Do you live in a rainy climate? If so, chances are that you have treated your wood to protect it from the elements. Rain or snow? Your wood simply won’t rot! Fortunately, this misconception about water-proofing your home has largely been put to rest thanks to the advances in modern building materials and construction technology. Wood has virtually unlimited absorption properties, which means that it can keep water locked in without suffering from any damage. This makes treated wood almost impossible to damage by water. The only exception is if the moisture content of the air is abnormally high – in which case, treated wood will wilt and die instead of rotting away. That being said, there are some precautions that you need to take care of if you want to keep your home and garden free from danger from storms, floods, and storms of temptation. Follow our article for answers on what it means when your home is called “waterproof,” and learn how to treat yourself properly so that your home doesn’t get wet (and stay that way!).
Can pressure-treated wood get wet?
Yes, pressure-treated wood can get wet. Pressure-treated lumber is a form of timber that has been treated with preservatives to protect it against rot, decay, and insects. This treatment process involves immersing the wood in chemical preservatives that are forced into the grain of the wood using high pressure. However, even though these chemicals help to prevent rot and decay from occurring inside the lumber, they do not make it completely waterproof or moisture-proof.
Why Can Pressure Treated Wood Get Wet?
- Pressure-treated wood is coated with preservatives that protect it from moisture damage. The coating helps to keep the wood waterproof and prevents fungi, insects, and other pests from damaging the wood.
- Pressure-treated wood can handle wet conditions better than untreated or non-pressure-treated wood because its preservatives are designed to withstand moisture and prevent it from decaying the wood.
- Pressure-treated wood is more resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation than untreated wood because it is designed to resist moisture and other environmental conditions that can cause damage.
- The preservatives used to treat pressure-treated wood are designed to last much longer than those used on untreated wood, making them more durable and able to withstand wet conditions.
- Pressure-treated wood can handle damp environments better than untreated wood because the preservatives used to treat it are designed to keep the wood from absorbing moisture, which can cause rotting or warping.
- Pressure-treated wood is more resistant to mold and mildew growth, as the preservatives used to treat it are designed to inhibit the growth of fungi and other microbes.
- Pressure-treated wood is resistant to termite infestations because the preservatives used on it are designed to prevent them from entering or damaging the wood.
- The coating applied on pressure-treated wood helps make them more fire-resistant than untreated wood, as the preservatives help prevent the wood from catching fire and burning.
- Pressure-treated woods are much less likely to swell or warp when exposed to moisture because of the preservatives used to treat them.
- Pressure-treated wood will last longer than untreated wood in outdoor environments since it is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and other environmental changes.
This is why pressure-treated wood can get wet without sustaining any damage. With the right preservatives and coatings, it can handle all kinds of weather conditions while still maintaining its good looks and robustness.
How To Treat Wood?
1. Use a pressure washer for light maintenance.
A pressure washer is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, and mildew from the surface of your wood. Make sure to use a mild, detergent-based cleaner or soap specifically designed for treating wood surfaces before using a high-pressure setting on your washer.
2. Clean the wood with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser.
Regular household cleaners and soaps are too harsh for most woods and can strip away the natural oils on the surface. Choose a gentle cleaner that won’t damage the wood grain or discolor it.
3. Sand any rough spots on your wood to smooth them out.
If you’re dealing with a piece of furniture or another item that sees regular wear and tear, sanding is important to keep the surface even and free of splinters. Use fine-grit paper and rub the wood in a circular motion until the scratch or blemish fades away.
4. Seal the wood to protect it from the elements.
After cleaning and treating your wood, apply a sealant to help protect it from moisture, ultraviolet rays, and other environmental factors that can cause fading or damage. Choose a product that is specifically designed for exterior use if you’re dealing with outdoor furniture or a deck.
5. Oil the wood regularly to keep it nourished and healthy.
Depending on the type of wood you’re dealing with, you may need to oil it every few months to keep it looking its best. Use a food-safe, natural oil such as walnut or tung oil and rub it into the wood in a circular motion until it has been completely absorbed. Allow the wood to dry completely before using it. With proper care and maintenance, your wood surfaces will stay looking great for years to come.
6. Refinish worn or damaged wood as needed.
Over time, any surface can become damaged and scratched due to regular wear and tear. If your piece of furniture or other item has seen better days, you may need to refinish it. Sand the entire surface until all of the old finish is gone, then apply a new stain and sealant as needed. You can also use wood filler to repair any deep gouges or scratches before applying your new finish.
7. Store wood indoors when possible.
If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, storing wood indoors can help protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition. If you must store your wood outdoors, make sure to cover it with a tarp or plastic cover to protect it from rain and snow.
8. Watch for signs of insect damage when treating your wood.
Wood-boring insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, can cause significant damage to your furniture or other items. If you see signs of insect activity, contact a professional pest control company immediately to take care of the problem.
9. Be aware of any potential health hazards associated with treating wood.
Some products used for wood treatment, such as sealants, may contain potentially toxic chemicals. Be sure to wear protective clothing and use proper ventilation when working with these products.
The Pros Of Treating Your Wood
1. Increased Durability
Treating wood can extend its life and increase its durability, making it perfect for outdoor structures or furniture. With regular maintenance, treated wood can last many years in harsh environments.
2. Cost-Effective
Wood treatments are an affordable way to protect your wood without having to replace it on a regular basis. The cost of treating wood is usually much lower than replacing wood that has been damaged or decayed.
3. Improved Aesthetics
Treating wood can also improve the aesthetics of any space, as it helps to bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain and color.
4. Easy Maintenance
Treated wood is easier to maintain since it doesn’t need to be resealed or refinished as often. This means you’ll save time and money on upkeep in the long run.
5. Improved Safety
Treating wood can also help to make it safer for use around children, pets, and other vulnerable members of your family. Treated wood is much less likely to splinter or rot when exposed to moisture, making it a better choice for play areas or decks.
6. Environmental Benefits
Treating wood can also have environmental benefits, as it helps to conserve natural resources and reduce waste by protecting the wood from decay and damage. By preserving the life of your wood, you’re helping to limit deforestation and the use of virgin timber. Additionally, the use of environmentally-friendly treatment products helps to reduce your overall environmental impact.
The Cons Of Treating Your Wood
1. Cost
Treating your wood can be quite expensive as it requires a lot of material and labor, which can add up if you are treating a large area.
2. Chemicals
Wood treatments often involve harsh chemicals that can cause health risks if not handled properly, making them potentially dangerous to use.
3. Time Consuming
Treating your wood can be a time-consuming task, especially if the area is large. It can take hours to treat the wood properly, so you may want to consider hiring someone to do it for you.
4. Unpredictable Results
Even if you do everything correctly, there is no guarantee that your wood will turn out as expected every time. There are many factors that can affect the end result, making it difficult to predict how the wood will look.
5. Ongoing Maintenance
Wood treatments require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and lasting for a long time, which can be an extra expense and time commitment.
6. Difficult to Remove
If you decide to change your mind later and remove the treatment, it can be difficult and time-consuming to do so. The removal process is often tedious and can be expensive if you hire someone to do it for you. In some cases, the treatment may even damage the wood.
Conclusion
The truth is that your wood furniture will probably never get wet. What you can do, however, is protect it from the elements and prevent water damage. If you’re experiencing issues with water damage throughout your home, then it’s highly likely that the wood you’ve chosen for the foundation is not water-resistant. If the moisture content of the air is higher than your treated wood, then water will stay inside your home instead of outside.
