The combination of prolonged high temperatures and lack of adequate rain can do almost immediate damage to your new or unprotected wood. Your wood maintenance, cleaning and recoating may need to be done sooner rather than later...
The combination of prolonged high temperatures and lack of adequate rain can do almost immediate damage to your new or unprotected wood. I am finding that new, wet, pressure treated lumber, when exposed to the baking sun, is "drying out" in a 2 or 3 week period. This means that the moisture that ocurs in your wood during the pressure treatment is drying rapidly and if left untreated, will begin to crack within a month or so. I know your builder or carpenter said to wait 6 months to treat your exterior wood, but PLEASE do not wait that long. The exception to this statement is when your wood is under shade or covered porch. This is because the sun does not directly burn on your wood, so it will take somewhat longer to dry out. Also, the 'mill glaze' or waxy buildup can be removed immediately as the wood dries. Your wood care professional should use a moisture meter to accurately measure the moisture content of the wood. Most oil, acrylic and latex sealer and stains need to be applied to 15% or less moisture content to maximize the appearance and performance of your sealer.
Your older wood is expanding in the heat. If you have a sealer or stain on your wood, the combination of sun exposure, lack of moisture and heat will hasten the end of the effectiveness and appearance of your sealer (please think of sealer or stain as the same term). Your wood maintenance, cleaning and recoating may need to be done sooner rather than later.
By maintaining your exterior wood, three good things happen:
1. The wood is always protected
2. Your wood always looks good
3. You will extend the life of your deck or dock
If you have any questions regarding your exterior wood care or the "Win, Win' outcome of Low Pressure, chemical house cleaning, please contact me at 770-368-2955.
I consider it an honor to be invited onto your property to take care of it.
Paul (Tony) Hofhmann
Owner/Operator
Lanier Pressure Washing & Deck Sealing
770-368-2955
Established 1995