Identifying problems on exterior timber
The Most Common Problems with Exterior Timber in Australia
Australia's harsh climate can be tough on exterior timber. From intense UV exposure and heavy rain to humidity, mould, tannins and everyday dirt, timber decks, fences, stairs and cladding can quickly lose their good looks if they are not properly maintained.
The good news is that most exterior timber problems can be managed with the right preparation and protection.
Here are some of the most common problems Australian homeowners experience with exterior timber — and what you can do about them.
1. Silvering / greying of timber colour
Timber exposed to sunlight and UV radiation will experience colour fade over time. Sunlight, weather and oxidation break down the timber's surface, producing the familiar silver-grey appearance. As a natural material, all timber will silver over time. The key to maintaining good looking, structurally sound exterior timber is excellent preparation when installing, followed by regular maintenance with reputable products. When recoating, colour tones can be added to the penetrating oil to rejuvenate your desired colour.
2. Black mould and mildew
Australia's combination of warmth, moisture and humidity provides ideal conditions for mould and mildew. Decks in shaded areas, around swimming pools and in humid coastal environments can be particularly susceptible.
Black spots or patches can make timber look dirty and neglected. Mould spores live beyond the surface, so any products that get rid of mould only superficially leave the spores behind and your fix is ultimately very short lived. In addition, we advise caution using any bleaching agents on timber as it structurally alters the timber fibres making them weaker and more susceptible to other issues.
3. Tannin leaching out of timber
Tannin rich timbers can leach colour for quite some time after installation. The tannins leave unsightly stains on surrounding brickwork or masonry. Choose your timber species carefully, knowing how long you need to let the timber cure, as well as addressing tannin issues with a specifically made tannin remover, such as EQUISOL'S Prime.
4. Rust and iron stains
Orange, brown or dark stains can sometimes appear around screws, metal furniture, garden equipment or other sources of iron contamination.
These marks can be particularly obvious on lighter-coloured timber.
5. Old oil and coatings are peeling or patchy
Failed coatings produce uneven patchy surfaces on decks. You'll see this either as coatings peeling or blistering off, or sometimes it looks like the stain has just been rubbed off in patches.
The deck, if structurally sound, generally responds very well to restoration. However it's vital to strip all old coatings from the surface and remove any oil from beyond the surface to bring your deck back to an attractive asset.
Keeping Australian timber looking its best
Exterior timber doesn't have to be difficult to maintain. The key is to understand what is causing the problem before reaching for a product.
For most decks and other exterior timber, a simple maintenance cycle is:
Clean → Treat → Prepare → Oil → Maintain
Regular cleaning and recoating before timber becomes severely weathered can also make future maintenance considerably easier.
DeckMaster supplies professional-grade exterior timber preparation and protection products, including cleaners, strippers, mould treatments, penetrating oils and colour tones. The range is Australian made for Australian conditions and is suitable for both trade and domestic users.