Climate Control Tips for Maintaining Brazilian Wood Decking

Aside from their attractive aesthetics, Brazilian hardwoods are popular because of their remarkable strength. When ranked on the Janka hardness scale (which measures how hard a type of wood is), these hardwoods — even the softer ones — prove to be tougher and more reliable than the hardest types of North American wood.

 

But of course, we cannot deny the fact that temperature and humidity levels play a big role in maintaining Brazilian wood decking in good condition. Here are some of the best tips you can follow to make sure that you are avoiding potential problems that can be caused by climate factors.

 

Understand the wood

 

Before anything else, you should understand how your chosen Brazilian hardwood behaves under different temperatures and humidity levels. Wood is known to expand and contract as its surrounding environment changes, and this is no different from Brazilian hardwood. It's important to note that even if these hardwoods are extremely durable, they are still susceptible to damage when placed in the wrong climate conditions.

 

Acclimatization

 

Acclimatization is very important for all types of Brazilian wood decking. Allow your Brazilian hardwood — whether it be Ipe, Cumaru, or another variety — to acclimatize for 14 – 21 days in the area where it will be installed. Make sure that the wood is kept out of direct sunlight and placed in a location with adequate ventilation. It's common for Brazilian wood decking to expand or contract up to ¼” during the acclimatization process, so it's important to give it enough time before installation.

 

Moisture content

 

It's important to think about how much moisture Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe contain before using them outdoors. Normally, air-dried Ipe has a moisture level of about 18%, which helps it stay stable through different types of weather like heat, rain, wind, and changes in temperature. This moisture level can help the wood last up to 75 years. On the other hand, kiln-dried Ipe has lower moisture, around 8-10%, which affects how much it expands and shrinks. Knowing these moisture levels will help you prepare your wood decking for the outdoors, making it stronger and longer-lasting.

 

Proper installation and ventilation

 

When building decks that are close to the ground, it's important to make sure there's room for air to flow around the decking boards. This helps the wood handle temperature changes without problems. If air can flow freely, the wood is less likely to bend or cup as it gets used to new conditions. In areas with a lot of humidity, good airflow keeps the wood dry and prevents mold growth. In drier places, it stops the wood from drying out quickly, which can cause splits. By allowing air to circulate, you help the wood adjust naturally to the weather, keeping your deck strong and nice to look at for years.

 

Sealing

 

To prevent Ipe decking from splitting at the ends, apply a quality end sealant. The sealant acts as a protective barrier that shields the wood from excess moisture that could compromise its stability. This is particularly important because moisture fluctuations can lead to expansion and contraction, causing wear and tear over time. By sealing the edges, this risk is minimized, and the deck is better equipped to handle weather changes. Sealing can enhance the natural color of Ipe wood and protect it from UV rays that may cause fading.

 

Regular maintenance

 

Even with proper installation, ventilation, sealing, and high-quality materials, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Ipe decking in top condition. This includes cleaning the surface regularly to remove dirt and debris that can cause damage over time. Don’t forget to inspect the deck for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or splits. These should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage.

 

For high-quality and sustainability-sourced Brazilian wood decking materials, ABS WOOD is one of the most reputable suppliers in the market. We offer a wide range of Ipe decking options as well as accessories to make your project the best it can be. Call our team today at 352-508-4990 404 or 549-4840.

Advantages of Incorporating Ipe Siding in a Rain Screen System

Though using tropical woods for siding isn't brand new, it's increasingly popular to see these types of decking and exterior woods applied to walls as rainscreen siding. And why wouldn't it be? These weather-resistant woods, trusted for decks, are even more effective at covering homes. They act as a rainscreen siding to keep moisture out while adding aesthetic beauty.  It's the perfect fit.

 

Basically, a rainscreen system creates a gap between the outer and inner walls of a building. By installing an external siding wall and spacing it away from the main wall, even by just 3/8", you stop outside moisture from penetrating the inner wall. This setup allows moisture to condense on the inside of the outer wall, from which it can then drain away at the bottom. Essentially, rain screen siding shifts the strategy from merely using water-resistant materials to effectively managing moisture by channeling it through the air gap to keep the inner walls dry.

 

But of course, the material used is crucial in making a rainscreen system work effectively. Ipe rainscreen is a good choice for this purpose.

 

Why choose Ipe rainscreen siding?

 

As the name suggests, rainscreen siding is designed to protect homes from rain and moisture. If you do a quick Google search, you'll find that Ipe wood is one of the top recommended materials for this purpose. Here's why:

 

Highly resistant to moisture and rot

 

Ipe, also known as Brazilian Walnut, is a dense and naturally oily hardwood. These qualities make it highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage. This makes it an ideal choice for use in rainscreen systems where exposure to water is inevitable.

 

Superior durability

 

Not only is Ipe resistant to moisture, but it is also incredibly durable. There's even a popular saying that goes, "Ipe wood will outlast you and your house," or that it is as “hard as nails.” Now, if you think about how a rainscreen system is exposed to the elements, you can see why having a durable material like Ipe is important.

 

Beautiful appearance

 

Aside from its practical benefits, Ipe has a beautiful appearance with rich brown tones and tight grain patterns. Do you need your rainscreen siding to be functional and aesthetically pleasing? Ipe is both. Because your home's exterior is the first thing people see, choosing a visually appealing material like Ipe can add value and curb appeal to your property.

 

Low maintenance

 

Technically, Ipe doesn't need any maintenance at all. You would only need to maintain it if you want to keep its original brown color. If you don't do yearly oiling, the wood will turn a lovely silvery-gray. This color change does not affect how strong, long-lasting, or tough the wood is, which is another reason why it's a popular choice for rainscreen systems.

 

Environmentally friendly

 

Ipe wood is sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests, making it an environmentally friendly option. Its longevity and low maintenance requirements also mean that there is no need to constantly replace or treat the wood, reducing waste and harmful chemicals in the environment. Choosing the Ipe rainscreen system also supports sustainable forestry practices.

 

ABS WOOD

 

ABS Wood offers a wide range of environmentally certified Brazilian hardwoods in the United States, making it easy to find the perfect material for your next project be it decking or siding. Their Ipe wood is responsibly harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which means it meets rigorous standards for sustainable forestry practices.

 

 

Call their customer service team today to learn more about their selection of Ipe rainscreen and other sustainably harvested Brazilian hardwoods.