WILL WOOD COATINGS PREVENT ROT?
Does Wood Coating Protect From Rot?
Wood rot happens when water is allowed to permeate the wood of your home. So any time you can place a protective cover between the wood of your home and potential moisture, your home is better protected. A wood coating seals your log home from water. This seal soaks into the wood, preventing moisture, fungi and other microscopic materials from entering the pores. Depending on the type of wood and where it is located in your home, there are a variety of high quality wood stain and coating products you can use. Beyond protecting your home, wood finishes and stains also improve the beauty of the wood, accentuating color and texture of this already beautiful product.
Issues Due To Wood Rot
Wood rot can be a big pain for anyone working on a wood home or log cabin. It is the number one enemy of all things wood. If water permeates the wood in your home and does not dry out, it can lead to wood rot. Once this rot takes hold, it can spread to other wood parts and lead to structural damage. Dampness can also invite pests, such as termites, that will continue to degrade the structural integrity of the home. Once water gets into the wood, it can mean spending lots of time and money on repairs. All of this can be avoided with proper care of the wood home or log cabin, and one of your main lines of defense against wood rot is a proper wood coating.
Maintenance To Prevent Wood Rot
Just like you complete regular maintenance on your car by getting an oil change, you’ll want to do regular maintenance on your wood home to defend against wood rot. Here are a few things to check and tasks to complete around your home to ensure your log house is pristine for years to come.
Caulking
Check for cracks or holes in the caulking around entry points, such as windows, doors and dryer vents. If you find any issues, re-caulk the area immediately.
Shrubbery
Trees and bushes should be more than three feet from the siding on your home. Tree branches can rub against your house during windy days, which can cause damage, so keep branches trimmed.
Gutters And Downspouts
If you notice a sagging or leaking gutter, repair it right away. Sagging gutters can lead to water gathering in places along your home, which increase the chances for rot.
Stains From Water Damage
If you begin to notice stains along your eaves, around fireplaces or on the ceiling, it may be a sign of leaking roof and water damage. Inspect the area to locate the source of the issue.
Trouble Spots For Rot
As you inspect your home and complete regular maintenance, you should actively look for wood rot. It may not always be obvious; sometimes, rot is located under the outer surface of the wood or where you cannot see it. However, there are some specific areas that are more prone to rot.
- Where trim meets
- Where siding meets trim
- Window wells, door thresholds, railings and other horizontal surfaces
- The area behind leaking gutters
- Exterior stair stringers
Checking For Wood Rot
If you suspect an area has succumbed to wood rot, you’ll want to check it right away. The best way to test an area for rot is to simply poke it. Wood that has succumbed to rot will be soft to the touch, and will depress when you touch it. You can also use a woodworking tool or something a little sharper to test. If the object sinks into the wood more than about 1/8 inch, it is probably rotting. However, if the wood is just wet, you’ll want to take precautionary measures to ensure it does not stay wet, which will lead to rot. If you see that your wood is wet, it may be time to recoat your wood house.
Where To Buy High Quality Wood Coating Products
If you find that it is time to recoat your log house or wood home, contact the team at Lovitt’s Coating. Our team is professionally trained in wood home construction and restoration, so we can help you choose the perfect product to coat and finish the wood on your home.