Are Sealers For Wooden Fences Good To Use?
While it appears to be the ideal solution for sealing and protecting the wood while maintaining its beautiful light color and new appearance, it does not work. A transparent sealer applied to outdoor wood will shield the wood fibers from rain and snow, but it will do nothing to protect the wood from the sun's harmful UV rays. UV rays, as well as the natural graying process, are the leading cause of appearance degradation. On the other side, water and moisture are the primary causes of rot, mold, mildew, and structural degradation. You must fix all causes of degradation to truly secure your outdoor wooden investment.
This is why, unless you're trying to create a rustic, weathered look, we never suggest using a transparent or untinted sealer on outdoor wood. A clear penetrating wood sealer is the ideal solution in this case, as it seals out water and moisture while allowing the wood to develop a natural gray patina. A tinted stain is often the best option for full safety in all other applications. It's also crucial to choose a stain (or transparent sealer if you want the wood to naturally gray) that penetrates, seals, and conditions the wood from the inside out rather than forming a thin paint-like film on the surface.
Most of the crap you'll find in your nearest paint or home improvement shop would do just that. These film-forming stains can look fantastic for a few weeks after they're applied, but they'll quickly turn into an expensive maintenance nightmare. These coatings must be removed as they begin to flake, crack, and fail before a new coat of hopefully better material can be added. Skilled wood restoration contractors avoid using film-forming materials for a reason. Skilled contractors demand a commodity that not only offers excellent security and elegance, but also makes it simple for them to retain that protection and appearance for years to come.
Staining and sealing wooden fencing not only keeps it looking good, but it also ensures that it will last longer, particularly if it is made of a softwood like pine. Despite the fact that pine is usually pressure-treated to prevent infestation and rot, it will warp if it gets damp and then dries out easily in the sun. This can be extremely harmful. Sealants not only keep water out of the wood, but they also shield it from the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing discoloration and fiber breakdown. However, if the wood has been pressure handled, the chemicals moisten it, preventing stains and sealants from penetrating – at least for a while. Since hardwoods like cedar contain natural oils that prevent bug infestation and rot, they don't need to be pressure-treated. As a result, hardwood may usually be sealed immediately. It won't make a structural difference if you seal it, but it will age physically and turn a dull gray color.
Customers also inquire about whether both sides of the fence should be sealed. This is the right strategy in general, but it is not set in stone. In fact, if one side of the fence faces a neighbor and they choose not to stain or seal their side, their side will discolor while yours will not, with no effect on the structure's structural integrity.
A wood fence not only improves the appearance of your home but also provides protection while keeping your children and pets off the road and out of harm's way. There are several advantages.
What are the disadvantages? First and foremost, there is the necessary maintenance work. Outdoor structures made of wood are extremely vulnerable to the elements, including both precipitation and sun damage. A fence will dry out, crack, and discolor if it is not protected from these environmental factors.
Preventing wood fences from weathering is as simple as applying a coat of high-quality paint. Many homeowners stain and re-stain their fences every few years or even every year for this purpose, as well as to bring out the natural beauty of wood.
Exterior stains come in a wide range of types and colors. The fact that many are formulated for use on particular types of wood adds to the confusion. Continue reading for our top tips on selecting the right fence stain for your needs and budget if you're having trouble navigating the choices.
Do You Need a Fence Contractor You Can Trust?
Why pay more when you can restore? That's our motto and the way we approach every project. Fresh Coat Restoration specializes in new deck builds, new fence builds, deck repairs, fence repairs, arbor restoration, fence restoration, deck restoration, pressure washing and sealing/staining. If it's in your backyard chances are we specialize in it! When you call FCR you will be working with a licensed, insured, honest and reliable contractor with years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers. We are the top Fencing contractor in the Vine Hill neighborhood of Martinez, California, serving the fencing installation and restoration needs of homeowners throughout Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda Counties. Contact us today to start your project!
