from entering your house in the first place. However, this can often be the most difficult bit because you need to find out where the damp is entering. Damp is caused by water entering your property from outside and there are a few ways of telling where it's coming from.
If water is entering your property through brickwork it will leave salt behind which will be visible on the brickwork. The white deposit that it leaves behind is called efflorescence. Alternatively, if there's a leak in your house somewhere it will be obvious due to water marks or even a nice puddle!
Another area that can let moisture in is condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface and condenses to leave water. Condensation can become more of a problem in winter when the temperature is colder outside and the heating makes the air inside significantly warmer.
The solution
Ideally you want to install damp proof membranes and damp proof courses. These are areas of your house that are completely waterproof and will prevent any moisture from penetrating in the first place. Popular areas that let moisture in are through the floors and walls near the ground. A damp proof membrane will provide a long-term solution due to its damp proof courses.
Any existing mould will need to be properly treated first. This is usually a fairly simple procedure of using a fungicide to wash off the existing mould and, in some cases, repainting over it if stains have been left. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the fungicide and always use a dry cloth and don't' use a vacuum.
Installing damp proof courses
Damp proof courses are areas that are completely waterproof and will prevent any water or moisture from penetrating the brickwork into the property. However damp proof membranes are difficult to install if you're not properly trained. Heavy duty equipment is needed and large sections of structural wall will need to be worked on.
Traditionally slate was used to act as a waterproof layer for the damp proof course. However, because it's cheaper and easier to use; plastic is now usually the preferred choice for damp proof coursing. In some cases where the properly is very old or stone has been used for the construction; chemical damp proof course may need to be used to cause little structural interference. However this is a fairly technical procedure with many associated risk to it so it's best to seek an expert. Once your new damp proof course is in place you will have a damp free property!
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Permagard Damp Proofing Products
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