Here at Cheshire Metalcraft, we have a competitive 10-year longevity guarantee on all of our wrought iron gates, however the lifespan of a wooden gate can be heavily influenced by the care that is provided by the property owner. Timber is a high-maintenance material that is susceptible to a range of problems like wood rot, warping and splintering. Luckily, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent early deterioration.
Should a wooden gate be professionally installed?
The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of their wooden gate immediately after it is installed and there is nothing that will affect it more than a poor-quality installation. Wood is a very sensitive material and can be damaged by rough handling alone. In addition to this, if the DIY installer creates several holes in the material during the installation process, there is more chance of rainwater seeping into the crevasses and cause moisture damage like rot and decay. As a result, a wooden gate should always be installed by an experienced professional.
Can the weather damage a wooden gate?
Since wood is a porous material, there are thousands of tiny crevasses that water can seep into and cause damage. In fact, the weather can actually exacerbate this damage because heavy rainfall will cause the wood to swell and splinter under pressure whereas below freezing temperatures can cause the water within the wood to freeze and thaw repeatedly, causing irreparable splintering in the process. On the other hand, hot summer temperatures can have the opposite effect and reduce the amount of moisture in a wooden gate, causing them to crumble.
How does a wood stain benefit a wooden gate?
Since water can cause serious damage to a wooden gate in both high and low quantities, it is important that homeowners apply a high-quality wood stain to the surface. Staining your timber will prevent moisture from permeating the wood and causing it to swell, splinter, degrade, or rot. In addition to this, staining a wooden gate can also provide an aesthetical benefit too.
There is nothing worse than noticing damage to a wooden gate when it is too late. Rot and decay are notoriously difficult to eradicate once they have managed to take control of materials like timber which means that most homeowners have to invest in an expensive and time-consuming replacement. Luckily, staining a wooden gate can prevent moisture from affecting their longevity. To find out more information about the maintenance guidelines of a timber gate, get in contact with the best gates Manchester has to offer at Cheshire Metalcraft today!