Wet in Wilmington: Can Deck Staining Prevent Wood Rot?
Wood rot is a common deck problem, especially in areas with wet weather like Wilmington, NC. Fortunately, a task as simple as deck staining can minimize the risk of wood rot, and this article will discuss everything you need to know about it.
Wood Rot: A Hidden Problem That Can Cause Your Deck to Crumble
A deck is a great place to stay outdoors. However, its constant exposure to the elements makes the structure susceptible to damage, including wood rot. Besides being an eyesore, untreated wood rot can cause affected areas to collapse, compromising your safety. It can also lead to further problems like pest infestation.
Now, the question is how and why wood rot happens. Wood rot is actually a form of decay triggered by destructive fungi that thrive in a continuously damp environment. Wood-rot fungus will usually grow and thrive in wood with more than 20% moisture content. These fungi consume cellulose fibers, gradually breaking down and weakening a wooden structure.
Because wood-rot fungus destroys wood from the inside out, it can be hard to detect the problem until the damage is beyond repair. However, a few telltale signs can help you spot the issue. Rotting wood tends to change color; the affected patches turn lighter or darker than the wood’s natural color. The wood will also feel spongy or soft to the touch and emit a damp, musty smell. Perform a screwdriver test to verify the damage so you can address it immediately.
How Deck Staining Protects Against Moisture
Wood rot is irreversible. All you can do is replace the rotting boards to restore the beauty and structural integrity of the deck and prevent further damage.
Fortunately, wood rot is something you can easily prevent. Since wood-rot fungus needs moisture to grow and thrive, you just need to keep moisture from seeping into the wood.
Of course, the first question most people have is, “Does deck stain prevent rot?” Well, it does as long as you apply the right product and maintain it properly. A quality deck stain penetrates the wood fibers, creating a protective barrier against moisture. So, even if it rains throughout the year in Wilmington, NC, the wood in your deck can stay dry and safe from rot.
Waterproofing is another way to prevent moisture intrusion. You may ask, “Is it better to stain or waterproof a deck?” The answer actually boils down to your preference, but it’s possible to get both for maximum moisture protection.
Additional Benefits of Deck Staining
The benefits of deck stain extend beyond moisture protection. Depending on your chosen stain, you can reap the following benefits:
UV Protection: The right stain can prevent UV rays from permeating the wood and causing the color to fade.
Enhanced Appearance: Depending on the type, a stain can highlight the natural beauty of the wood or hide any imperfections and create a uniform look.
Extended Deck Lifespan: The right stain applied properly might extend your deck’s lifespan by up to three years or even more.
Choosing the Right Stain for Maximum Protection
Stains differ in composition, opacity, thickness, tint, and more. The base of stains can be water or oil, and the opacity can be translucent, semi-transparent, or solid. With so many options, selecting your stain can be a bit challenging.
You may narrow your choices by considering your deck material and protection level. If you want the best protection from moisture and UV rays, consider solid stains. However, they will hide the natural beauty of the wood. If you want to give your deck some protection and still see the wood grain and patterns, a semi-transparent stain will be a great choice.
If you are unsure, please feel free to talk to the Anderson Painting experts. Our team will help you explore the options and find the best stain for your deck.
Stained Wood Maintenance
Even the tiniest cut in the protective film will provide an opening for moisture and oxygen to get underneath your stain coating, increasing the risk of wood rot. Thankfully, you can prevent that with regular deck maintenance. Sweep away dirt, leaves, and debris. Regularly wash the deck with mild cleaners and the right tools. Once a year, inspect the deck stain for scratches, peeling, and other issues. Refresh the stain if necessary.
Quality Deck Staining in Wilmington, NC
Now you know how to prevent wood rot on a deck! The next step is to take action. Whether you’re staining a new structure or refreshing an old deck’s stain, Anderson Painting is here to help. Contact us for a free project estimate or more information.
