Wood has been used by humans in construction and everyday life for a long time. This natural material is susceptible to moisture and other external factors, as a result of which fungus and rot appear on it. In order for a tree to serve for a long time, its proper protection from harmful influences is important. Processing does not require large expenses, in addition, it is not difficult to do it yourself.
Why does rot appear?
A common reason that triggers the rotting process is a fungus, the activity of which destroys the structure of the tree. If spores land on wood, it becomes infected and then damaged. The house mushroom is considered to be the most dangerous, since it affects even a tree protected from atmospheric influences.
The following signs of infection are identified:
- change in the natural color of the tree cover;
- the appearance of cracks;
- decrease in strength level;
- destruction of the structure.
Photo: floorboards frequently exposed to moisture
Wood that is subject to:
- exposure to moisture;
- freezing and defrosting;
- influence of sunlight and wind.
The process begins on the outer layers, as well as in places where the tree comes into contact with the soil, and then develops very quickly. Particularly susceptible to spoilage window frames and the lower part of wooden houses.
The following conditions contribute to the appearance of mold:
- High air humidity (75-100%).
- The level of moisture content in the material (from 15%).
- Large temperature changes.
Processing options
Protection of wood from fungus is carried out using a number of pre-conducted preventive measures. Choose one option or another based on the budget and operating conditions of the structure.
For chemical method wood processing uses an antiseptic.
Available in construction stores different variants such products - both in the form of a solution and in the form of a paste. Protection should be applied not only to the wooden surface, but also to places in contact with the ground. The depth of impregnation is about one and a half meters. The best way A solution of potassium dichromate (5%) or sulfuric acid (5%) is suitable. Novotex, Pinotex, Biokron and Biosept - which are completely ready for use.
Only certain groups of antiseptics and impregnations are suitable for treating wood in the ground. Make sure that the product is moisture resistant, since underground the material is more susceptible to salt and moisture. It is necessary to coat with this preparation all surfaces of the structure that are exposed to precipitation.
Users often search:
To prevent rotting, it is good to dry the wood - this will rid the material of excess moisture.
There are artificial and natural drying. The first option is carried out using petrolatum or storing wood in special chambers with increased temperature conditions. The process occurs quickly: the time varies from one hour to several days, and the fungus dies under such conditions.
Natural drying – more suitable option for independent implementation. The wood is left under a canopy in the open air or stored in a well-ventilated area. The process takes a lot of time: from one week to several months, but this method does not require large material costs and guarantees reliable protection of the material.
A high foundation ensures a long service life of a wooden structure
How to prevent rotting
To reduce the likelihood of putrefactive processes to a minimum, at the construction stage the following is provided:
- high foundation;
- waterproofing;
- good level of ventilation;
- moisture-resistant roof.
Traditional methods of protecting wood
People have long begun to look for ways to prevent wood from rotting, so there are a number of folk remedies to protect this popular natural material, of which there are two main ones.
Smiling
Represents the impregnation of dry wood with resin high temperature. This method is most often used for courtyard buildings, but is sometimes used for interior work with ceiling beams and floorboards.
Burning
The surface of the material is burned with a blowtorch until saturated Brown. The wood must be damp. After the process, the accumulated carbon deposits are carefully removed from the wood until growth rings appear.
Both methods are considered quite effective. After this treatment, all that remains is to coat the wood with varnish or moisture-resistant impregnation.
Protecting wood from moisture
On ready product Apply a transparent varnish that will protect the material from weathering, give it additional shine and improve its appearance. Repeat treatment once every five years. Thus, high protection of the material from the harmful effects of moisture, precipitation and wind is achieved.
If you don't know whether the wood has been treated with a moisture-proofing agent, apply a small amount of water to the surface. In the absence of such treatment, moisture will immediately begin to be absorbed, and if the product has already been used, a drop of water will remain on the surface.
In addition, one of the most common and effective ways to protect wood from moisture is to use oil.
It is applied to the surface of the material, carefully treating every crack and joint. Remember that oil will deepen or even darken the color of the wood. This method has a cumulative effect, so it is carried out monthly.
You can also tint the wood using an alcohol-based stain, which will refresh the color a little. It is recommended to repeat the process once every two years.
Treating wood with moisture-resistant impregnations will also be an effective means of protection. These drugs are penetrating and film-forming.
