The most difficult problem in maintaining exterior woodwork is designing a repair system for maximum long-term performance in real-world environments. Solely addressing the condition of the paint film rarely solves the real problem the underlying condition of the wood itself!
MOISTURE PENETRATION
The presence of a high moisture content in wood contributes to paint failure, decay, and ultimately the expensive alternative of total replacement. Moisture usually finds its way into the wood via exposed end‑grain, open joints, checking, or imperfections in the wood’s surface. Rarely does wood decay from the inside‑out.
FRACTURING OF MATERIALS
Conventional epoxy repair materials fracture under the stress of constant movement. Most epoxy repair compounds lack the flexural strength required.
BONDING FAILURE
The forces of expansion and contraction cause inferior materials to peel away from the wood.
Conventional epoxy repair materials lack the high peel strength necessary to resist expansion and contraction.
POOR SURFACE PREPARATION
Leaving the decayed and damaged wood behind greatly compromises the bonding strength of the epoxy repair material. Decayed wood, fungi spores, dirt, air-born particles carried by rain, oils, and moisture all inhibit proper bonding of repair materials to a sound surface.
Therefore it is imperative that all contaminates be removed to a clean, sound subsurface. Impregnating decayed wood fibers with epoxy provides only a short term solution.
Not All Epoxy Materials are the Same
MARINE EPOXIES
Epoxy materials designed for marine applications gain their flexural strength by the use of fiberglass cloth or the laminating of thin strips of wood. The use of these materials are not practical in the repair of wood in architectural applications.
BRITTLE REPAIR MATERIALS
Polyester repair compounds (auto-body fillers) and conventional epoxy consolident materials filled with air, micro‑balloons, and fillers greatly reduce the flexibility and peel strength, only providing a short-term solution.
THE EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
Advanced Repair Technology’s Repair System has proven to be dramatically effective in combating the problems of material fracturing and bonding failure.
Certified testing and widespread use have shown this system to be superior in virtually every aspect, from ease of application to long-term performance. Most important to everyone from specifiers and contractors to building owners, ART’s Epoxy Wood Repair System demonstrates that a quality long-term solution is the most cost effective way to protect and maintain a buildings interior and exterior wood components.
