Here at Cheshire Metalcraft, we believe that staying on top of your maintenance duties is the key to keeping your gates in tip top condition and making sure that your investment is worthwhile.
With this said, general wear and tear is unavoidable, and every gate will eventually succumb to the effects of time. That’s why it is important to understand how things like moisture can cause damage, particularly if you have a wooden gate. Moisture can cause damage to a timber gate through rot or warping. Let’s take a look at these two forms of damage in greater detail:
Rot
Wood is a porous material, which means that it can retain water very easily. Since water is a primary substance required to sustain life, this water can help several different types of fungi that may have found their way into the wood survive and thrive, subsequently causing the wood to rot. The most damaging type of fungi is known as decay fungi, which breaks down the cellular structure of wood over time, causing it to lose its strength. Luckily, using chemical preservatives can make the wood inedible for this type of fungi and help prevent rot from developing.
Warping
Warping is a deformity that takes place when the moisture levels change in different areas of wood and become uneven. It can be caused by a variety of different factors such as heat, uneven drying, and waterlogging, which is why it is important to put previsions in place to prevent it before it occurs. Since warping can be a direct result of moisture, sealing a wooden gate using a water repellent coating will do wonders for protecting wood.
When it comes to wooden gates, it is important that homeowners recognise the maintenance duties that are required in order to ensure that they are able to withstand the impact of time. After all, moisture can wreak havoc on timber gates very quickly if you neglect their maintenance responsibilities. Luckily, taking care of wooden gates in every season couldn’t be easier! Get in contact with the best gates Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Cheshire Metalcraft team to find out more information today!