• 1.Timber is placed in an industrial treatment cyclinder and an initial vacuum is created. The timber cells are evacuated of air and the vacuum is held.
• 2. The cyclinder is flooded under vacuum with Tanalith E wood preservative.
• 3. Hydraulic pressure is applied, forcing the preservative into the timber cells.
• 4. A final vacuum extracts excess preservative solution, which is pumped back to storage.
• 5. Low pressure inside the timber draws in surface preservative solution when vented to atmosphere. Treated timber is then stored until dry before dispatch.

CAPILLARY ACTION

It has come to our attention that during the winter months there have been a few customers who have contacted us with regard to a certain level of dampness within their new shed. This is perfectly normal inasmuch as that it is not a problem that will perpetuate or cause any damage to the timbers used in your shed.

The wood treatment used in the panels of your shed is much like emulsion paint . Once it is fully cured it will no longer absorb water (i.e. from heavy rainfall). The wood treatment is anti-fungal, and so will not rot even though it may still be absorbing a small amount of water through capillary action (or 'wicking'). Wood fibres are like small straws and will soak up a small amount of water before they become sealed (see diagram below):



Capillary action draws water along the wood grain in the same way a sponge or paper towel will soak up water. This is completely normal, and will not occur after the wood has properly dried and cured.

As a consequence this may lead to temporary damp areas after heavy rain fall giving the impression of leaking around the areas where the wood is nailed together, and in some small gaps between the wood panels.

This process can be helped (especially in the winter months) by installation of a small greenhouse heater (or dehumidifier) for a few days until the shed is properly dried. After your shed has cured there should be no further problems with capillary action causing damp areas inside your shed.