Wood is a pleasing, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable construction material. Often, wood and water mix well, consider boats, floating docks, and even gorgeous driftwood; however, wood is susceptible to moisture damage unless it is protected.
When there is no safeguard, wood can rot and fall apart, distort and warp, or become stained and unattractive.
No matter which of those occur, the wood is bound to lose structural integrity. Indoors or outdoors, it is advantageous to shield any wood that is subjected to the elements, foot traffic, or hefty use.
Waterproofing wood is simple and will guard your wood for years, and we’ll reveal to you just how to do that.
In this blog, we will discuss about:
- Why Waterproof Wood?
- Types of Waterproofing
- How to Weaterproof Wood
Why is Wood waterproofing necessary?
Water can actually wreak devastation on wood surfaces. It doesn’t just make the wood wet, but it infiltrates into the grains and renders all sorts of problems. There are numerous difficulties that water can cause with wood, though we talk about the four primary ones. These are the most typical situations that happen when wood gets damp.
Cracks, warping and splitting
When a wooden surface gets wet, the water causes specific parts of the wood to expand which can form big cracks in the wood. This is not only unattractive but it isn’t secure either, which is enough to protect the wood.
Discolouration and stains
Moisture and sun both can discolor wood if exposed for a prolonged period. Rot can drive wood to darken and unprotected UV exposure can compel it to lighten. Swelling can also lighten the wood.
We reply to this question: Why does outdoor wood change colour? In this article
Scratches and scuffs
This may appear bizarre but whenever wood soaks water, it often becomes soft and when this occurs, it scratches readily. Whenever the wood parches, the scratch stays, often appearing even worse.
Mold, mildew
This is the most alarming problem of all. Wet wood molds readily. Where water isn’t present, neither can mold be. Hence, waterproofing wood can smoothly take care of any concern you’d have with mold.
Waterproofing wood is also an opportunity to change the way that your wood looks and add some color and appeal to it. When you are waterproofing something like a deck or patio, you can shield it while bringing some color too.
Types of Waterproofing Solutions
When the aim is to waterproof wood, there are two primary ways that you can take: staining and sealing.
- Waterproof Wood Sealers are normally clear, exhibiting the natural appeal of the wood, and form a protective layer on the exteriors of the wood to stop water from getting in.
- Wood Stains get deeper into the wood, safeguarding it, and adding a stain to the wood, adding to the natural beauty or covering the wood entirely.
- Oil vs. Water Waterproofers: Oil-based waterproofers stay longer and soak into the wood more deeply, however, water-based waterproofers can be applied in moist conditions and are easier to clean.
- Clear vs. Tinted Waterproofers: Clear waterproofers show the natural grain of the wood and typically help to prevent discoloration, while tinted waterproofers present enhanced UV protection and enrich the look of the wood, often letting the grain show through. Clear waterproofers should be reapplied every year or two, and tinted waterproofers can be reapplied every two or three years.
- Wood Impregnation: The process of introduction of chemical substances into the wood in order to enhance its attributes and add new properties. Impregnation stabilizes measurements, improves strength and resistance to water, wetness, and chemicals, and lowers cracking. The most standard ways of impregnation employ antiseptics, which guarantee protection against wood rot and other conditions of biological deterioration, and fire retardants, which stop the wood from catching fire and burning.
How to Waterproof Wood
Waterproofing hardwood flooring and wood boards are straightforward to do, but cautiousness should still be taken to assure that you waterproof thoroughly. Done accurately, waterproofing will keep out water for years. Apply waterproof once, and then reapply every few years to preserve it.
Here’s a simple step-by-step method:
- Clean and tidy it: The waterproof spray stain or sealant is not going to adhere to the wood if there is a surface coating of dirt and filth. Mop the wood first to drag large and loose debris, and then use an available cleaner to remove the last of the grime. Of course, if you are using new wood, then you can surely skip this effort.
- Sand: A smoother texture is going to be attached more efficiently. Once the wood is tidied, sand with some rough sandpaper first before completing with smooth sandpaper. Wipe down the surface when you are done to remove the grains of sanded wood.
- Waterproof Stain or Sealant: Do you desire to add color or allow the natural grain to shine? Explore the different sealants and stains can do for the wood and pick the one that makes the most sense to you.
- Apply: Use your brush or waterproofing sprayer to apply the initial coat to the wood. Allow the stain or sealer dry for a suitable time, as per the instructions of the product.
- Sand: After applying the initial coat and allowing it to dry, you must sand down the surface before you apply the following coat. Use adequate sandpaper to sand the wood, and a dry cloth to swab away the tiny particles.
- Re-apply: Once you have sanded, you can apply the following coat. Add another layer of stain or sealant and allow it to dry. If required, replicate the sand and apply steps to build up the required coats.
- Cure: The wood must cure before use. Leave the wood for three days before walking on it or putting any furniture on the top.
PLEASE NOTE!: Don’t forget about your protective equipment. We suggest eyewear, gloves, and something to protect your clothes.
Why should wood be impregnated?
Wood is a biological material. Untreated wood is perishable over time, especially as a result of water or infestation by wood-decaying insects. Wood also has a notable threat from wood-decaying mold and fungi, which tend to affect it in situations of increased humidity. The most prominent risk concern in-built outdoor wood is in direct contact with the ground or with water.
proPERLA® Wood Impregnator is a water-based solution developed with the latest nanotechnology. It guards wooden surfaces such as hardwood terraces, beams or wooden boards against any premature aging. Thanks to its extreme beading effect, it effectively prevents the shrinkage or splitting of wood. As the surface remains constantly dry, microorganisms can not adhere and green growth of green is drastically minimized.
- It is Super-hydrophobic
You will realize the excellent water repellent properties of its beading behavior. It will make the surface dry and incredibly resistant to biological threats, mould, mildew, etc. A dry surface will enhance the thermal resistance, control frost damage and lessen the growth of microbial spores.
- Has a Self cleaning effect
Dirt particles are unable to obtain a hold on the proPERLA® coated surface and will merely flow off with rainfall. The surface remains clean and pleasing, even on sides that are especially exposed to the weather, as well as in areas with high air humidity or sea salt infiltrated air.
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