Protect your wooden window frames, doors and porch from wind, rain and frost. Remember to inspect them regularly and repair them as needed. There are basically two types of wood preservatives. There are oil-based products that are absorbed into the wood surface and products that form a protective coating
Penetrating agents penetrate the wood and protect it from the inside. They protect your patio, shed and fence from harsh weather conditions. The main advantage of this type of product is that it is easy to apply and maintain. Remember to apply another coat after some time – this will keep the wood looking like new. There is no need to sand, strip or remove the old finish
You should paint your home at least once every 3-7 years. Generally, paints with acrylic binders provide the greatest durability. Oil-based paints penetrate the wood better, but do not expand and contract with the natural movement of the building
If you want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood façade elements, you can remove a coat of paint. Many older houses have facades with beautiful patina and grain. Then it is worth choosing a stain and sealer. Just remember to renew the facade every 4 years.
Regularly cleaning and inspecting your wooden facade helps protect it from discoloration, moisture and cracks caused by the changing seasons. Wash away dirt and debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, with a garden hose. Don’t use a power washer on wood, as you can damage the waterproofing or paint. Coat boards that have holes or small cracks with weather-resistant epoxy to protect them from moisture. Trim trees, bushes, and climbing plants regularly to prevent leaves and branches from rubbing against the facade. Look for cracked or peeling caulk around windows and doors
Although pressure-treated wood becomes resistant to insects and rot, it is still susceptible to moisture. At times, you may notice wood structural components shrinking and swelling. Fortunately, you can seal them with a water repellent. This will increase their strength.
Another problem can be ultraviolet radiation, which gradually damages wood on a microscopic level. Although clear sealers are readily available, adding a pigment such as a stain will create a layer of UV protection. Regular maintenance is important here.
Some people use chlorine bleaching agents. However, they aren’t recommended because they can bleach and dampen wooden surfaces. A product that, when mixed with water, forms a base with hydrogen peroxide and soda ash will work better. Such a solution effectively removes mold stains and natural graying of wood. Importantly, wooden items return to their original color after cleaning, rather than being bleached as with chlorine-based products.
If you have a problem with tannin stains found in sequoia, cedar or oak, reach for oxalic acid products. They will also remove rust stains from corroded fasteners.
If you’ve recently built a wooden home, you may want to limit your prep work. However, remember to remove the glaze, loose fibers and dirt that accumulated during construction. Many professionals recommend waiting a bit before staining new wood. This will give it time to acclimate to its new environment. You will allow it to quietly release unstable juices, sugars, and other residues that the coating would otherwise occupy.
Thirty days of seasoning is the minimum, but this time depends on the condition of the wood at the time of construction and weather conditions. New pressure-treated lumber can be very wet, so it must dry thoroughly before staining, especially if you want to use an oil-based product. If it is warm and dry, the wood conditioning process will go faster than if it is raining.
