WOOD special subjects Wood, wood surfaces, furniture, and wood objects are an integral part of the spaces we live, work, rest and have fun. With proper cleaning, protection, and regular maintenance of any wood surfaces we increase the life of the wood and we avoid spending for extensive repairs or replacements while helping to protect the environment, forests, and the atmosphere. The enemies of wood are many... Moisture from the rain, snow, and chilled air, are all rapidly absorbed by wood that does not have any form of protection, resulting in its swelling. At the same time, they destroy the natural resins contained in its mass, as well as the natural color of the wood. The heat from the sun dries it and shrinks it. These daily wet and dry cycles that cause swelling and shrinkage, respectively, deform the wood and cause it to blister, warp, crack and discolor, while at the same time allowing the ultraviolet (UV) rays to break down the structure of its cells and degrade its perfection. These factors, in combination with physical and chemical attacks, deplete the wood’s lignin (lignin is the chemical ‘glue’ that holds the wood fibers together). The moisture that settles on the wood will soon serve as a natural food source for mold, fungi, algae, and microorganisms that cause black spots, greening, graying or discoloration. In addition, wood-boring insects such as woodworm and termites attack unprotected wood and literally decompose it. This process is even worse for wood floors or surfaces. As horizontal surfaces, wood floors and pergolas retain water and snow for extended periods of time, causing damage to accelerate. Moisture attracts pollen and concentrations of fungal spores that can cause discoloration. The exposure of horizontal surfaces to sunlight is 40-50% higher than that of corresponding vertical surfaces. This results in particularly high thermal stresses on the wood. In addition, wood floors are subject to pedestrian traffic, natural wear, and easier deposition of pollutants. If the wood is not properly cleaned and protected with the right products, then it will eventually start to rot at some point and then its replacement is at a significantly higher cost than that of proper care, protection, and maintenance. MAINTENANCE, PROTECTION AND CARE 64 Repair & Renovation Guide
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