All products for outdoor use require regular maintenance. To keep maintenance costs to a minimum, Woodscape’s primary material of choice for Street Furniture products is Naturally Very Durable Hardwood.
Storage
Best stored in cool, damp conditions.
In wet weather, out in the open, components are best kept wrapped. In dry weather, keep components wrapped all around in polythene sheeting or a tarpaulin, and out of direct sunlight.
Air circulation or wind will cause rapid drying of NVDH surface fibres, unless accompanied by a high humidity. Rapid drying may be harmful to components that are relatively new and yet to acclimatise.
To give a measure of pre-installation protection against soiling most components are finished with one coat of Sadolin Industrial 94 Mais (or suitable alternative). The coating will gradually fade away to allow timber to weather naturally. If desired, one or more coats of pigmented stain may be applied at any time.
All components are supplied PHND (Pin Hole No Defect), RND (Resin No Defect) and SND (Stain No Defect).
For a few months after installation, especially during warm/dry weather, regular wetting is advisable to assist gradual acclimatisation.
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Maintenance & Repair
While Woodscape products can be used without a maintenance routine, some inspection and mainteance may prolong their life.
Timber components should be inspected every 6 months, more in exposed locations, and cleaned to prevent dirt or moss build up.
Hardwood can be cleaned with a Molecular Nano (MN)
cleaning product and treated with an MN sealant (a non-film forming hardwood treatment that slows down greying, and protects against dirt and other factors that impact the quality of the wood).
This is a good time to check for any damage or splintering that may require repair. Splinters, sharp edges or graffiti can be removed through light sanding.
Resin or gum exudation may occasionally occur on the finished surface of timber, especially during periods of warm weather. The condition generally will diminish with the passage of time. Should excesses of resin remain on the surface, these may be removed using a sharp blade. Care should be taken to work with the grain and to avoid marking the surface.
Should you wish to maintain surface colouring, Sadolin Industrial Mais is a suitable base coat for any further staining or specialist treatments you wish to apply on site.
If left in the natural state the long life expectancy of Naturally Very Durable Hardwood is not significantly impaired.
Polished Stainless Steel components should be cleaned using stainless steel polish and a lint free cloth.
Light damage (surface scratches etc.) can be removed using an emery pad (240 grit) and freeing oil such as ‘WD40’.
Care should be taken to follow the direction of the brushing grain. It is recommended that a trial repair be carried out on an unimportant surface first. No corrosive cleaners or other abrasives should be used. Any contamination, particularly carbon steel scuffs from vehicles, should be quickly removed to avoid corrosion.
Powder-coated steel should be cleaned annually with water and possibly a mild detergent. Care should be taken to avoid scratching, which may limit the materials lifespan, and any deep scratches found should be repaired immediately.
Galvanised steel may have a shiny surface initially, but this will quickly dull off to an expected matt grey finish, that requires little regular cleaning if the components are exposed to rain (or cleaining with a low pressure hose), and offers high levels of protection against scratching. Can be cleaned annually with water and possibly a mild detergent, be aware that cleaning with stronger substances for graffiti removal will effect the lifespan of the steel.
Heavy damage to any product should be reported to Woodscape for specific advice on possible repairs.
ALL Maintenance, Repair & Cleaning procedures should be documented, as this information may be requested should you ask Woodscape to inspect or repair an installed product.