Wood is the most popular material not only indoors but also outdoors. It is one of the most durable natural building materials. Learn how to care for wood so it lasts as long as possible.
Outdoor wood protection
Wood is a material that biodegrades, therefore protection against external factors is essential. A proper wood preservative will provide adequate protection even against fire. What to do to increase the effectiveness of the applied product? First and foremost, you should prepare the wood properly before impregnation. In the first place, make sure it is not wet, nor humidity above 25%. Why is this so important? Primarily, wet wood does not absorb the preservative as effectively as dry wood. If we want additional fire protection, remember that it requires using the right type of material. Wood four-sided planed shows the greatest fire resistance.
Which wood preservative should you choose?
Proper wood preservation definitely extends its durability. How to make it yield the greatest results? First of all, it is important to use the right wood preservative. We distinguish several types depending on what functions they are meant to fulfill. The most popular are salt-based preservatives, whose task is protection against various fungi, including those that cause mold, and even the decay of the structure.
One of the most universal preparations are water-based products. Their main advantage is that they can be used both indoors and outdoors. They also dry quickly and are odorless. They can also be used for slightly damp wood. This type of preservative is not recommended for old materials, which may be damaged by the water contained in them. As for solvent-based products, they are an ideal choice for exterior surfaces. The drying time is noticeably shorter than with water-based preservatives, however the pungent smell and toxicity make them unsuitable for indoor use. This product is especially recommended for new constructions that have not yet been attacked by fungi or insects.
Outdoor wood preservatives based on linseed oil and lacquer-stain
Oil-based preservatives are most commonly used to maintain garden furniture or decks that have direct contact with adverse weather conditions. Their undeniable advantage is that they give wood a fresh look and can be used on materials of different species.
Popular lacquer-stains are, in turn, nothing else but a product based on wax. Their main advantage is protecting wood from rain and sun. This product makes the material more elastic, preventing cracking and chipping. On the market there are also tinted preservatives that additionally give wood a distinctive character.