What are the guidelines to maintain timber parts?

Following are the guidelines for maintaining the timber parts of a climbing frame. 

- Inspect all timber parts. Pay extra attention to the posts, which are essential to the static stability of the playground. 
- Structurally damaged and/or rot-deteriorated timber parts should be replaced immediately. Minor damage can be re-treated with an approved preservative to maintain the life expectancy of the timber. Special attention should be given to timber that is in direct contact with the ground/soil.
- Do not apply paint on the timber parts as it will create a slippery surface and eventually initiate wood rot potentially reducing the wood's resistance to decay.
- Check all timber parts for sharp and/or rough edges, splinters, and broken, loose, or missing parts. If applicable, tighten, repair, replace, or sand the corners and edges with the provided sand pad or wrap medium-grade sandpaper around a block of timber.
- Preservative treatments or stains used will naturally fade and weather. The timbers are stained as necessary using approved water-based stains, preservatives, or micro-porous coatings. It protects the timber from UV deterioration and prevents cracking and wrapping. Be sure that the sealant is nontoxic and child-safe and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Due to the natural characteristics of timber it will expand and contract under atmospheric changes. This may lead occasionally to seasonal checks and surface cracks, which is quite normal and acceptable as long as the structural integrity of the entire playground equipment is not affected.
- Since all timber parts are pressure treated (Pine/Fir) or wood rot resistant by nature (Douglas) it doesn't prevent the timber from weathering or natural aging.