Routine maintenance will normally consist of a systematic inspection at say six or twelve month intervals. Only when exceptional conditions prevail will further action be required.

The decoration of structural timberwork can be undertaken to the same programme as other internal refreshing coats. At low levels a wipe clean (satin or gloss) surface may be advisable to extend redecoration intervals.

Special coatings (intumescent) are sometimes specified. It is critical that these are neither removed nor degraded by the application of non compatible materials. A record should be kept of the exact specification employed and redecoration should comply with the manufacturers recommendations.

Care should be taken to ensure that untreated softwood is not maintained at over 18% moisture content. If an undetected source of moisture such as a plumbing or weathering fault has prevailed for some considerable time, the source should be corrected promptly, and the timber allowed to dry out. Checks should then be made for possible start of rot or similar degrade. If in doubt, consult the supplier for appropiate remedial action (repair and/or the application of preservative.

For most internally heated conditions timber should stabilize at about 12% moisture content. (Normal Glulam or Kerto supply level). Timber shrinks when dried. Rapid drying below 12% can lead to some surface splits, and in exceptionally warm dry conditions splits can be expected to occur. They can sometimes look severe but are hardly ever of structural significance. (Grading rules can permit fissures half the width of the member or more).

Any cosmetic action should not be undertaken until say 9-12 months after commissioning central heating. If stopping is judged necessary hard setting varieties should be avoided to allow future movement to occur without generation of secondary stresses.

Nuts should be checked for tightness about twelve months after construction. This check should receive particular attention where signs of exeptionally dry conditions have been noted.

Hardwoods of species that are "extremely durable" and allowed to weather-in to their environment generally need an occasional inspection for mechanical damage, vandalism, loose joints and so on. Frequency can be related to location and nature of usage.

Softwoods being physically less robust, will be more vulnerable and need a more positive programme of inspection - say initially after 6 months then annually.

Decoration will need more regular refreshment than internal situations. Some proprietary systems can exceed 5 years but the less substantial fencing type colourings will need more frequent attention.

Preservative treatments mainly provide a protective envelope. Mechanical damage or deep fissures can expose untreated timber under some circumstances please consult us if in doubt.