30 Mar Why Garapa Performs Well in Coastal Climates
Do you reside in a coastal region of the Western Cape and plan on starting an exciting new carpeting project? When starting a new project in a coastal climate, the environment can present challenges that call for materials that are durable and resilient. These climates bring high moisture, saltwater, and intense sun exposure. Garapa wood is an excellent material that performs really well in coastal conditions. It’s renowned for its strength, beauty, and resistance to environmental elements.
Read further to discover why our timber from Garapa.co.za makes for the ideal choice in coastal climates. Garapa’s sun and rain resilience is one of the reasons it’s so popular for building projects.
Durability & Density
Outdoor structures in coastal regions are heavily subjected to strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. Garapa is a Class A hardwood, which makes it the ideal material for outdoor structures, as it effectively withstands heavy wear caused by extreme weather. Garapa offers the perfect blend of strength and workability, being easy to install while still providing lasting durability. This material’s incredible strength and density give it a lifespan of 20-30 years, making it an excellent long-term investment. Garapa decking is a long-term investment for your home and makes a stylish statement.
Moisture, Salt, & Pest Resistance
Coastal environments constantly expose outdoor structures to rain, humidity, and saltwater spray. While most wood would rot, warp, and develop fungal growth in such extreme conditions, Garapa offers exceptional resistance to water absorption, making it highly resistant to water damage, rot, and decay. Due to Garapa’s high resistance to moisture, it will prevent the wood from swelling or degrading when exposed to salty air or water.
In addition to its resistance to moisture, Garapa is also naturally resistant to fungal decay and pest infestations such as termites. Its densely compact fibres provide a natural barrier that makes it a reliable choice amongst coastal homes where pest control is a concern. Structural Garapa is ideal for Garden Route pergolas and other outdoor projects.
Low Maintenance
Garapa wood is a durable hardwood that requires minimal maintenance. After long-term exposure to the sun, you might notice your wood turning a silver/grey colour due to UV damage. If you wish to preserve the wood’s original warm, golden-yellow hue, be sure to apply a high-quality, penetrating deck oil or sealant twice a year (or as needed). To avoid mould forming on your structure, it is best to regularly sweep and clean away any debris, leaves, and dirt that may form over time. Additionally, it is also important not to make use of harsh cleaning treatments to avoid stripping the wood of its natural colour. Using treatments such as our Deck Degrayer will allow you to restore your structure by bringing back the natural colour of the wood.
At Garapa.co.za, we always ensure that we provide our customers with timber that is of the best quality. Our Garapa wood is renowned for its strength and its resilience to coastal weather conditions. CONTACT US for more information and advice regarding using Garapa for your coastal home.