How winter wreaks havoc on your wooden exteriors

The Christmas season is (almost) in full swing, which means that wintertime has (almost) arrived. Though this time of year is delightfully jolly, it can also cause plenty of damage to unprotected wooden exteriors. Fear not—we’ve got you covered with the inside scoop on what you can expect and how you can prevent it! The following post outlines some of the ways that winter can wreak havoc on your outdoor timber.

Precipitation can damage timber structures: Winter is a happy season, but it is also—usually—a wet season here in Ireland. Exterior timber that isn’t waterproofed will absorb this precipitation, and rot/crack. These cracks start out small and, as the water is soaked in, will expand with the wood to become larger. This unfortunate process can destroy timber structures and even become a safety hazard. To prevent this, waterproof your wood with our Quick Drying Wood Preserver.

Leftover clutter can be harmful to timber: Over the winter, your garden doesn’t get much use and can become neglected. Furniture, grills, and other items that have rested on your timber exteriors are easy to forget about and, over time, may be a source of wood discolouration. Leftover summer planters will cause moisture leaching, which is also harmful to your timber. To avoid all this, clean and clear any clutter from your garden before the cold kicks in. This way, when spring rolls around, you won’t be left with unpleasant surprises.

Ice will melt and can cause swelling: Like any other form of precipitation, ice (found on outdoor furniture, timber decking) will eventually melt and can then cause swelling and cracks in your wood. To avoid this, transfer any moveable outdoor furniture indoors and move ice off decks in a timely manner. Again, waterproof your timber to create a shield against this.

Cold temperatures can cause timber to dry out and split: Though our climate here in Ireland is relatively mild, there will likely be times this winter when it gets quite cold. Freezing temperatures will gradually dry out timber, making it easier for it to split and crack. Moveable timber should be transferred to a dry, climate-controlled area during the cooler months and decks should be treated with a suitable preserver, with defects filled with woodfiller.

It’s clear that the winter season can be quite an experience for you wooden exteriors to endure. Luckily, by taking the correct precautions, you can help prevent lasting damage. For even more information on all things timber-related, call into your local Sadolin stockist or visit us on the web.