Protect Timber from Moisture Without Surface Coatings
Natural timber is a superb building material. It’s valued for its sustainability and environmental benefits compared to concrete or fired bricks. Most timber today comes from plantations, grown using land, sun, and water, making it an eco-friendly choice.
A standout example of modern timber construction is cross-laminated timber (CLT). Developed in Switzerland in the 1970s, CLT is now used globally in multi-storey buildings. It’s made by layering timber sheets at right angles and bonding them to form strong structural panels. While CLT offers excellent strength and durability, it remains an expensive option.
Traditional timber construction, however, faces challenges. Timber absorbs water, which leads to ageing effects like cracking, darkening, rotting, and biological growth. These issues worsen over time and can severely damage the structure. Repairs or replacements often become necessary.
Surface coatings such as paint or lacquer can protect timber. But they hide its natural beauty and often require costly maintenance. Sunlight exposure can cause these coatings to peel or degrade, adding to long-term upkeep. There are also advanced chemical treatments like acetylation, where timber is heat-treated in chemical reactions to enhance durability. Though effective, these treatments can compromise the timber’s natural appeal by introducing chemicals into the wood.
Advancing Timber Longevity with Eco-Friendly Water Repellents
Tech-Dry tackled these challenges by developing a water-based silicone timber water repellent that extends the lifespan of outdoor timber while preserving its natural appearance. The treatment penetrates deep into the timber, causing water to bead and shed rather than soak in. Unlike acrylic-based surface coatings that peel and deteriorate under sunlight, Tech-Dry’s solution delivers durable, eco-friendly protection that maintains the timber’s look and prevents water-induced ageing.
Treating timber with advanced water repellents like Tech-Dry Timber Water Repellent boosts its resistance to moisture without compromising sustainability or aesthetics. This innovation aligns with the shift toward sustainable construction by pairing traditional natural materials with modern, environmentally responsible technologies.
Natural timber continues to play a central role in sustainable building. Advances in protective treatments help it last longer and retain its beauty—even in harsh outdoor conditions. As multi-storey timber buildings rise across Australia and beyond, the combination of engineered timber systems like CLT and high-performance surface treatments will help shape the next generation of sustainable architecture.
For more on timber treatments watch Tech-Dry Timber Water Repellent in action here.