Useful Tips for Waterproofing Wood

Although wood is a pretty good and sturdy material, we can’t deny the fact that water is one of the elements that may cause it to deteriorate quickly.

To prevent this problem, it would be advisable to waterproof wood. This will give it that added protection, ultimately preventing warping, rotting, cracking and quick deterioration.

Wood that hasn’t been treated will expand as it accumulates water. And when it dries up, it will contract. Unfortunately, such cycle of contracting and expanding will eventually damage the wood. It will cause cracks and warping, as well as discolouration and other issues.

With that in mind, here are some waterproofing tips that you might want to remember:

Assess if the Wood Has Been Previously Treated

To know if wood has been previously waterproofed, splash it with some water. Wood that has already been treated will most likely cause the water to bead up. So, that means you won’t have to waterproof it anymore. However, if you see that it hasn’t been treated yet, you can opt to apply a wood sealant to prevent water from seeping in.

Choose the Proper Wood Sealant

There are different types of wood sealants that you can use. Some are designed to penetrate the “insides” of the wood, while there are those that have been designed to simply repel water.

The most common wood sealants are:

• Epoxy resin
• Waterproofing oils, such as linseed oil, tung oil and specialised synthetic oils
• Varnish and related products, for repelling water from the wood surface
• Non-toxic waterproofing formulas, for an eco-friendly and safer waterproofing solution

Note: If you like to go the DIY route, you can create a waterproofing mixture yourself. A good example would be using polyester resin with acetone, as these can quickly penetrate into the wood, thereby giving it a longer-lasting and effective protection.

Apply Wood Sealants Properly

- Before applying wood sealants, make sure to clean the wood.
- Use sandpaper to remove old paint and coatings.
- Only apply the sealant if the wood is dry. Also, make sure to use a cloth, brush or any other appropriate tools for better effects.

Do you want to know more about wood waterproofing from a renowned timber fencing expert in Brisbane? Call 1300 477 024.