 Yes Teak adds weight, adds more to the maintenance but it also adds decent grip and what's more..beauty...lots of it! Side by side, the same model with and without teak there is no question (in my mind) which would win the 'best looker' contest. On the maintenance side, taking good quality, thick, well installed teak, there is no reason why it can't last a lifetime, providing you follow correct maintenance procedures. Teak has its own natural oil and for this reason it is said to be the best timber to be used in marine applications, but this natural oil will be forced to the surface by the elements as it has no bark on the timber to contain it. The natural oils in Teak carbonise or oxidise on the surface turning it silver and many like this look, but then the silver finish starts to turn darker, holds onto dirt and is cleaned off in order to reveal the fresh teak underneath. This method comes with its own problems and are usually up for debate 1) are you thinning the wood? 2) are you running out of natural oil in the wood? I think both, even if it's only on a small scale. There are diffent sections of the tree to take the teak from... softer sections = expensive costs for production, to harder sections = very expensive costs and will depend on the long term reputation v the cost for each manufacturer, but who is going to notice the difference? which is why sadly most these days are softer. The plan 'B' is to seal the Teak..why? Well firstly a good sealer will assist in stopping water and dirt getting in, especially each side of the caulking where it causes most problems, any water trapped in gaps this weather will of course expand causing larger gaps, the second is to have some form of UV protection which helps to slow down any surface degrading and break down of the softer grain, also it provides a barrier from oxygen that again attacks the surface. The surface will still get dirty (of course) but now you have a pawn on the surface that can be maintained without affecting the surface itself and still providing the grip it was put there for in the first place. Of course this is subject to correct preparation and application. Annual costs for maintaining a 40ft correctly should be around £400.00 including materials or £100.00 materials and two days of your time. Contact us and we can arrange the correct care for your Teak for the year or as a one off. Why bother? I have a bowl of apples on my dining room table that have been there for a few days now and look the same as when they were purchased from the supermarket. If I was to take a bite out of one and place it back down on the table I would soon see oxidation in progress. Likewise if I was to go sunbathing during mid summer on Bondi beach Australia it may be suggested to wear a higher factor of sunscreen ( or at least apply it more often) than I would use in the UK to prevent burning. Also, modern sailing jackets wick water away from the surface fast to stop it from soaking in any further, thus maintaining its performance. All marine surfaces need to perform...Gel coat needs wax in order to form a barrier to oxygen, provide UV protection and to wick the water away. Teak is no different and requires a sealer to do this. Tony  Please visit us at www.TheBoatCleaningCompany.co.uk |
 |
||||||||
 
|
|
 |
||||||
    |
||||||||
