Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Wood is a beautiful material that can give a house a homey and traditional look. For centuries, we’ve used it to build homes, and the fact that it’s still in use today is a clear testament to how popular and well-performing it is. But anything worth having comes with a price, and wood isn’t without its own unique issues.
Because it’s a traditional and natural material, wood may be more susceptible to certain types of wear and tear than synthetic materials such as vinyl or steel. In fact, there are several different things that can cause wood damage to the exterior of a home. This guide will take you through what they are and how you can help to prevent them.
Table of Contents
1. Wind and Rain
If you live in an area with a lot of wind and rain, over time the weather can take a toll on your home’s exterior. Being battered with a barrage of bad weather is bound to have an effect on any type of home. So, how can you minimize the impact the weather has on your abode?
Proper treatment is your answer. The wood you use on your home will need to be treated in some way to make it waterproof and resistant to the weather. This can be done with various paints and polishes.
2. The Sun
Even if you don’t live in a rainy area, the weather can still cause your trouble. Did you know that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause damage to your home’s wooden exterior? UV rays can both visually and physically cause damage to wood, for this reason, if you live in a sunny area you may want to look into finishes or stains designed to combat this issue.
3. Coastal Living
If you live near the sea, this can also be a threat to your home’s wooden exterior. This is because the air by the sea tends to hold more moisture and often be more humid. If a wooden house is constantly moist without a chance to dry out, this can lead to wood rot.
For this reason, it’s recommended that vegetation is kept away from homes by the sea, so they have a chance to dry out. You’ll also need a good finish to protect the wood.
4. Insect Infestations
One of the biggest threats to wooden homes is infestations of creepie crawlies: particularly termites. Termites can strike at any time, and if you think you’ve got a termite problem in your home, it’s best to take care of it immediately. It’s best to carry out termite inspections the minute you suspect something might be off, so you can catch the problem early.
5. Dry Air
Just as humid air can be damaging to wood, so can air that’s too dry. This is especially true if the wood hasn’t been treated properly. Make sure to pressure treat your wood if you’re living in an area with dry air that gets lots of sun.
Avoid Wood Damage to Your Home
Wood damage is a fear for many homeowners. But if you treat and maintain your wooden home right, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. See the rest of our home improvement content for more helpful hints.