Important! Please note that penetrating solutions are the most effective, as they are absorbed into the material and protect it both outside and inside.
We looked at the main ways to protect wood from moisture and rot. The use of these methods will extend the life of a wooden structure by long years. Protection and proper care are the basic requirements for the operation of wood.
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The construction of houses, baths and various outbuildings from wood is more popular today than ever. This material has a low cost compared to brick, excellent thermal insulation properties and allows you to realize almost any design ideas. However, wood has one drawback - if it is not treated properly prior to construction, it is susceptible to rot and mold. Today we will talk about how to treat wood so that even after several decades it retains its original characteristics.
Below we will offer several recipes for effective protective solutions. Whichever one you choose, following these rules will maximize your results:
Before you begin processing, be sure to wear a mask, gloves and safety glasses to reduce the dangerous harmful effects of chemicals on the body!
Wood processing compounds
Hardware stores today offer a large assortment of domestic and foreign-made products for protecting wood from rot and mold. Some of them not only prevent rotting and mold formation, but also protect against insect damage.
All antiseptic solutions are divided into:
- Water repellent. Their main advantage is that they are able to penetrate deep inside. That is why they are recommended for treating elements in contact with the ground and moisture. As a rule, they are most often purchased for treating basements, baths and saunas. The downside is the strong smell.
- Water soluble. Before use, such antiseptics are dissolved in water. Among the advantages of these are: the absence unpleasant odor, quick drying, can be used indoors. Disadvantage - they wash off quickly.
- Oily. Used to cover poles, sleepers and piles located in soil and water. Cons: toxicity, strong unpleasant odor.
- Solvent based. Suitable for processing wooden structures both indoors and outdoors. Plus - efficiency, minus - takes a long time to dry.
When purchasing the drug, pay attention to the following information:
- Does it provoke metal corrosion (if the wooden structure includes metal elements);
- Validity;
- Depth of penetration into the surface (the deeper the better);
- Is it appropriate to use it for rooms with high humidity (sauna, bathroom, etc.)/with temperature changes;
- Hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly;
- Does it prevent the appearance of fungus;
- Does it counteract the appearance of fungus;
- Does it emit an unpleasant odor under unfavorable conditions?
Purchasing a ready-made solution is the simplest solution, but not too cheap, so some people prepare an effective protective solution on their own. Right now we will offer you several options.
Folk remedies
Some of the benefits of home remedies to prevent rot and mold include:
- Availability. The compositions are prepared from cheap products that are not difficult to find.
- Safety. Homemade antiseptic preparations contain only harmless and hypoallergenic ingredients.
- Efficiency. In terms of effectiveness, homemade products are almost as good as store-bought ones.
Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate has disinfectant properties, which is why it is often used to prepare antiseptic agents for wood processing.
To protect the surface, treat it with a 1% solution of copper sulfate (available in hardware and gardening stores). This technique has one drawback - it requires prolonged drying (up to a month).
In this case, the wood should be dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight; it may be wise to make a canopy.
Vegetable oil and propolis
Another effective remedy to protect wood from rot and mold, they are made on the basis sunflower oil(the regular kind you or your wife uses in the kitchen) and propolis.
Mix the ingredients in a 3:1 ratio and treat the prepared wooden surface with the mixture. There is only one disadvantage of the composition - it reduces the fire resistance of wood.
By the way, some people also use used oil for car engines to process wood. This method is considered effective, but again flammable.
Bitumen
Some people treat wooden structures with hot bitumen.
There are no difficulties in the procedure. However, we hasten to warn you that bitumen is not the safest material, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before processing.
Silicate glue
If traces of rot have just begun to appear on the surface, then after preliminary preparation using the method already described, it must be treated with silicate glue diluted with water.
Vinegar and soda
Another method, suitable if you find a rotting area on the boards, is to sprinkle it with baking soda and spray it with vinegar essence.
Salt and boric acid
A mixture of salt and boric acid helps prevent rotting and molding of wood. To create a miracle remedy, dilute 50 g of boric acid and 1 kg of salt in a liter of water. The affected surface must be treated several times, taking breaks between operations for a couple of hours.
Slaked lime
Another option for processing wood is known, this time the main assistant in the fight against rot and mold will be a solution of slaked lime. You can buy the latter at a ridiculous price at a hardware store.
