Wood Problems and Treatment

Wood, more than other materials, takes a beating from the elements, be it direct sunlight or heavy rains. Because wood is prone to more difficulties than masonry, the homeowner must take great precaution with paints and finishes, applying them in a timely manner, but also routinely monitor the wood’s condition throughout the course of the year. By applying the right paints, finishes and preservatives you may head off many problems. Still, many problems will arise in the course of the wood’s life.

Flaking paint can be a common problem for wood exteriors. Often, flaking is due to paint that was applied to a dirty or greasy surface, but it is equally common for a fair amount of sun and rain to result in flaking as well. To remedy, employ a scraper and remove the flakes along with other questionable spots. Sand the surface and reapply primer allowing it to dry before finishing with a fresh coat of paint.

Mold can be a big headache for exterior wood. Mold always indicates a moisture source, which must be eliminated before any repainting can begin. If you can get rid of the problem - a leaking gutter for instance - then you can correct the issue. Wash the area with a fungicide and rinse thoroughly. If you need to resurface and repaint, you can do it then.

Like mold, rotting wood is frequently caused by water, but it may also be due to wood-eating pests like termites. Extreme problems of rot usually call for a replacement of the wood. If the problem is contained in small localized areas, you may be able to cut away the damaged material and fill the area. Then you’ll need to prime and repaint. By keeping the maintenance and checking up, you can usually head off this problem early. If you let that paint job go, problems like this are sure to creep in.

Bleached or discolored wood is an issue for bare and preserved wood. If you want a natural look to the wood and do not plan to paint it, you may try a wood cleaner to try to restore its natural color and tones before coating with a natural finish.

A very common problem for joints and panels is cracking, which is caused by continued expansion and contraction due to the weather. The cracks are then subject to water penetration, which if left unchecked, can cause rot and other damage to your wood. To fix, the cracks must be raked out and then treated with filler that will flex with the expanding and contracting. Finally, prime the areas and then repaint.

Loose and crumbling putty is a common problem for windows. As glass expands and contracts because of the weather, it allows moisture to seep inside and cause the putty to deteriorate. If not handled soon, it may eventually damage the wood. Even intense sunlight can cause the putty to crumble as well. Simply the fill the cracks in the putty to fix. For more severe problems, consider a reputty job.

Seeing knots through your paint job is common, but it could have been warded off by sealing the knotted areas before priming. If you did seal, sometimes direct sunlight will still allow them to seep through. To correct this issue, remove the sap and reseal the knot. Be sure that no sap remains deep down in the knot; a heat gun may remove the sap in the deep crannies. Then, you’ll need to resurface and repaint the area.

A wood exterior always requires continual care. Small problems will almost always evolve into big messes if not seen to right away. Always take great pains with wood before any paint job by sealing and priming carefully. Wood is not a forgiving element if you make any mistakes or find yourself taking a short cut. On the other hand, wood is one of our most basic building blocks and produces some of the most beautiful architecture from rustic cabins to those stop-you-in-your-tracks painted ladies. Deal with these issues right away and your wood should last from season to season.