Pressure treated and tanalised are actually the same thing. These treatments protect against fungal and insect attack and almost all of our exterior timbers are treated this way. What difference is between dipped and pressure treated? Dipped is a water based treatment that is literally dipped, whereas pressure treated is put into a tank and pressurised making the treatment penetrate the timbers having overall better protection against fungus and insects thus a longer lifespan. All our ground contact timber is UC4 treated; once our timber is cut we leave it to air dry for 6-12 weeks depending on the time of year, weather and the section size of the timber. This causes the timber to act like a sponge when being treated giving it a 15 year guarantee.
Are all timber preservatives classified with regard to their potential environmental and health risks?
In Europe all timber preservatives must comply with legally stipulated requirements in posing no health risks and being environmentally compatible. They must all be evaluated individually and subjected to a very extensive, critical health and environmental appraisal before being granted approval for their intended use.
Can you tell me about the wood that you use?
Softwood is a natural material with outstanding qualities including strength with elasticity, weight bearing ability, thermal insulation, weather resistance and much more. We use high quality softwood timbers from sustainable sources here in the South West and have achieved certification under the environmental chain of custody schemes of both the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). However, wood is not a manufactured product and will include natural characteristics which are not flaws and are part of its beauty.
Why is there variation in colour?
Every tree is different in form, colour and grain; even in the confines of a cut length, the treatment process will penetrate differently. Colour differences will usually become less pronounced over time, but a consistent flat colour without variation will never be achieved. All timber changes colour eventually, becoming silvery-grey within a few years - unless painted or stained.
How do I maintain my fence?
Make sure trees i.e. conifers are well clear of the fence. These sort of plants/trees can put unwanted pressure against your fencing causing it to weaken. You can also put a preservative on regularly to prolong the life of the fence.
What are the advantages of having a gravel-board?
Gravel-boards prevent unwanted water being soaked up from the ground causing premature rot to the featheredge/panels.
What are the advantages of using capping and post caps?
The end grain on timber acts like a sponge soaking up any water it comes across; which is what it was doing when it was a tree. As this is exposed on the tops of your posts and pales, capping not only gives your fence a nice finish but it also protects the timber from soaking up unwanted water from the rain.
What’s the difference between feather edge panel and lap panel?
Much better timbers are used in the making of our feather edge making them able to with stand the heaviest of storms that we have been having in recent years in comparison to the lap panels where the timbers used in the making are a lot smaller, lap panels are more of a quick fix but can last some years if their looked after.