Clay and salt
An unusual, but no less effective, way to protect wooden structures is to cover them with a mixture prepared from clay, water and salt, taken in a ratio of 75:20:5.
Burning
Firing will allow wooden structures to be preserved in their original form. To begin work, spray a small amount of water on the surface, and then burn it using a blowtorch. Remove any carbon deposits that have formed with a steel brush and coat the wood with water-repellent varnish/paint.
Finnish method
People call wooden houses Finnish. That is why a method of protecting wood with the same name appeared. What is its essence? The elements are treated with a heated mixture based on flour, water, salt, iron sulfate and dry slaked lime. Please note that the main part of the composition is water and flour, and the finished mass should resemble sour cream in consistency.
The main advantage of the Finnish formulation is that the product is resistant to moisture. That is why fences and roof structures are often treated with it.
Now you know how to treat wood against rot and mold. As you can see, most of the tools are simple and accessible.
Wood has long been one of the most durable and environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, it is used in repair and construction. She has high level decorativeness, which is why consumers often choose it to decorate their apartments and houses. However, wood acts as a “living” material. Therefore, it needs processing that prevents spoilage and rotting. Wood can be treated with synthetic agents and traditional methods. They will be discussed in the article.
Using traditional methods
Protection of wood from moisture and rot can be carried out folk remedies. They have many advantages over synthetic compounds. This type of treatment is cheaper. It is environmentally safe and hypoallergenic. In addition, it is available to any home craftsman.
Wood can be treated with propolis and sunflower oil. For this purpose, materials are taken in a ratio of 1:3. They should be mixed well and applied to a surface that has been previously cleaned of dust using a soft sponge. This method of protecting wood from moisture and rotting is good because it is as strong as possible and helps prevent the formation of microorganisms. However, it has one big drawback, which is that the material has an increased ability to ignite. Therefore, you should consider whether it is advisable to use such impregnation in each individual case.
Quite often, consumers use iron sulfate to treat wood. To do this, you should purchase a ready-made solution that mixes well. A soft sponge or rag is dipped in it, which is used to impregnate clean wood.
Protecting wood from moisture and rotting with iron sulfate is ideal for round logs, since the product is not too expensive. Also extremely effective. With strong impregnation, the material will be ready to serve for quite a long time, without requiring additional protection work. The only downside of this product is the long drying time.
Wood impregnated with iron sulfate should be left in the open air, and exposure of the material to sunlight should be avoided. You can use a special canopy for this. The material is left to dry from a week to a month.
Use of bitumen and automobile oil
Another excellent option for protecting wood from moisture and rotting with your own hands is to use bitumen. This method is effective, but from an environmental point of view it is not completely safe. This is due to the fact that concrete has the ability to release harmful substances when heated. For this reason, the use of bitumen is not always recommended.
Automotive oil is not a completely environmentally friendly material. However, it is widely used for wood processing. Oil can protect against rot, mold and bark beetle, but it will not prevent fire, but will only contribute to it when exposed to flame. Therefore, this remedy cannot always be used.
Using the Finnish method
Protecting wood from moisture and rot can be done using the Finnish method. It is expressed in the use of the following materials:
- salt;
- flour;
- water;
- iron sulfate;
- dry slaked lime.
The method is harmless, but is used to process the material that forms the basis of fences and roofs. The composition has unique properties, which prevent its rapid washing out with water. To prepare the mixture, the components must be mixed to form a paste. Its main part will consist of flour and water. The composition is heated over low heat, then applied to the wood warm in two layers. After the first layer has completely absorbed and dried, you can begin applying the second.
Use of water-soluble antiseptics
Wood can be protected from moisture and rot by using water-soluble antiseptics. They are able to create a kind of barrier on the surface, but are washed out from constant contact with water. Therefore, after application, such a mixture must be periodically updated.
Among other similar solutions, we can highlight ammonium and sodium silicofluorides, which are odorless powders. They become transparent upon contact with water. Impregnation with their help must be carried out very carefully so that the composition completely penetrates the fibers.
Another treatment option is sodium fluoride. It is a white powder and is easily washed off with water. This substance has one big advantage, which is expressed in the fact that it does not cause corrosion of metal that may be in wood. If you want to protect wood from rotting and moisture, then you can use imported substances that contain the following components:
- zinc;
- chlorine;
- sodium;
- potassium borax.
