Look for third-party accreditation of treatment - such as WPA Benchmark
DECKING
THE EASIEST WAYS TO MAKE PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER LAST LONGER
Preservative treated timber components have been through a factory-controlled process . This results in an effective barrier of protection against decay and insect attack – providing added durability and extending its service life .
Treated products are designed to be installed without modification – if possible . When they are cross cut to size you are likely exposing an untreated core , breaking the ‘ envelope ’ of preservative protection .
By giving each cut end , two liberal coats of a suitable end-grain wood preservative or protector , you can maintain the integrity of the treatment . This also applies to areas which are bored , drilled or notched . Your timber supplier should be able to recommend a suitable product .
Post installation
Preservative penetration achieved by brush application is less than that achieved by the industrial treatment process . So even if an end-grain product has been applied to a cross-cut end of a treated post , this end must NEVER be embedded in the ground . Instead put the un-cut end in the ground .
A cross-cut preservative treated post showing extent of formulation penetration .
Mechanical incising is a method used to help achieve desired preservative penetration levels . Some fence posts only have incising along part of their length and , in such circumstances , the un-cut , incised end of the post must be placed in the ground .
If a post does needs shortening , cut the top ( at an angle to shed water ) and apply two coats of brush-on treatment . Fit the cut top with a post cap to reduce water penetration .
If you need to source a cut-end product , please get in touch with the Wood Protection Association ( WPA ). Visit our website for more information on wood protection technologies : www . thewpa . org . uk
Buying treated timber ?
Get it from a supplier you can trust
Look for third-party accreditation of treatment - such as WPA Benchmark
Find a WPA Approved Treater www . thewpa . org . uk
01977 558274 contact @ thewpa . org . uk
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