How to process the timber?

The timber is used in the construction of various buildings. This wood material is so easy to work with that both professionals and amateurs use it in their work. Structures from a bar must be processed. Such a simple manipulation will extend their service life.

First, let's figure out why you need to process a bar at all. It's no secret that wood, despite the fact that it has quite good physical and technical properties, changes its characteristics under the influence of various weather conditions and mechanical stress.

In order to protect the material from moisture, decay, insects, premature decomposition and impregnation is applied. She also endows the timber with fire protection. All this as a whole makes it possible to increase the life of the wood.

Currently, there are many different antiseptics. All of them are classified into two large groups: impregnating and film-forming. The composition of the former can be chemical or organic. Such substances are characterized by high resistance, they are completely absorbed into the wood. But the film-forming compounds, after contact with the surface, form a film, which is a reliable protection from both diseases and pests. Also, all antiseptics differ in purpose.

Let's take a closer look at this classification.

• Bio-protective. Prevents the appearance and development of microorganisms, mold, fungal infections inside the wood.

• Fire retardant. Wood is a natural material, the main disadvantage of which is that it is easily ignited. That is why it is important to use fire retardants, which contain substances that enhance the resistance to ignition.

• Complex. This is the most popular antiseptic agent for treating timber. And all because it has several functions: it protects wood from the appearance of mold and mildew, and also makes the material fire resistant.

• Whitening. This type of antiseptic is used if the appearance of the wood is not very presentable. Perhaps, after the lapse of time, the timber has darkened or covered with gray spots. The tool, in addition to protective functions, also has a whitening effect. Impregnation makes it possible to hide all external defects on the timber.

• Protective varnishes. In the process of application, a layer of a protective film is formed on the surface of the wood. The film does not allow moisture, sunlight to damage the timber. Also, if you treat the bar with a protective type varnish before applying the paint and varnish material, the second will last much longer on the surface.

All of the above types of antiseptics differ in composition. Most of them contain bitumen mastic and drying oil, as well as other chemical and organic substances.

Given the fact that the timber is very often used, and its treatment with special substances is always performed, it is not at all surprising that the market offers a wide selection and range of antiseptics from various manufacturers. And in this case it is very important not to be mistaken in their choice, because everyone claims that it is their remedy that is the best and will give the best possible result.

Taking into account the feedback from consumers, we want to offer a choice of several of the most reliable manufacturers of antiseptic agents for treating timber, whose products are of high quality and meet all requirements.

• Tikkurila Valtti Expert Base (Finland). It is this tool that is recognized as the most effective and high quality. In production, the quality of raw materials is fully controlled, from start to finish. It is a versatile antiseptic that can be used to process any type of wood material, including timber. It has many advantages, among which it is worth noting the absence of odor, quick drying, durability and penetrating ability. If we talk about the shortcomings, then most of the reviews focus on the high cost of the product.

• Pinotex Natural. The manufacturer of this antiseptic guarantees reliable wood protection for 5 years. The tool can be used for both outdoor and indoor work. The composition is easy to work with, but it is worth noting that this product has a very pungent and unpleasant odor, it dries for a long time.

• Dufa Wood Protect. Protects the tree well, prevents rotting processes. It is resistant to weather conditions, so it can be used to process timber from various types of wood, which is used outside. No pungent odor, water-repellent properties, preserves the natural structure of wood. To achieve the maximum effect, experts recommend applying the antiseptic in several layers.

Each of the above means has both pros and cons, differs in composition and method of application. There are also other antiseptics for treating and protecting the timber.

Many of those who are engaged in the construction of structures from a bar for private use, instead of buying expensive means for impregnating wood, make antiseptic preparations at home from what is at hand. Most often, such folk remedies are used:

• waste engine oil;
• ash;
• chlorhexidine;
• copper sulfate;
• sulfur;
• bordeaux mixture.

Waste engine oil and ash are suitable for the treatment of log cabins. The basement of the house is treated with gray. Sulfur will protect the timber from mold and mildew. Copper sulfate can be impregnated with profiled timber. It is this substance and also chlorhexidine that are part of the so-called Bordeaux mixture, which is so often made at home to impregnate wood. Covering the timber with one of the above means does not mean protecting it completely. Rather, the opposite is true. Such processing methods have more disadvantages than advantages.

Plus - this is only cost savings, but given that the result will be zero, we can conclude that the money will simply be thrown into the wind. But there are more than enough cons. Such folk remedies are very harmful. They break the structure of the tree, change its properties and appearance.

In order for the timber structure to be reliably protected, it is necessary to choose the correct impregnation suitable for the operating conditions of the building. It is quite difficult to make the right choice, since the range of products is very diverse. When buying an antiseptic for treating timber, experts recommend being guided by the following points.

• Protective properties of the product. This factor of choice is influenced by the operating conditions of the building and the natural influences to which it is exposed.
• Impregnation depth. Choose a product with the maximum penetration depth into the wood.It is such an antiseptic that guarantees a high level of protection.
• Degree of protection. For the treatment of a bathhouse, a greenhouse, the ends of a building, as well as for a bar that is in the ground, it is best to use a product with the highest level of protection.
• Location of the building. The timber that is outside is constantly exposed to weather conditions, this must be taken into account. The wood inside the house is less prone to rotting and decay.
• The duration of the drug. An antiseptic for external wood processing must have a validity period of at least 3 years, for internal work - up to 5 years.
• Security level. The composition of the product should not contain harmful and aggressive substances that can harm people or animals.
• Consumption. There is also a very important factor. On the container, the manufacturer must indicate the consumption of antiseptic for 1 m².

In addition to the above factors, you also need to take into account the appearance of the timber - it should look beautiful. If it turns gray or blackened, you need to use special bleaching compounds. Also, experts recommend that if a wooden beam is in the ground, in order to protect the wood from the bark beetle, it is necessary to treat the base with a special compound before digging in.