Such mixtures will be more expensive, but they protect the wood perfectly. It is not recommended to use them in residential premises, as they are not so environmentally friendly and can emit toxic substances.
Use of organic and oil pastes
In addition to the above antiseptics, you can use special organic substances and pastes. They consist of water-soluble antiseptics, silicon fluorides and binding components. The materials are resistant to moisture, so they can be used for treating external wooden structures. Over time, the paste is washed out, so it must be periodically applied to the base.
To better protect structures after treatment, they should be covered with a construction waterproofing film. Wood can be protected from rotting and moisture by using oil antiseptics. This should include technical oils that are toxic. Among their main advantages are high antiseptic properties.
The material is not washed out by water and protects the wood from almost all types of fungus. Oil-type compositions have a pungent odor and dark brown color. IN residential premises this approach for protection is impractical, while oil antiseptics are excellent for piles, utility poles and bridge supports.
Using drying oil
Protecting wood from moisture and rotting with drying oil can also be done. For this purpose, some varieties of the mentioned composition are used. Among others, semi-natural mixtures should be highlighted, which allow the formation of a hard film with a high level of gloss on the surface. The base becomes water resistant. Semi-natural drying oil is good because it can be used in combination with paint and varnish materials or as a primer.
Modifiers are added to combined formulations to improve the quality of the mixture. You can use combined drying oils not only to protect wood, but also as a preparation before applying paint or plaster. When protecting wood from moisture and rotting with your own hands using drying oil, you should not forget that the liquid will dry out within a day or more. During this period, no coat of paint or plaster should be applied. Synthetic drying oils can be used for impregnation, and also act as a basis for diluting dark oil paints. Synthetic drying oil is excellent for external treatment.
Products for wood in contact with the ground
Wood can be protected from moisture and rot in the ground using NEOMID 430 Eco. It is suitable for creating a reliable barrier on the surface of a material that is in constant contact with the ground during operation. This substance is an antifungal antiseptic with non-washable properties.
The material can be exposed not only to contact with the soil, but also to the influence of ground salts, as well as precipitation. The composition can also be used to coat external walls, load-bearing structures of beams, ceilings, joists and beams. The mixture is excellent for door blocks and window openings.
This means of protecting wood from moisture and rot can be applied to rafter systems, fences and hedges, as well as structural elements that are exposed to difficult atmospheric conditions and low temperatures. The described impregnation is radical. It is suitable for difficult operating conditions.
Antiseptic impregnation "Senezh"
Senezh can be used to protect wood from rotting and moisture. This antiseptic impregnation has a filter that reduces the exposure of the material to sunlight. The composition is transparent. It is suitable for new and previously treated walls with antiseptic. Among the main properties are absorption into wood fibers and the formation of a weather-resistant material on its surface. polymer coating, which is distinguished by its dirt- and water-repellent properties.
The number of applied layers can vary from 1 to 3. For one square meter with a single layer application you will need approximately 60 g of the composition. You can apply impregnation using a roller, brush or spray. This type of protection dries to touch within one hour, while the base can be used three days after application.
Protecting wood inside the sauna
When choosing to protect wood from moisture and rotting in a bathhouse, you should pay attention to Tikkurila Supi Arctic. This acrylic copolymer belongs to the M1 environmental class. Water is used as a solvent. The product is applied with a brush to a dry surface, where a film is formed that prevents the absorption of moisture and dirt.
Another colorless impregnation is “Tikkurila Supi Saunasuoya”. It has a subtle odor and contains anti-mold components. The main task is to protect the ceiling and walls in bathhouse areas with high humidity. This mixture also belongs to environmentally friendly materials, so it is not dangerous to humans.
The best bath products
When choosing the best protection for wood from moisture and rot, you should pay attention to Teknos Sauna-Natura. This product has a creamy consistency and a subtle odor. Excellent for protecting wood inside saunas and baths, including steam rooms. The solvent is water. The mixture can be tinted in different colors.
Belinka Interier Sauna is made on the basis of acrylic resins, which has water and special additives among its ingredients. This colorless protective agent is used for wood premises. The material has a slight odor, and the color of the surface does not change after the film is formed. The texture just stands out.
It is necessary to use the composition by applying it in two layers with a sprayer, roller or brush. The first coat will dry within 2 hours, subsequent coats can be applied after three hours. This impregnation has good value for money.
