|
|||||
|
FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsOur telephone technical advisor has provided straight forward answers for commonly asked questions on timber and timber products. TIMBER FLOORING Q1. How do I install a timber floor over a concrete slab? Q2. Is it common for gaps to appear between floor boards? Q3. What are the timber species and their availability? Q4. Where can I see flooring samples or show rooms? Q5. What type of finish should I use on the timber floor? TIMBER PESTS Q1. How do I keep out termites from my home? Q2. I think I might have a timber pest, how do I get rid of them? TIMBER DECKS & PERGOLAS Q1. What timber do I use to build a deck or pergola? Q2. What timber sizes should I use? Q3. Can I use treated timber for my deck or pergola? Q4. Why should I paint or stain my deck or pergola? TIMBER FENCES Q1. What is the difference between using hardwood and softwood? Q2. Do I have to coat preservative treated softwood fence products? TIMBER FLOORING- Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. How do I install a timber floor over a concrete slab? A. There are many variables when installing a timber floor over concrete. TQL has produced a Technical Data Sheet No. 18, that covers the installation of tongue and groove strip flooring over new and existing concrete slabs. However, parquetry and floating floor systems fitted directly on concrete are not covered in this document. We recommend that you follow the manufacturers advice. You can obtain a copy of TDS 18 from the main office of TQL for a small nominal fee, however if you contact one of our members (see directory) a copy can be obtained from them. TIMBER FLOORING- Frequently Asked QuestionsQ2. Is it common for gaps to appear between floor boards? A. Yes. Timber flooring is manufactured within a tight moisture context range, however due to this range and natural variability, board movement (shrinkage or swelling) with seasonal changes will differ between boards. Consequently, small gaps at the floor board edge can be expected during the dry time of the year. Frequent wide gaps, or irregularly spaced wide gaps can indicate flooring manufactured outside specified requirements or inadequate installation and finishing practices. TIMBER FLOORING- Frequently Asked QuestionsQ3. What are the timber species and their availability? A. Availability will vary with time and place, so potential buyers should enquire from their local timber merchant to place orders well in advance. This will ensure that stock of the preferred species will be on hand when required. In regard to species, it will always depend upon your personal choice but simple criteria might include; colour and wearing qualities. TIMBER FLOORING- Frequently Asked QuestionsQ4. Where can I see samples or show rooms? A. In Brisbane (Queensland) there are a few different show rooms, however besides the list below, talk to your local timber merchant (see directory) for samples that they may have.
TIMBER FLOORING- Frequently Asked QuestionsQ5. What type of finish should I use on the timber floor? A. There are many types of floor finishes that are designed for different tasks. It is important to discuss with a professional floor sander or finisher what products they recommend, and what the other alternatives are? TQL have also produced a Techncial Data Sheet (No. 11) that explains the common types of timber floor finishers, but it dosen't cover specific brand names. You can purchase a copy of this document from TQL. TIMBER PESTS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. How do I keep out termites from my home? A. Termites have caused considerable damage to homes in Australia, whether they are steel, timber or brick. This is sometimes attributed to lack of maintenance carried out by the homeowner. To reduce the chance of termite infestation for existing homes you should:
For all new buildings the regulations concerning protection ares covered under AS3660.1 - as a homeowner you should be aware of what your responsibilities are going to be once you have moved in. TIMBER PESTS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ2. I think I might have a timber pest, how do I get rid of them? A. If you find dust around furniture, small holes in floor boards or something else that seems out of the ordinary, it is in your own interest that you find out what is causing this. Pests which can attack seasoned timber, structural damage is of major concern to the homeowner. Prompt correct identification of the pest problem is an important step to its successful management. The necessity for treatment and the method will depend upon the circumstances. Any one treatment may not give complete control, therefore repeated treatments may be necessary. To identify a timber pest contact your local licensed pest controller or bring to TQL a sample of the pest (soldier / drone) the sawdust or frass (waste by-product) in a container - It is important not to add any spirits such as turpentine or methylated to the container. We charge an identification fee of $55.00 (GST Inc.) per specimen. DECKS & PERGOLAS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. What timber do I use to build a deck or pergola? A. The selection of timber to be used for an outdoor situation such as a deck or pergola, you must take into consideration the exposure to the natural elements. Therefore, selection of species that are durable for the application as well as being easy to work with, should be the basis of your criteria. For example;
* For information on Durability Classes and Hazard Levels ask your local timber supplier, or visit our website DECKS & PERGOLAS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ2. What timber sizes should I use? A. The size of your timber is determined by the application of each particular timber member and the loads that it is required to carry. TQL have many publications within our TQ Shop that can provide commonly used timber span tables. Further information can be obtained from your local timber merchant. DECKS & PERGOLAS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ3. Can I use treated timber for my deck or pergola? A. In some cases Yes!. Timber with a natural low durability, regarded as a Durability Class 4, such as softwood (pinus species) can be used in all situations providing the sapwood is treated to the relevant hazard level (H) required by it's application. Hardwood species with sapwood present must also be treated to the required hazard level. The main area of durable timber on hardwood is usually found in the heartwood which is extremely hard to preservative treat - therefore it relies mainly on it's natural durability. That is why it is good to know what species you are purchasing or using, you can design correctly for its use. Under the Timber Utilization & Marketing Act (TUMA) all hardwood species (with sapwood) susceptible to lyctus borer has to treated to the required level stated within the Act. Note: CCA treated timber should not be used for domestic decking or handrails. It is suitable for use for deck joist, bearers and posts. DECKS & PERGOLAS - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ4. Why should I paint or stain my deck or pergola? A. Timber is a natural product and if left unprotected and exposed to the natural elements such as, the weather and UV radiation, for extended periods of time, the surface will discolour and checks and cracks may form. To protect and extend the life of the timber product it is appropriate to use a good quality timber finish such as paint or timber stain. These will need to be applied and maintained correctly over the life of the structure - refer to paint manufacturers instructions. Hint: Pale or pastel colours are consideded to perform better as a portective coat. FENCES - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1. What is the difference between using hardwood and or softwood when building timber fences? A. Both timbers can be used successfully in the construction of timber fences and the one of the issues regarding both types of timber is their service life. Hardwoods rely on their natural durability class to determine their service life based upon the proposed application. Softwoods, on the otherhand, due to the fact that they contain large amounts of sapwood, requires preseravtive treatment to extend its service life. The treatment level is adjusted for the hazard it is to encounter. While natural durability and preservative treatment is used to determine the service life of timber in it's intended application. A regular maintenance program, such as painting or staining the timber will extend the service life of both timber products. * For information on Durability Classes and Hazard Levels ask your local timber supplier. FENCES - Frequently Asked QuestionsQ2. Do I have to coat preservative treated softwood fence products? A. Yes, If you want the maximum service life from the timber employ a quality paint or stain system from a reputable manufacturer and follow their directions.
|
||||
 |
|||||
|
|||||
