WHERE THE WOOD IS PLACED

Depending on whether the wood is located in or out of doors, it will be subject to a lesser or greater degree of exposure to atmospheric agents and extremely variable degrees of damp and temperatures. Outdoor wood must be given both climatic protection and biological protection, while provided indoor wood is in normal damp conditions and temperatures, it may only need a decorative treatment to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY

Wood is used both as a covering and a structural element. Depending on its use, varying degrees of dimensional stability are permitted. For example, wooden window and door fittings are built not to deform, in other words, with dimensional stability. To avoid swelling caused by the absorption of moisture, it is advisable to choose a special varnish that will close the pores of the wood.
For wooden components of balconies, shutters, beams, purlins, wooden houses and sheds, gazebos and pergolas, requiring partial dimensional stability, and also wooden fencing, boarding and coverings, not requiring dimensional stability, it is better to use coatings designed to favour transpiration to enable any moisture to escape and avoid making the varnish film peel off.

CLIMATIC STRESS

Where is the wood located? If it is a high mountain or marine environment, if the wooden structure is north-facing (from north-west to north-east), the climatic situation is considered mild, if it faces east, (from north-east to south-east) it is considered average, if it is south or west-facing (from south-east to north-west) the climatic conditions are considered extreme. This is because there is more direct exposure to sunlight in south-facing areas, rendering the surface of the wood subject to greater attack. In contrast, north-facing areas will be exposed to greater damp.

CONSTRUCTION PROTECTION

The construction situation can be classified as protected, partially protected or non-protected. In a protected construction situation the wood is almost completely protected from the sun’s rays and from precipitation by, for example, a projecting roof. Construction protection is the most important factor in preserving the wood over time. If the construction solution is less than ideal, the wood protection treatment must be particularly effective.

INITIAL BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION

Wood placed outdoors or in particularly damp conditions is at risk of biological attack, from fungus, mould or wood-boring insects such as beetles and woodworm.
In these conditions it is always necessary to choose a treatment that includes suitable organic protection.
(e.g.  Lignex Defend, Lignex Grund BPlv, Hydrogrund Plus, Aqua Lignex I).