A Guide to Top Quality Fencing Timber
If you want to build a timber fence and are looking into getting top quality timber fencing timber, you need to know a few important things. Before visiting a timber store or company, you need to ask the following question: What hazard is the timber going to be exposed to?
Hazards could include weather conditions, pests, insects, fungus, etc. Timber is naturally classified based on a hazard and durability basis. What does this mean? Without the application of any protective or preservative coating, different types of timber have different natural durability and hazard levels.
Once you choose timber based on its hazard and durability level, you can then find out what preservative and protective coating you need to apply and how to maintain it. Preservative and protective coatings include anti-rot products that prevent rotting and UV and water repellent products that prevent the timber from warping, cracking or splitting.
A Better Understanding On Hazard Levels
You can find timber classified under H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 and H6. These are hazard levels, where H1 is "weak" timber while H6 is stronger. Weak is in quotes because it does not mean that the timber cannot be used. It only means that it can be affected by extreme/severe hazard conditions.
- H1 timber can be used indoors but above ground. The room where H1 timber is used should be well ventilated and fully protected from wetness and insects.
- H2 timber can handle termites, but not wet conditions. It should also be used indoors above the ground.
- H3 timber can handle some wetness and insects. It can be used outside but above the ground.
- H4 timber can handle severe wetness, insect exposure and decay. It can be used outside in the ground.
- H5 timber is the same as H4 but can handle extreme conditions.
- H6 timber is the strongest and can be used in marine applications.
A Better Understanding On Durability Levels
Timber is classified under Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4. This classification is different from the hazard level classification, where the higher the number, the "weaker" the timber. That is, Class 1 timber is stronger and more durable than Class 4.
Durability means how long timber will last before succumbing to hazards or becoming unusable. This time may vary depending on whether the timber has been used in the ground or above ground, protective and preservative coatings have been used and depending on the hazard level.
Tip
Just because timber has been naturally classified as strong, it does not mean that you should not apply a protective or preservative coating or fail to maintain it. Preservative and protective coatings increase the durability of timber, meaning they reduce the chances that the timber gets affected by environmental factors like water and harmful UV rays. However, when it comes to hazard levels, don't assume that if you apply protective or preservative coatings you can use H1 timber for H6 timber applications.