Tate Fencing Brochure - Catalog - Page 3
Characteristics of Timber
The nature of machined timber whether round, square or rectangular and still being a natural
product means no pieces are exactly identical. It is not a man-made product made from a
consistent formulae like steel or plastic.
Different pieces of the same size timber will move differently, causing cracks and twists in
some and not in others. Timber placed outside continues to contract during the initial period
and then expand and contract throughout its use. This natural movement is even more
noticeable during extremes of wet and dry periods.
This is not a defect, but a characteristic of the product, which must be taken in to account
when making your purchase decisions.
Timber is a natural material and not evenly porous, not all areas of an item may dry at an
even rate. This uneven drying creates tremendous pressure inside the timber which causes it
to split, twist or warp as it is exposed to sunlight and air. Timber that has been pressure
treated will shrink as the water used in the treatment process evaporates from the timber.
It is very unusual for any of these natural weathering characteristics to be detrimental
to the structural strength or shorten the life expectancy of the timber.
Dark stains or paints will increase the absorption of sunlight and speed up the drying of the
timber. Sealants & oils hold the moisture in and allows the timber to dry at a slower rate.
Read about our TATE FENCING 10 Year Guarantee & Pressure Treatment Process
in the back of this brochure - on page 96.
Local & nationwide deliveries available (See information on page 94)
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