bamboo—has its own waterproof story. “
Bamboo is a grass, therefore more water repellent than wood, but it is not completely waterproof. Once treated, it will increase the amount of water resistance but will never be completely waterproof. Unknown to most, Bamboo is not completely waterproof, it has natural layers of protection that some hardwoods don't.
What Happens When Bamboo Flooring Gets Wet? Bamboo flooring, especially strand woven bamboo and brands with spill-protective finishes, endures moisture and standing water very well. Extended moisture exposure (in non rigid-core bamboo floors) leads to warping and distortion called cupping.
Since many countries manufacture and export bamboo, there are no standards regarding quality. There is the risk of exposure to formaldehyde or other VOCs. Similar to wood, bamboo surfaces are soft making it susceptible to scratches.
Weather Resistance: If you don't seal your bamboo fencing, it loses layers of protection and can wear and fade more quickly.
The best way to protect your bamboo is with TWP (Total Wood Protectant). We carry four different stain colors: Light Cedar, Cedartone, Dark Oak, and Black Walnut. TWP makes your bamboo water-resistant and protects it from the sun, mildew, mold, and fungus.
The forming of mold, spores and mildew on the surface of bamboo canes is not uncommon, especially when bamboo is not 100% dry, or when products are shipped internationally in ocean freight containers.
Bamboo's greatest weakness is its poor durability in its natural state. The material attracts insects and fungus, which cause decay, and untreated bamboo structures don't last more than a few years.
Without the correct harvesting and treatment, bamboo can and will deteriorate quickly within months. With the right approach to design and construction and with maintenance and post construction care, bamboo can last for ages, perhaps for a lifetime!
In addition, bamboo fibers are much stronger than wood fibers and less likely to deform due to changing atmospheric conditions. Bamboo is a great alternative to traditional timber as it develops quickly into a hard, wood‐like fiber. Bamboo stems reach maturity at 2-5 years versus 10-20 years for most softwoods.
These natural bamboo products don't stand up very well to prolonged exposure to water and high humidity, so extra precautions should be taken when building with bamboo outdoors. Whether you're a zoo, resort or theme partk, you can't afford to replace your bamboo continually due to the weather elements.
Bamboo poles can split or crack at any time.
Even dried bamboo contains residual moisture and will continue to respond to changes in temperature and humidity. Direct sunlight on one side or heat from a radiator can make the bamboo 'pop' and soon after you may see a small split gradually emerge.
If you fill up a tall glass of water and plunk in the lucky bamboo plant, the stem is likely to rot and turn yellow. Likewise, if the roots outgrow the glass and you don't prune them, the roots are likely to turn gray or black and rot.
Iroko, Oak, Western Red Cedar, Cherry, Maple and heat-treated woods are just a few examples of timber that boast excellent dimensional stability and high resistance to shrinking and warping in the face of moisture. To maximise their performance, these woods can be further treated with a sealant.
Bamboo is a durable, natural material that is very suitable for use in outdoor furniture.
Bamboo stands up to water, mildew and is shrink-resistant. Bamboo has a natural water-resistant silica layer on it that protects it, but it is not waterproof. If you are looking to put your Bamboo in an area that will be exposed to water for long periods of time, this may weaken the Bamboo and it's lifespan.
Bamboo is susceptible to mould and attack by fungi because of its high content of starch and sugar.
Water is a prominent enemy for your wooden furniture items. Bamboo is resistant to water. However, you need to reduce water exposure to your bamboo furniture as much as you can.
However, bamboo furniture is not indestructible. The weather affects in every way the condition of luxury outdoor bamboo furniture. Both rain and harsh sun can affect the color and finish of natural furniture.
A4: The disadvantages of using bamboo for construction include the fact that it is not as commonly used as other building materials, such as steel. Bamboo can also be difficult to work with, as it is prone to splitting and cracking.
Meanwhile, the high-demand for bamboo, within China and globally, can negatively impact ecosystems. Farmers may cut down natural forests to make way for bamboo plantations. This destroys the natural habitat of already vulnerable wildlife such as pandas.
Cons of Bamboo Fabric
The chemicals used to process the fabric are harmful to human health and the environment. Shrinkage of the Fabric: Bamboo fabric tends to shrink at a faster rate compared to cotton. Expensive: Natural bamboo fabric tends to be more expensive than the rayon type or even cotton.
Without any protective treatment, most bamboo species have an average natural durability of less than 2 years. Stored under cover, untreated bamboo may last 4-7 years.
Moisture Resistant Flooring Materials
Naturally decay-resistant wood subflooring (redwood, cedar, some oaks, bald cypress).