Based acrylic resins"Senezh sauna" is produced. This mixture contains special components and water. The transparent protective agent is solvent-free and prevents contaminants from settling on the surface. Fungus and insects do not penetrate inside. The protective agent is applied to a previously cleaned surface using a brush, velor or foam roller. You can use a spray gun for convenience. The manufacturer recommends applying 1 or 2 layers. This applies to the steam room. If wood processing is carried out in other rooms of the bathhouse, then the number of layers can be increased to three.
Finally
Before you start protecting wood, you need to select the means. They may be designed to prevent the material from coming into contact with moisture or soil. There are formulations on sale that provide comprehensive protection. If you want to choose an environmentally friendly mixture, then it is better to use folk remedies, but factory-made impregnations become more effective solutions.
It is easier to prevent the destruction of building materials and wood products than to restore already damaged products. Of all the products offered, it is important to choose what can be used to treat wood against rotting with maximum effect.
Wood rotting is easier to prevent than to restore later.
How to prevent wood decay
The most popular methods are the application of protective and antiseptic compounds. After choosing a method and means to treat wood from rotting, you will need the following tools:
The antiseptic composition is applied with a spray bottle.
- Roller or brush.
- A container with a solution for immersing small wooden parts.
- Spray.
- Hacksaw or scraper.
The main pest of wood is mold, which begins the decomposition process. building materials.
Therefore, you need to be aware of where this evil comes from, how it spreads and become familiar with the measures to exterminate it.
A fertile environment for the occurrence of decay processes:
- free access of air;
- ambient humidity from 80 to 100%;
- positive temperature 0-50°C;
- The humidity of wood building materials is from 15% to 20%.
Wood decomposition can be prevented during the production and storage of materials for the production of structural elements of construction. Since a freshly cut tree has a moisture content of 60% to 80%, it simply needs to be dried naturally, that is, allowed to rest for at least a year.
Finished wooden structures are also subject to negative natural influences, these are:
Drying the wood naturally can prevent rotting.
- insufficient ventilation;
- temperature difference;
- excess humidity;
- freezing;
- condensate.
All this must be prevented using the following measures:
- installation of a moisture-proof roof;
- applying a protective layer of paint or varnish;
- providing the necessary waterproofing;
- placing the heat-insulating layer closer to the cold (external) surface, and the vapor barrier layer near the warm (internal) surface.
Wooden walls can be covered with boards and this will protect them from rotting. Here, more attention should be paid to the end cuts, since they form the weakest points.
All wooden elements building structures require annual spring inspection. This will help identify signs of spoilage in the early stages, such as deterioration appearance, deformation and unpleasant odor.
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Two ways to get rid of fungus
The antiseptic is applied with a brush.
Rotting greatly reduces the density and hardness of wood, which affects the ability wooden elements cope with their load-bearing function. If, for example, rotten areas appear on the frame crowns, and at the same time the window openings are skewed or the walls move, this means that the crowns need to be changed or the foci of rot must be eliminated.
It all depends on how great the degree of damage is and the areas of spread of putrefactive bacteria. You can carry out localization, that is, remove finishing material and remove the damaged wood with a scraper, brush or hacksaw, and then treat the affected area with an antiseptic.
There are two methods of disinfection used in everyday life:
- Surface method - applying a special substance with a sprayer.
- Diffusion method - coating with antiseptic paste. It includes glue, antiseptic and additional substance.
Bitumen paste:
Fungus treatments can be in the form of liquids or pastes.
- green oil;
- peat powder;
- petroleum product;
- sodium fluoride.
Silicate paste:
- sodium silicate;
- tar;
- fluorosilicates.
Extract pastes made on the basis of sodium fluoride are used. The disinfection process occurs when the wood moisture content increases by more than 40%. At this moment, the substance actively penetrates into the product, and the diffusion process stops when the humidity decreases.
To prevent contamination of unspoiled wooden building materials, potassium dichromate (5%) based on sulfuric acid (5%) is used. It is applied both to wood and to the surrounding soil to a depth of 0.5 m. Potassium dichromate aqueous is an effective means for treating beams.
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Treatment of wood against rotting
When using stronger disinfecting techniques, one must remember that the higher their biocidal properties, the more significant the harmful effect on human health.
The antiseptic “Wood Healer” will help if infection has already occurred.
