Ways of Preventing Mold, Mildew and Rot on Your Timber Crates

Timber crates have wood fixed on the slated sides, floor and top. The crates are a perfect solution for shipping since they allow internal visibility and reduce the overall package weight. They will provide excellent air circulation and good protection for your products. However, the problem arises when the timber starts experiencing rotting over time. Many users get challenges when it comes to dealing with moisture that causes the rot. Here are some tips that will help you protect your timber crates from mold, mildew and rot.

Consider Rot When Selecting Your Timber Crate

When buying a new timber crate, consider buying one made from rot-resistant or hardy materials. The type of material you decide to buy will make a huge impact in the future.

The hardy wooden materials include cypress, juniper, redwood and cedar. The woods that may not be good rot-resistors include the Douglas fir, pine, and tamarack. Buying treated wood will also help in protecting your crate from termites and rot. Seek the help of a professional to establish the right kind of wood that will be rot-resistant and long lasting.

Think About Tarpaulins

You should consider investing in waterproof tarpaulins if you want to protect your timber crates from getting into contact with rainwater. The tarpaulins are simply thrown over the crates, and they will prevent raindrops from reaching your crates.

However, you should keep in mind that if the tarpaulins are wrapped too tightly around the timber crates, they will possibly be prone to condensation. Heat will build up under the tarpaulin and water will start condensing. This will result in water droplets forming along the inside section of the tarpaulin. The moisture will eventually get onto the crates, leading to rotting. You can prevent this effect by ensuring the tarpaulins allow some air to flow in. This can be done by either ensuring the tarpaulin has grommets that allow air in, or you can leave some space between the ground and the bottom of the tarpaulin.

Maintain the Caulk and Paint

You need to keep any caulking on your timber crate in good condition. This is because the caulk will seal moisture out of the crate. Alternatively, paint is a good seal against moisture. Paint is the sole barrier that helps in keeping the solid crate wood from rotting. Therefore, it is imperative to have your timber crate wrapped in a fine coat of paint.

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