ABSTRACT
To extend the longevity and performance of timber, it is important to consider specifying an industrial, factory applied pre-installation treatment:
Preservative treatment – for softwood components. Applied by pressure impregnation extends the service life of timber by enhancing its durability through resistance to decay and insect attack. BS 8417 for industrial preservative treatment of wood considers timber species, durability requirements, and desired service life (e.g. 15, 30, or 60 years).
Wood modification – Heat or chemical modification processes change characteristics of timber by improving durability and dimensional stability.
Enhancing performance in a fire – Flame retardants work by making wood more difficult to ignite and by slowing the rate at which a fire can develop. The fire performance for wood and wood-based panel products used in buildings are set out in the Building Regulations, in line with British Standard or European Standard test methods.
