TMW and water

TMW - it's not a fantasy material. This is a common timber with acquired properties that significantly increase its service life. Any wood species can be subjected to thermal modification but not all are getting better after that.

TMW also gets wet and swells in water. But at that, TMW very quickly (within 4-8 hours) dries out and returns to its original size without deformation. To protect the board it is being treated with oils, waxes or other compounds.

In 2011-2012, the U.S. and European TMW manufacturers sell their products coated with protective compounds under factory conditions. This is a reaction to the fact that many consumers when buying TMW expected it to be always unchangeable and did not use protective means during installation causing frequent complaints about the loss of color under the influence of sun and water.

• Expansion coefficient during prolonged soaking of any wood specie including TMW is 4-6%.
• The space between the boards on the terrace or front is provided with the drainage gaps of 6 -8mm (in accordance with German standard it is 6% of the board width).
• All wooden structures on the street should be assembled considering the possibility of expansion (swelling) or drying of the elements without rough fixing.
• Pre-drilling should always be done for any wood specie.
• 99% of board cracks start usually at the ends. Board end is the weakest point due to open capillaries. Board ends sealing and making gaps between the ends should be under a special attention. Use special stabilizing compositions for sealing.

Example of terrace board end decay due to lack of sealing and improper installation

• The board ends are protected with a special compound even during transportation and storage (have you noticed the colored ends of boards stacked in warehouses?).
• End cracks up to 50mm are within normal.
• The most dangerous period for any wood construction is spring, the time of thaw and snowmelt. During this time the wood is exposed simultaneously to snow, ice, sun and ice.
• If possible, you should provide the board incline in a few degrees to ensure the rapid removal of water from the terraces.
• In late May after complete drying of board in the sun new hidden defects emerge and weaknesses of wood. The terraces and fronts are usually serviced in June.
• All cracks and deformations can be seen only on a dry wood. In winter and early spring it is hard to see the cracks.
• Wet wood looks nicer and newer. Therefore, for promotional purposes the photos of wet terraces and fronts are shown.
• In dry weather water the terrace should be spilled with water. Thus you can protect the board from excessive drying.
• In dry weather or under dry conditions a creaking sometimes occurs within terrace systems. Under increased humidity, it disappears. It is not a disadvantage. Friction of wood against the wood does not produce creaking. Creaking occurs upon contact of metal (fasteners and wood).

Author: Georgiy Kovashev