H4 GL8 (STR8) FJ LAM Structural Posts
As timber naturally absorbs moisture from surrounding environment, exposure to wet weather will dimensionally change the product and cause cracking. Keep unsealed product under cover to keep dry prior to installation. Store flat, covered and 150mm off the ground to maintain the desired moisture content. When using posts inground, wet the portion that will be inground the day before, so as to pre-swell (condition ) the timber slightly, this will help to prevent the post taking up moisture and help prevent cracking of the concrete around the post. This laminated treated product must be protected from the elements until it is sealed. Not only is the treatment of your timber important – it’s fixings (the use of galvanised or stainless steel ) and necessity to ‘seal’ all joins, cuts and penetrations is an oversight by most end users. To ensure you maximise your warranty and more importantly the safety & longevity of your project we recommend end sealing or staining all penetration as it dramatically reduces the incidence of dimensional change and increases longevity.
Recommended procedure:
1. Fill nail holes with an exterior grade woodfiller.
2. Sand back until surface is smooth and completely free from dirt and dust.
3. If painting, prime all surfaces and cut ends and joints with a good quality alkyd primer and allow drying as per the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Apply two full coats of a premium brand acrylic or enamel topcoat.
5. If staining apply three full coats of a premium stain including cut ends and joints.
6. To maintain appearance and ensure warranty compliance the product should be recoated every year.
NOTE: Dark colours are not recommended. As the timber will move more with the environment changes, resin bleeding, distortion and cracking may occur. Use colours that have a Light Reflective Value ( LRV) of 45 to 100 ( 100 being pure white). Colours with a LRV of 44 to 0 ( 0 being pure black) progressively generate extreme surface heat when exposed to direct sunlight and can cause resin bleed, shrinkage, distortion and cracking. It will also reduce the service life of the paint coatings.
