At Worcester Timber Products, our reputation and continued success in the manufacturing and retail of a range of fence panels, garden sheds, and timber outbuildings is grounded in our family owned roots, with a commitment to service, and business integrity. We want to ensure you enjoy many years out of your investment. Our application of consistently high standards is the foundation of everything we do, with care and attention in the manufacture of our products, as well of those of our carefully selected suppliers.
It’s important to understand that timber is a natural product and may change or behave differently as the seasons change. Depending on the type of product you have and the style of manufacturing or construction, extreme weather conditions may cause reactions in the timber. Our due diligence and procurement processes ensure we source only use the highest quality timber.
With a small knowledgeable team, all our products pass high levels of quality checks during all stages of its journey. Small imperfections and natural variations will not affect the structural integrity of your product. We have created this guide to help you understand the behaviour of timber, common trends, tips and best practice to ensure longevity.
Our A-Z Guide:
Blue Stain
Blue stain is part of the same family as moulds but penetrates deeper into the surface layers of the timber. It stains the timber a dark blue colour, whereas mould is usually black. The best way to differentiate between the two is to rub your finger over the affected area. Mould will be visible on your finger whereas BlueStain won’t due to its penetration of the deeper surface layers. Preventative and remedial measures are the same as the measures used for mould.
Dip treated timber
Worcester Timber Products do not supply dipped treated products. Dip Treated is not as effective as pressure treated timber. For example, product colour is not permanent and to retain factory finish treatment should be applied regularly. You will likely find colour variations to the timber from purchase. This is due to different manufacturing periods for parts and how they are stored. Although this is normal and they will blend in time when exposed to the daylight and external elements.
Expansion, Contraction, Splits and Cracks
All timber will expand and contract according to its environment. As a result of this expansion and contraction, it is very common to see splits and cracks developing in the wood – including posts and other timber uprights. Splits are very common during the Spring and Summer months as the wood begins to dry out. The outer surface dries first, and contracts; contracting over a still expanded core of the wood. The result of this is that splits and cracks appear along the grain of the wood. These splits are not a fault and do not affect the structural integrity of a product. They are simply a part of the how timber product responds to their environment and will usually close over time.
Top Tip! During installation/assembly, you may want to consider pre-drilling, as this will lessen the potential for splits.
Housekeeping (Regular)
Regular housekeeping is also recommended to prolong the life of your product. Ensure debris is not allowed to build up along fence panels or posts, or on a garden building/shed roof. The debris will hold moisture which can lead to the premature wear of covering or protection, and cause the product to leak, and ultimately cause the product to rot. Prune back any vegetation that comes into contact with the product as this can also act as a conduit for moisture.
Mould
Mould is a surface-dwelling fungus that feeds on nutrients and debris contained in the surface cells of timber. The most common problems associated with mould are discolouration of the timber and an increase in permeability of the timber. Mould does not cause the timber to rot. The application of a good quality preservative that contains a mildewcide is the best preventative measure for mould.
Top Tip! If a mould infestation has taken hold, use the best mould remover you can afford, which again contains mildewcide. This will be effective in removing the mould.
Movement, Twisting and Warping
Wood contains a natural level of moisture, therefore, any decrease in humidity may cause panels to change their shape as the porous fibres shrink. During prolonged periods of dry weather, or intense heatwaves which the UK is now regularly occurring in the summer months, can further exaggerated movement of timber. However, during the winter months, the opposite may occur with the wood swelling. Movement and gaps in timber products are totally normal, and to be expected. This is not a default in the sawmill treatment or manufacture process. You will see more movement with overlap products and shed cladding as the structure will move. Although shiplap, and tongue and groove sheds, gates and fence panels are more stable due to the interlocking, in hot weather, you may still see some shrinkage. In most cases of warping, the wood will revert to its original form once the high temperatures subside and there is more moisture content in the air.
Top Tip: During prolonged periods of dry weather, douse the product with lots of water!
Ongoing Care
All timber that has been pressure treated to protect against rot and decay, will still require some annual aftercare to ensure longevity of your investment. Preservatives, also known as wood treatment, can protect all types of timber from discolouration and decay, as well as giving a constant all-year-round colour. An annual wood preservative paint will protect your new purchase or rejuvenate an existing one. In addition to the annual application of a preservative, we also recommend the annual application of a wax or oil-based weatherproofing finish. This will stabilise the movement of your product caused by atmospheric moisture levels and protect it from the elements.
For example, selecting a Natural oil wood stain by OSMO which highlights the grains of the wood and provides longevity. Two coats are recommended by the manufacturer. With a microporous and breathable silver metallic finish for exterior wood, it is water repellent, weather and UV resistant, and enhances protection against mould, algae, and fungal attack.
Other products to consider are OSMO Country Colour which is a Eco-friendly satin wood finish for exterior timber or a UV Protection Oil which is Clear satin protection against harmful UV rays.
Pressure Treated timber
Timber that has undergone a pressure treatment, will be guaranteed against rot and decay for approximately 10-15 years.
Pressure Treated items which are designed to be in ground contact are impregnated with preservative, an effective method used to protect wood against fungal decay and insect attack, saving time and money on retreating. The treatment is based on the well-established effectiveness of copper combined with a co-biocide. Often this treatment is called Tanalised, or if it is brown in colour, Tanatone. If the treated timber is cut, notched or drilled it is recommended that an effective cut end treatment is applied, failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the Pressure Treatment. Stains, paint and water repellent may be applied after purchase providing you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Timber Variation
It is completely natural to see some knots within timber; a knot is formed where a branch attached to a trunk. These are not a cause for concern and do not affect the quality of the product.
Ventilation
Keeping your timber building ventilated is important as moisture can become trapped between layers of non-breathable materials and build-up, leading to floors becoming rotten.
Wood Colouration
Pressure Treated wood colouration varies depending on timber species and length of time from treatment, the colour will fade over time to an attractive silver/brown. You may have some Pressure Treatment residue, in the form of green spotting or marks. These are normal and do not affect the quality of the product. We recommend letting the residue dissipate before painting or staining.
For further advice, please contact our helpful team on 01299 250744 or visit www.worcestertimberproducts.co.uk