But modern science does not stand still, and chemical laboratories have obtained universal antiseptic substances with relatively harmless effects. Such products are prepared on the basis of high-molecular compounds, and they are able to maintain the strength and density of wood for a long time, preventing rot and mold. This ability is based on polymer based, which prevents the leaching of protective drugs for many decades. The destruction of harmful organisms occurs due to the content of tin, chromium and an element such as zinc.
An excellent drug for preventing the biological destruction of wood is “Bitsidol”; it is harmless to health. If the color of the wood does not matter, you can use Bicidol-100, since after its use the wood acquires a greenish tint. You can treat wood against rotting and preserve the natural color of the product with Bicidol-200. Diluted in drying oil, it performs both protective and antiseptic effects.
Pinotex will help protect the wood from rotting.
The Finnish-made drug “Pinotex” has a domestic analogue called “Vuprtek”. With its help you can protect wood from rotting and give it many shades. But it is only suitable for completely clean material, without any traces of mold.
If fungal infection has already occurred, the wood can be treated with DL-3 (antiseptic “Wood Healer”). It exists in several versions:
- DL-1 – for fresh and clean wood, protects against rot, mold, bugs;
- DL-2 – destroys harmful organisms and protects wood from rotting;
- DL-3 is a strong antiseptic, stops the decay of wood and expels insects.
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Why you shouldn’t treat wood with disinfectants
There are certain construction indicators developed by German specialists that indicate the conditions for refusing to use biocides.
These conditions include:
- wide roof overhang;
- adequate ventilation of the basement.
In addition, all sound wood types are divided into groups:
- The most wear-resistant.
- Wear-resistant.
- Moderately wear-resistant.
- Weak resistance.
- Unstable.
The following rocks are used in Russian construction:
- 1st class – rowan, teak (can be used without treatment for pillars intended for concreting and burying);
- 2nd class - cedar, oak (bypassing processing, it is used for the construction of structures exposed to natural influences - stairs, balconies, etc.);
- 3rd class - larch, pine (used in areas with moisture, without contact with the ground - windows, doors, stairs);
- 4th class – beech, fir, spruce (without chemical treatment, suitable for the construction of internal dry structures).
But it is not always possible to do without chemicals when working with wood, since treating wood means protecting it from rotting.
Wood is an affordable, environmentally friendly building material with a beautiful appearance. Modern materials (expanded clay concrete, foam concrete) have recently become often used for the construction of walls and partitions, but their popularity in construction small houses while losing to wood.
However, being an organic material, wood is too hygroscopic and is an excellent breeding ground for mold and microorganisms. Therefore, when using this material, you should pay special attention to its protection from external factors.
Causes of wood rotting
The development of mold fungi is the main factor that destroys wood. Mold development (rotting) occurs under certain conditions:
- air humidity 80–100%;
- material humidity above 15%;
- temperature below 50 and above 0 C 0
Additional causes of rotting may include freezing of the material, stagnation of air, and contact with the soil.
Factors favorable to the decay process are quite common. Therefore, you need to know how to treat wood to protect it from mold.
Drying wood
You should start with preventive measures. To prevent the development of mold, the wood must be dry. There are four methods for drying timber or boards:
- Natural drying in dry rooms with good ventilation. This is the longest method (drying time is up to 1 year).
- Drying in a chamber using superheated steam and hot air. This is a more expensive, but fast and effective method.
- Paraffinization. The tree is immersed in liquid paraffin and placed in an oven for several hours.
- Steaming in linseed oil. Suitable for small wooden products. The tree is immersed in oil and boiled over low heat.
Protecting wooden elements from moisture
It allows you to protect the timber from capillary moisture modern waterproofing. A high-quality roof and the application of special paints and coatings protect the structure from atmospheric moisture.
Protection against condensation accumulation is provided by thermal and vapor barrier. The heat-insulating layer is placed closer to the outer surface, and between it and wooden wall have a vapor barrier. timber roofing elements Protect from rain and snow with waterproofing films.
Wooden houses and structures must be located above ground level, on a foundation. For effective protection against water, it is worth taking care of the presence of a blind area that is effective drainage system. Of great importance for the biostability of a wooden building is the possibility of natural drying of the walls. Therefore, trees should not be planted near wooden buildings.
What to do if the timber begins to rot
Rotting greatly deteriorates the physical parameters of the tree. Its density drops by 2–3 times and its strength by 20–30 times. It is impossible to restore a rotten tree. Therefore, the element affected by rot should be replaced.
