TP Knightswood Compact Double Wooden Swing Set
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Understanding the TP Roundwood range.
When you experience cracks and splits in one of our roundwood timber play frames, it is not
a ‘defective’ product, nor is its inherent strength or structural integrity impaired, it is simply
exhibiting its normal state and characteristics. Each piece of timber is unique, bearing its own
knots, cracks and variations in colour. These characteristics should be fully expected to be
present at the time of delivery and continue to develop during the products lifecycle.
Timber is a natural organic substance. And, as it is organic, it is greatly influenced by its
surroundings. It moves, swells, and shrinks according to seasonal changes in relative humidity of the
air.
TP Roundwood frames are constructed from timbers that come from younger smaller trees and
are complete tree poles, stripped of any bark and other rough materials but subject to no further
processing.
When a full round timber dries, the exterior surface (sapwood) shrinks faster than the inner
(heartwood) heart of the timber. Consequently, stresses occur in different directions during drying.
This means that the full round timber tends to develop a V-shaped check towards the centre.
Sometimes these cracks can open alarmingly in length and width, but this is entirely normal and
once the inner core has dried the crack will close (not disappear). Likewise, as the moisture in the air
increases so will the free water absorbed by capillary action in the wood and once again the cracks
will close.
Both laboratory and field tests prove that the natural cracking and splitting does not materially affect
the strength of the timber. Our frames are also designed and dimensioned to ensure these natural
characteristics do not have an impact upon the structural integrity.
Our roundwood timber is pressure treated with an environmentally friendly preservative. This is
a process that penetrates to the core of the wood, helps withstand the elements and wards off
termites, microorganisms and fungal decay. After the treatment process it is normal for a green
flecking to become visible on the surface of the wood.
Performance guarantees do not rely on a periodic application of preservative, although you may
wish to do so for aesthetic reasons and to further extend the life of the product.
Because of the natural characteristics of such timber products, it is vital that parents check their play
frame regularly to identify any splintering or lifting of the surface layers of the wood or any exposure
of rough wood due to changes in cracks and splits. Affected areas must be rubbed down using
coarse sandpaper to restore a smooth, safe surface.
There is no necessity to replace timber parts that exhibit cracks and splits. However, should your
frame display a significant crack in very close proximity to a fixing point then please email a
photograph that clearly illustrates the area of concern to [email protected] Our Quality Team
will analyse the information provided and confirm if remedial action is required.
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