Timber is commonly used in a wide range of external applications: structures (pavilions, gazebos, pergolas), cladding, decking, screening, stairs, boardwalks, jetties, fencing, retaining walls, and outdoor furniture (seats, benches, tables), among others.
Designing for long term durability is a key issue for maximising performance and minimising ongoing risks for timber products. Timber specifiers can achieve timber product performance that meet or exceed their clients’ needs and expectations, by carefully considering key factors that affect durability, including moisture management, termite control, and using either durable heartwood timbers or preservative treated timber where moisture exclusion is not possible.
This presentation by international preeminent authority, Prof Jeff Morrell, the head of Australia’s National Centre for Timber Durability & Design Life, will discuss these important external timber durability issues – timber structure, natural durability, weathering, fungal and insect attack, mould, tannin leaching, etc - particularly with reference to the key sections of the WoodSolutions Technical Design Guide No#5 Timber Service Life Design; one of the most popular and regularly downloaded WS tech guides.