The importance of regular maintenance to painted timber is an often neglected issue that affects most of the houses that I have seen lately. When you, the buyer look at a house and thinks it needs to be painted, the actual problem is possibly way past that point. The reason is that most timbers are stable with a moisture content of around 5 percent and this is kept constant with a few good coats of paint. Unfortunately during the winter seasonal rains, unprotected timber absorbs up to 20 percent moisture and this is where the issues start. Timber, depending on the species or treatment type applied to it, can be attacked by various moulds and fungi. This begins the rot cycle and once damp, the timber becomes attractive to many other types of insects, grubs, even termite activity. The sun also due to the UV radiation can break down the coatings that are applied to the timber. The colour of paint can be an issue too, as darker colours will lead to a faster breakdown of the timbers surface cellulose, due to this heat transfer. This is also a factor with clear finishes on timber windows and doors.
The types of timber used in house construction, has changed over the years. Oregon, was once the dominant timber in the housing industry. It was used for house fascias, wall framing, building exterior pergolas etc.
Unfortunately it was also non treated timber and as such prone to wood rot.
Newer houses have used treated timber, such as LOSP. Light Organic Solvent (based) Preservative. This however when cut, then if the ends were not reapplied with a protectant spray and painted, to seal in the treatment will still rot.
I see a lot of LOSP fascias that are in need of replacement and the houses are not that old. The carpenters simply arer not correctly re coating the timber after cutting it.
Newer timber treatment types such as Micro Pro, give better protection levels, however as it is only sold by only a few suppliers, it is not yet common place. Being a pressure treated treatment it gives better longer lasting protection.
Other types of preservative treated timber are available, such as ACQ, or CCA, however each type of treatment has its good and bad points and the correct timber for each application should be chosen.
The types of timber used in house construction, has changed over the years. Oregon, was once the dominant timber in the housing industry. It was used for house fascias, wall framing, building exterior pergolas etc.
Unfortunately it was also non treated timber and as such prone to wood rot.
Newer houses have used treated timber, such as LOSP. Light Organic Solvent (based) Preservative. This however when cut, then if the ends were not reapplied with a protectant spray and painted, to seal in the treatment will still rot.
I see a lot of LOSP fascias that are in need of replacement and the houses are not that old. The carpenters simply arer not correctly re coating the timber after cutting it.
Newer timber treatment types such as Micro Pro, give better protection levels, however as it is only sold by only a few suppliers, it is not yet common place. Being a pressure treated treatment it gives better longer lasting protection.
Other types of preservative treated timber are available, such as ACQ, or CCA, however each type of treatment has its good and bad points and the correct timber for each application should be chosen.
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