Understanding and Preventing Timber Decay and Damage

In Scotland over 90% of all newly built homes are made using timber frames. England lags way behind on this figure, though not for lack of EcoChoice pioneering! We love timber for its strength, durability and stability – not to mention sustainability – and know it is a fantastic choice for a wide range of construction projects.

But there are risks of decay and damage when timber is not used correctly. By spreading an understanding of what these risks are and how you can prevent them, we hope to encourage you to consider the eco-friendly benefits of timber when planning your next build. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into it.

The Risk of Fungal Decay

Fungi are possibly the biggest threat to timber products. This is because they use it as a source of food, breaking down its structure to fuel their own growth and causing the wood to decay. This leads to a whole host of problems, including making the timber weak and unsuitable for construction projects.

Luckily, fungi can only thrive in humid, wet conditions, and your timber can be treated (which we will talk about later in the article) to prevent fungus from growing in the first place. Alternatively, your project can be designed to be dry and well-ventilated, which drastically reduces the chances of decay.

Humidity, Damp, and Rot

As mentioned above, humidity and dampness can also lead to rot. Some timber species – such as Greenheart, Ekki, and Opepe – are less susceptible to rot, making them ideal for ground and marine applications. Other species, however, will need to be treated before use in wet or humid environments to ensure they do not decay so quickly.

If away from the ground, it is also important to keep timbers at a moisture content of around 20% and below in order to prevent rot and fungal growth. You can reduce the chance of damage by ensuring good ventilation, avoiding direct contact with stagnant water and sealing the wood with water-resistant treatments.

Damage from Insects and Borers

Insects and borers are another pretty prominent threat to timber. These little creatures eat the wood, hollowing it out and causing severe structural damage if their activity goes unnoticed. Treating timber and keeping it dry can prevent the presence of wood-destroying insects, as can opting for dense heartwood timber which is harder for insects to eat.

Different Timber Treatment Options

Durable timber species such as Ekki, Cumaru and Ipe which are well-suited to your application will not need treating. However, if you are constrained by budget and need to opt for a timber with lower resistance to fungus, insects and rot, using a pressure treatment can quickly improve its durability.

Some commonly used treatments to preserve timber include:

• ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary): A water-based preservative which provides excellent protection against decay and insects.
• Copper Triazole: Known for its effectiveness and environmental safety.
• Borates: Often used for indoor applications where wood remains dry.

You can also look into innovative, sustainable options for treating less durable timbers. For instance, Thermowood is a brilliant, chemical-free alternative to explore. This process uses heat and pressure to change the characteristics of the wood without affecting its appearance, leaving you with a more durable and dimensionally stable product.

Discover Durable Timber at EcoChoice

Timber does not have to be at risk from decay or damage. By working with our EcoChoice experts, you can choose timber products with the level of durability your application needs and build projects which will last a lifetime. Get in touch with us today to learn more.