Protecting timber from moisture

  Suggest how to counter humid conditions when using wood.

ANS:    The wood is in use since ancient times. One of the major problems of the wood has been warping, splitting and bending of the wood due to moisture transfer between the wood and the atmosphere. Thus in order to reduce these problems, it is necessary to create conditions which counter the humidity effect on wood. This is done by-

1) The transfer of moisture from timber to atmosphere or vice versa is mainly from the ends of the timber. The transfer of moisture from timber surface along the length is least. Hence, the furniture structures should be assembled in such a way that the ends of the timber are not exposed to the atmosphere.

2) Painting the wood with paints like Synthetic enamel, polyurethane coat etc. which form a film on wood that prevents the moisture transfer.

3) Polishing the wood with Melamine, lacquer or French polished etc., to have a thin coat of polish that prevents moisture transfer.

4) Before constructing a wooden article, it is necessary to season the wood.

5) The wooden portion or areas, which get hidden in civil structure like wall or concrete, should be coated with bituminous paint before installing.

6)  Air conditioning of the room controls humidity and wooden damages are less in air-conditioned room.

7) Use of wet cloth for cleaning the furniture should be restricted.