Here at Heritage Drives and Landscaping, we understand the frustration of your wooden features becoming mouldy, brittle and aesthetically revolting. This is called wood rotting, which occurs when wood is exposed to moisture and certain types of fungi; this can be frustrating for homeowners whose sheds, decking or fence panels have succumbed to these factors. Because of this frustration, we will provide an in-depth explanation of why your wood could be rotting, as well as what you can do to prevent future home upgrades from wood rotting.
The Process of Wood Rotting
Rot occurs because of moisture, and wood must have a moisture content of around 20% or higher for it to occur. This is because fungi thrive the most in moist environments and produce enzymes that break down the structure of the wood. This moisture could come from rain, humidity or contact with damp surfaces. Eventually, the wood will become discoloured and soft because the fungi consume the cellulose and lignin and eventually become crumbly or spongey, ruining the appearance and functionality of the wood. It should also be noted that wood rotting can spread to adjacent wood, so you should be careful if you notice any signs of wood rotting.
The Manufacturing Processes and Longevity
When rot-resistant wood for fence panels or decking is manufactured, it is important that numerous precautions are put into place to prevent moisture and fungi from reaching the wood fibres for both natural wood and treated wood. The longevity of natural wood can vary, with hardwoods like oak lasting up to 100 years and softer woods like cedar and pine only lasting 20-30. However, these numbers are not exact and can depend on the design, manufacturer and the environment the woods are placed in; the same applies to treated woods, with their shelf life being solely dependent on these factors.
When it comes to natural wood, you can choose naturally rot-resistant species like cedar or redwood. These contain natural oils, resins or tannins that act as natural barriers for rot-causing fungi. However, these natural preservatives will not compete with the specialised preservatives incorporated into treated woods in terms of their rot prevention; if pressure treated, the preservatives penetrate deep into the wood, providing protection both inside/out. By ensuring proper kiln drying, it reduces the wood’s moisture, which ensures longevity as well as stability. Although treated wood resistance is superior, natural wood can be coated with sealants, stains or paints to create an outer barrier against moisture, slowing down the rotting process further.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing your wood in the future, to avoid frustration and disappointment, ensure you choose a natural or treated wood option, as these provide the most protection against the elements. If you want longevity over aesthetics, pressure-treated wood deeply incorporated preservatives will be a sufficient choice. However, the green hue pressure-treated wood hold may make natural wood more aesthetically pleasing for you. Now that you understand the process behind why wood rotting occurs, you will be able to prevent wasted time, money and effort with your future wooden endeavours. Contact Heritage Drives and Landscapes today to get a free price estimation.