Extend timber durability and performance through proactive maintenance
To get the most from the Implementation Framework explore strategies and actions across each project phase to see how the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction can be applied.
Strategies
Strategy 5.1 Extend timber durability and performance through proactive maintenance
Proactive maintenance and monitoring are key to extending the life and performance of timber buildings. By caring for structural and surface components throughout the building life cycle, project teams can preserve both the aesthetic quality and the carbon stored within timber. Regular inspections, moisture control, ventilation checks, and timely repairs prevent degradation, reduce operational risks, and maintain safety standards. Establishing a maintenance plan from the outset—supported by digital logs and condition assessments – ensures that upkeep responsibilities are clearly defined and budgeted for. This approach maximises the long-term durability of timber elements, enhances occupant comfort, and protects the embodied carbon invested during construction. Proactive maintenance transforms buildings into resilient, low-carbon assets, demonstrating that responsible timber construction delivers sustained performance, safety, and value for both people and the planet over decades of use.
Actions
Implement regular moisture checks and surface treatments for exposed timber
Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle