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Marine plywood is the safest choice to invest in when selecting the best type of material for your wet areas.
A wet area includes any part of your home that is exposed to moisture or steam on a regular basis (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms). Due to their exposure to constant moisture and steam, the wood products used in these areas become damaged quickly because they absorb moisture through their surface and edges. It would therefore be essential to make the correct choice when considering which plywood you wish to use in a wet area.
Wet Areas – What Are the Problems?
As mentioned previously, wet areas of the home have the following characteristics:
- Constant exposure to moisture and humidity
- Poor ventilation in most homes
- Extreme temperature changes that cause material to expand and contract
- Frequent cleaning or disinfecting of surfaces via water and chemicals
Every time you wash your hands or take a shower, you are adding moisture to the air in your home. This moisture will be absorbed by the surface of the regular plywood you are using. As a result of this moisture, your regular plywood will eventually become delaminated, grow fungus and lose its strength leading to higher costs for repair or replacement.
What Is Marine Plywood?
Marine plywood has been specifically designed to handle high levels of humidity and moisture. The way marine plywood is produced includes using waterproof phenolic resin adhesives along with high quality, tightly bonded glue-laminated hardwood veneers. By using this method of producing marine plywood, you create a strong bond between all of the internal plywood materials thus preventing moisture from getting into the core layers of plywood whether the surface is exposed to water repeatedly.
Unlike standard plywood, marine plywood will not easily swell, warp or split in a wet environment. Some marine plywood products retain their properties longer than standard plywood products and this provides a high degree of performance reliability as it relates to the strength needed over time for wet area applications.
Strength and Stability Under Moisture
Typically, most of the load bearing items that are found in wet areas are sink bases, storage cabinets or shelves and many types of shelving and cupboards. Marine plywood maintains its strength in humid conditions and no matter how much moisture there is in your home. It will remain a strong and stable base for years to come.
Health and Hygiene Benefits of Marine Plywood
The humid environment is the ideal growth medium for both mould and bacteria. Because of the marine plywood’s resistance to moisture absorption, you will significantly decrease your risk of fungal and bacterial growth with marine plywood. Therefore, you will create a healthier indoor environment, especially in enclosed spaces such as bathrooms.
Cost-Effectiveness of Marine Plywood
The initial purchase of marine plywood may be higher than standard plywood; however, because marine plywood stands the test of time regarding durability and maintenance costs, it becomes an economical choice compared to having to continually fix furniture constructed of lower quality materials.
Homeowners and professionals alike have used certified marine plywood products such as Royale Touche marine plywood for wet area applications due to their consistency in quality and durability.
Conclusion
In summary, for any wet area application, marine plywood is the safest and most dependable choice. Its moisture resistance, strength, health and hygiene benefits, and a long life expectancy, make marine plywood a fantastic option for wet area applications where long-term durability is important.
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