š Fall Protection Tips to Prepare Your Wood Surfaces for Winter
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As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, your deck, fence, or log home is preparing for a challenge ā winter. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can do serious damage to unprotected wood. But with the right fall maintenance routine, you can protect your investment and keep your wood surfaces looking beautiful year-round.
Hereās how to get your wood ready before winter sets in.
1ļøā£ Inspect and Clean All Wood Surfaces
Before applying any product, start with a clean slate.
- Sweep away debris like leaves, dirt, and moss ā these trap moisture and speed up rot.
- UseĀ Lovittās Cleaner & Brightener System to lift out embedded grime, graying, and old tannins.
- Rinse thoroughly and let the surface dry completely for at least 24ā48 hours.
Clean wood not only looks better ā it also ensures your protective coating penetrates properly.
2ļøā£ Check for Water Absorption
A quick test can tell you if your wood is still protected:
- Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface.
- If the waterĀ beads up, your coating is doing its job.
- If itĀ soaks in, itās time to reapply protection.
When wood absorbs water, that moisture expands and contracts with freezing temperatures ā leading to cracking, peeling, and long-term decay.
3ļøā£ Recoat with a High-Quality Penetrating Oil
Fall is the perfect time to apply Lovittās Natural Oil Coating or Lovittās Deck Coating. Our formulas deeply penetrate wood fibers, sealing out moisture and protecting against UV rays.
Unlike film-forming finishes that sit on top of the surface and peel over time, Lovittās coatings nourish the wood from within ā allowing it to breathe and move naturally through the seasons.
4ļøā£ Seal End Cuts and Exposed Grain
The most vulnerable areas of your deck or logs are the ends of boards and exposed grain. These spots soak up moisture like a sponge.
- Apply a generous coat of Lovittās Oil to all ends and cracks.
- Pay special attention to posts, railings, and stair edges.
A few extra minutes here can prevent months of damage later.
5ļøā£ Clear the Perimeter
Keep shrubs, leaves, and dirt away from the base of your deck or log walls. Anything that traps moisture near wood can speed up rot and discoloration.
If you have log walls, ensure gutters are clear and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
6ļøā£ Plan for Spring
Fall prep sets the stage for an easy spring refresh. Once winter passes, all youāll need is a light cleaning ā not a full restoration project.
Consistent maintenance each fall keeps your wood healthy, your home protected, and your property looking like new year after year.
ā Ready to Protect Your Wood Before Winter?
Lovittās Coatings are made to withstand harsh climates ā from rain-soaked Northwest winters to mountain snow.
Shop our full line of wood cleaners, brighteners, and penetrating oils at lovittscoatings.com and get your wood ready for whatever the season brings.