Outdoor Wood is often more susceptible to damage from external factors. Therefore, outdoor wood requires more meticulous care. In design, outdoor wood helps spaces become more welcoming, rustic, and stylish, making it a popular choice for exterior design. However, maintaining its original beauty can be challenging. Why is it necessary to protect outdoor wood, and what is the solution? All these questions will be answered in this article.
Table of Content
I/Outdoor wood and common issues
Outdoor wood is often prone to faster deterioration. Because wood is directly exposed to a lot of sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Below are some common problems that outdoor wood often faces. These issues not only destroy the wood structure, but also make the wood products lose their aesthetics and value. Worse, they can also be dangerous for users
1. Terminates and insects
Wood is easily attacked by termites and other insects, causing damage and reducing its life span. Especially with outdoor wood, termites and pests can easily infiltrate and reproduce. When wood is left outdoors, it absorbs water and has high humidity. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria and termites to thrive.
2. Mold and rot
High humidity, rain, and fog can cause wood to become moldy and rot. Wood has the ability to absorb water. Water absorption causes the wood to blister and lose its durability. When wood is left outdoors for extended periods, it is prone to decay. This poses a danger to users of wooden products.
3. Deformation and cracking
Changes in temperature and humidity can cause wood to shrink and expand. This leads to cracking and warping, especially during harsh, prolonged hot weather. Conversely, for engineered wood types, when they absorb water, they are prone to warping. This results in an uneven surface.
4. Fading and discoloration
UV rays from sunlight can cause wood to fade and lose its natural beauty. The wood can become discolored and aged. Additionally, prolonged exposure to water and moisture can cause wood to fade. Water seeps into the wood and then evaporates, taking the natural color compounds with it. This leads to the woods losing its original color.
5. Moss and lichens
A damp and poorly lit environment can cause moss and lichens to grow on the wood surface, making the wood slippery and unsightly. Additionally, moss patches can also erode the wood. Once their roots have clung tightly to the wood, it becomes difficult to clean and leaves many marks. When wood is covered in moss, it can become slippery and lead to falls, especially with wooden flooring.
Therefore, outdoor wood needs protection more than ever. It needs a strong enough shield to withstand external factors, enough to prevent water absorption, avoid sunlight, and resist termites. Here is the solution for outdoor wood.
II/ Solution for outdoor wood
Solutions for outdoor wood come in many forms, from changing the type of wood to applying various coatings and preservatives. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks
1. Choose outdoor wood with high durability
The first solution to consider is selecting the right wood before designing. Teak, Oak, Redwood, Acacia, and Tung Oil wood are typical examples. These woods are usually large, solid, and durable. They are less prone to water absorption, flexible, and resilient. However, their cost is relatively high compared to the average. They also contain a significant amount of essential oils that help deter termites. Additionally, there is recently Thermo Wood, a heat-treated wood known for its versatile and outstanding features. Composite wood is also a popular choice among wood enthusiasts. However, these materials only provide protection for a limited period, so they should be combined with other solutions.
2. Add a protective coating for outdoor wood
In addition to choosing the wood, selecting the right coating is more important than ever. There are currently more than a dozen types of coatings available on the market, such as PU, varnish, water-based wood coatings, and NU coatings. The most prominent is water-based wood coating. Unlike traditional types, water-based wood coatings are safer and less prone to discoloration. Additionally, enamel paint offers high durability and excellent water resistance. These coatings help keep your wood looking fresh and extend its lifespan. Furthermore, instead of using preservatives, coatings also contain benign ingredients that repel bacteria and termites
3. Regular maintenance outdoor wood
Moreover, regular maintenance is also essential. Regular maintenance can quickly detect damage and termites. With the principle of ‘prevention is better than cure,’ preventative maintenance helps create a better protective layer to prevent damaging factors from penetrating. Additionally, wood should be repaired for any gaps and cracks in a timely manner.
- Use a soft brush and water to clean the wood surface from dirt, debris, and other materials. If necessary, use a mild cleaning solution or soap for a deeper clean.
- Regularly check wood components such as screws, nails, and hooks to ensure they are still secure and not loose. Repair small cracks and damage by using wood adhesive or replacing damaged parts.
- Regularly check the protective coating of paint or oil on the wood surface. If needed, reapply the paint or oil to protect the wood from rain, sun, and moisture. Clean and polish the wood surface to keep it smooth and shiny.
- If the wood exterior is not used for a long period (e.g., during winter), you should store it indoors or cover it with a tarp to protect it from weather effects. Ensure the wood exterior is stored in a dry, cool place to minimize the risk of rot and mold
4. Put wood exterior in the right place
Outdoor wood should be placed in a dry area and covered with a roof. A dry location will significantly reduce damage and bacterial infiltration. Furthermore, the wood should be placed under a roof or additional cover to protect the wood product. This will help the outdoor wood be more durable and last longer.
- Place the wood exterior under a roof, sunshade, or in the shade to minimize UV exposure. This helps prevent color fading and reduces the risk of cracking due to high temperatures.
- Ensure the wood exterior is in a location where it is not directly exposed to rain or has a good drainage system to avoid waterlogging. This helps prevent mold and rot. Keep it away from large trees to avoid damage from falling leaves, sap, or branches. Wet leaves can cause rot and mold on the wood.
- Position the wood exterior in areas with good air circulation to reduce moisture around the wood. This helps prevent mold growth and keeps the wood dry.
- Place the wood exterior on surfaces like concrete floors, wooden floors, or use risers to elevate it off the ground. This helps prevent moisture from the soil and reduces the risk of termite infestation. Pads or mats can also be useful in protecting the wood exterior
5. Conclusion
Outdoor solutions generally have both advantages and disadvantages. However, when combined, they create a more robust protective shield than ever before. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive protection, workers and technicians should integrate various solutions. For large projects, careful planning is even more critical. Craftsmen must be meticulous, from selecting durable, high-quality materials to combining specialized coatings and performing regular maintenance.
III/ Biomass Water-Based Wood Coating – The Perfect Solution for Outdoor Wood Finishing
Water-based UV Biomass wood coatings not only protect outdoor wood but also eliminate termites from your wood products. With advanced manufacturing technology, Biomass has developed a coating that meets the needs of even the most demanding customers. Biomass coatings are non-yellowing, low-odor, and low-dust. They are completely safe for users and the surrounding environment. The coating is long-lasting, flexible, and has durable compounds that prevent cracking under harsh weather conditions.
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