Timber damage
With the recent floods submerging thousands of timber structures all over Queensland, we thought we would shed some light on their sometimes tender friendship.
In addition, a structure assessment should be performed and any structural repairs should be carried out under the advice of a professional .
Decay
Despite the myths, timber timber products Whatever is submerged in water for a prolonged period of time will not decay or grow mold. For, true, once water has subsided, timber structures should be efficiently cleaned of mud and silt and allowed to dry quickly, using using air-conditioners, dehumidifiers or fans, if electricity is available. If structures are left damp and dirty, oxygen will cause the timber to decay and mold, especially in untreated pine.
Once a timber structure is decreed it is is not beyond, it can be be scraped off to reveal sound timber underneath, however caution should be taken when doing this, as the soggy timber may mark easily. Almost inevitable that can not be salvaged.
Swelling and Shrinkage
Depending on where the timber has become swollen, it is swollen and they are dry. may also have secondary affects on other structures.
It may take 6-12 months in a well ventilated situation for a water damaged area to fully dry out. Higher density timbers such as hard wood will obviously take longer to dry.
Kitchen Cupboards, Vanity Units, Laundry Units
If possible, refrain from discarding undamaged bench tops such as granite, sinks, taps and basins.
After swapping occurs these materials are unsalvageable.
If any is are done, they may still need to be removed in order to remove to mute, silt and moisture.
Roofs, Walls and Floors
Therefore linings, walls and insulation must be ripped out.
Not only will lining need to be removed unexposed timer frames, but most lining products which have been submerged will need to be replaced by to unrecoverable damage.
Timber Floors
However some timber floors may not need replacement, they will certainly never return to their original finish.
Termite Protection
Water logged termite barriers will be in effective and require tool reinstatement or recharging.
For more information and timber advice, qualified tradesmen are available at Gobuild.com.au
