When talking about wood, one cannot do without the technicalities. From the choice of technology to the installation, there’s a lot of moving parts to consider. Wood can be made into anything that ultimately serves important functions in a home. But other than security and insulation from outside elements, wood as a material contributes to the home’s style with its grain pattern and natural color.
Wood is a go-to choice for many homeowners because of its customizable quality and its classic look. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Wood can shrink, expand, and decay over time, but the process of deterioration is accelerated by not taking the necessary measures to help prolong its lifespan. All of these can be avoided with regular maintenance and proper care.
Keep an Eye Out on Wood Rot
Wood rot is the worst. It doesn’t just look unsightly; it deteriorates the wood too. Wood rot is caused mostly by fungus in the wood tissue, with moisture playing a significant role. For fungi to thrive, 35%to 50% of the moisture is required, depending on the type of wood. Excess oxygen, extreme temperature changes, sun exposure, acidity, urine, and manure, among other factors, contribute to fungal growth. If any of your exterior-facing doors, windows, and other exposed exterior have sustained too much damage from rot, seek professional repair for garage doors, wall siding panels, gutter hardware, and others.
In most cases, wood rot starts along the bottom of the door or lower panels of windows, where rainwater trickles down and lingers for a while. Keeping these parts in good shape should be easy if you inspect them regularly for rot. With a solid object, press the surface gently. If any spot turns out soft, which most likely means that rot has started to form. Rot is spreadable, so it’s best to be quick about removing the affected area and have it replaced as soon as possible. To prevent this from happening, always go for treated or coated wooden panels.
Install Weatherstripping Measures
Although doors and windows do most of the protecting, there are still gaps to address. Weatherstripping is important to keep out cold air, water, dirt, and more. But most of all, it prevents molding on the sides of doors and windows, which are most vulnerable to rainwater. Additionally, weatherstripping is essential in proper insulation, thus reducing utility bills and saving on energy.
Refinish Every Few Years
Refinishing isn’t just for the aesthetic. It also serves as a preventative measure for wood rot. This should be done every couple of years to keep everything in prime condition. But before getting to it, start by cleaning the surface. Get rid of dust and dirt, and then deal with any imperfections. Sanding down usually addresses these imperfections. Before proceeding to stain, make sure the surface is clear of dust from sanding. After that, apply wood primer. Once that’s dry, you may now apply the first coat of paint or stain. Wait for at least 24 hours before applying another coat.
Don’t Forget to Lubricate
A loud and squeaky garage door or entry door is a sign that it isn’t greased enough. Lubricate each hinge at least every couple of months. When doing so, be sure to do it sparingly. Too much oil can trap dust, thus affecting its performance. Lubricate the rollers, springs, and other moving parts. Use white lithium grease since it is made for metal-to-metal action. It prevents rust and corrosion too.
Clean Regularly
This is the most basic step. It’s a given, but it’s something many homeowners take for granted. Although there are quicker and more convenient ways to clean it, like with a hose or a pressure washer, it might compromise the quality of the wood over time. It’s recommended to clean wooded material with a cloth in hand. Mix a mild detergent in warm water and use this to wipe down the surface. It’s a more effective way to remove dirt, stains, and more without harming the surface. You can clean wooden components at least once a month or when you start to notice dirt building up.
When all of these steps are practiced frequently, the results will show in time. Your wooden hardware won’t just last, but it will be kept in good condition. Although wood as material needs some maintenance measures, to begin with, the same can be said about other materials used in the exterior parts of your home. At the end of the day, maintenance will always be better than a costly repair and restoration.