If the mold infestation is minor, you can try to stop the process. To do this, the rotten area is completely removed (including part of the healthy wood). The removed part is replaced with steel reinforcing rods, which must go deep enough into the healthy part of the element. After reinforcement, the area is puttied with epoxy or acrylic putty.
This is a time-consuming and complex procedure, after which it is not always possible to achieve the previous strength of the structure. The problem is easier to prevent by treating the wood to prevent rotting.
Protecting a tree with folk remedies
The problem of protection against rotting has been relevant since the time when wood was first used as a material. Over a long period of time, many effective folk recipes, successfully used to this day:
- Coating wooden structures with silicate glue.
- Treatment of walls and soil (up to 50 cm depth) with a solution of potassium dichromate in sulfuric acid. 5% solutions of acid and potassium dichromate are mixed 1:1.
- Treatment with vinegar and soda. The affected areas are sprinkled with baking soda and sprayed with vinegar from a spray bottle.
- Treating wood with a 1% solution of copper sulfate.
- Hot resin impregnation. Very effective method for processing logs, fence stakes, benches in contact with the soil.
- Using salt with boric acid. A mixture of 50 g of boric acid and 1 kg of salt per liter of water should be treated several times, at intervals of 2 hours.
All these methods are only suitable for healthy wood or when the tree has small lesions.
Modern methods of combating rotting
There are two ways to reliably protect wood: conservation and antiseptic treatment.
When preserving, a product with a long-lasting toxic effect is applied to the timber or board. To do this, the wood is soaked in cold or hot baths, or the preservative penetrates into it using diffusion or autoclave impregnation. The method is applicable only in factory conditions.
Antiseptic treatment involves self-impregnation of the material by applying chemicals with a spray bottle or roller. The antiseptic agent must be selected in accordance with the operating conditions of the wooden structure. For example, impregnations based on water and white spirit are safe and inexpensive, but are easily washed off. Therefore, only water-repellent antiseptics are suitable for elements in contact with moisture or soil.
Classification of antiseptics
When choosing a product to process timber, it is worth understanding the main categories and types protective compounds. There are three categories of compositions for protecting wood: paints, varnishes, and antiseptics.
Paints perform both protective and aesthetic functions. For interior work it is better to choose water-soluble paints, and for exterior paints - based on an organic solvent.
Varnishes form a protective film on the surface without changing its appearance. For exterior work, varnishes with fungicides are used that kill mold and prevent cracking and fading of wood.
Antiseptics work great when mold has already infected the tree. There are 5 types of them:
- Water soluble. Odorless, non-toxic, dry quickly. They are made on the basis of fluorides, silicofluorides, a mixture of boric acid, borax or zinc chloride. Not recommended for treating surfaces frequently in contact with moisture.
- Water repellent. They are distinguished by deeper penetration into the tree. Suitable for processing bath structures, cellars and basements.
- On organic solvents. Allowed for use in outdoor and internal works. Forms a thick film that dries up to 12 hours.
- Oily. They form a thick, durable coating that is insoluble in water. However, they should only be used with dry wood. When applied to damp wood, oil antiseptics do not prevent the proliferation of fungal spores inside the material.
- Combined. Suitable for any wood and additionally have anti-flammable properties.
How to apply a protective coating to wood
Applying antiseptics, varnishes and paints is not difficult. However, carrying out such work requires compliance with certain rules.
- Before handling, wear gloves, a protective mask and goggles.
- Clean the surface to be painted from dirt, grease and old paint with a scraper.
- Clean the board or beam with an old brush or sandpaper.
- Wash the surface with water and detergent.
- Wait until the wood is completely dry.
- Read the instructions for instructions on how to apply the product.
- Start processing wooden structures from the ends, cuts, and damaged areas.
- If it is necessary to apply several layers of coating, you should pause 2-3 hours between applying each layer.
What you need to know about mold protection
The protective composition should be selected based on the operating characteristics of the surface being protected. Only hard-to-wash coatings are suitable for outdoor use. Such products will reliably protect wood for 30 years.
For wet rooms (basements, baths) it is necessary special means, able to withstand sudden temperature changes.
Changing the color of the wood, the appearance of chips and cracks is a signal that an urgent need to update protective covering. It is recommended to alternate antiseptic compounds without treating the wood with the same compound again.