WOOD RESTORATION AND REVIVAL BEFORE WINTER SETS IN

Wood Restoration & Revival Before Winter

Your exterior wood surfaces are under constant onslaught. In the summer they are exposed to intense ultraviolet rays, sweltering humidity and pounding rain. In the winter they are forced to contract by cold temperatures and low moisture content in the air. Unless you take the initiative by treating your wood in the autumn, you can look forward to cracking, warping and blistering which will not do any favors to your property value.

Here is what you can do to your exterior wood surfaces to prepare them for winter weather!

Clean Your Exterior Wood Surfaces With A High Quality Wood Cleaner

You wouldn't apply protective wax to a car before you have washed it. Likewise, before you even think of applying a protective treatment to a wood surface, you must first ensure that it is nice and clean. A thorough scrub with a quality wood cleaner will remove any grime which would have prevented treatment from permeating the wood. While you are cleaning your deck, make certain that the gaps between the boards are free and clear of dirt. This will allow meltwater to drain safely away from your deck instead of pooling on top of it.

Apply Stain or Sealant to Your Exterior Wood Surfaces

First tip:  It is inadvisable to apply treatment to a new pressure-treated wood deck. This is because pressure-treated lumber is infused with preservatives that require time to dry. If those chemicals are trapped beneath a finish, they will lift that finish clean off as they evaporate.

Selecting the correct stain or sealant for autumn exterior wood restoration is quite straightforward now that you have discovered Lovitt's Coatings. Our log home and deck stains are formulated to penetrate deeply into wood surfaces and imbue them with superior protection against water and sunlight. Our products are furthermore designed to enhance the clarity and natural beauty of most woods' grain patterns. And if you would like a versatile treatment which is just as suitable for preserving wood siding as it is fences and outbuildings, our VOC-free wood preservative makes the ideal solution.

Additional Wood Restoration Tips

?     Whichever treatment you select, make certain it is one which makes the wood waterproof. Doing so will protect the wood against fungus and mold colonization while preserving the wood's ability to breathe.

?     Apply treatment during the autumn so it has sufficient time to dry before winter weather arrives.

?     Not sure how frequently you should reapply a stain or sealant? Consult the product label before you throw away the packaging, or consult the manufacturer.

?     Do not be afraid to apply stain or sealant liberally, as that ensures it will seep into every crevice which needs protection.

?     Wood treatments gradually break down. If you are staining or sealing a deck or other surface that has previously been treated, sand off any remaining coating before applying a new one.

?     Under no circumstances should you ever place rock salt on your wood deck. It contains sodium chloride, a chemical which accelerates corrosion of wood by absorbing moisture from it.

Selecting the best wood stain or wood sealer for your home, deck or furniture requires taking a few factors into consideration, including the type of wood you are treating and the extent to which it is exposed to the elements. If you would like any technical advice before committing to a product, the friendly and knowledgeable team at Lovitt's Coatings is happy to provide it free of charge. We welcome you to contact us today!