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What You Need To Know About Waterproofing Wood
By CAROL BENTON
Necessary Protection
Rain and humid conditions can cause wet rot in wood, including exterior wood like decks or porches, and interior wood like countertops and flooring. Treating wood with waterproofing or water-resistant products can protect your home against rot, prevent termite infestation, and spare you expensive repair costs in the future.
Epoxy Resin & Paint
Epoxy resin adheres to wood, seals it, and makes it waterproof, so it’s excellent to use on wood around the home, especially in outdoor spaces where the wood is exposed to weather. Indoors, epoxy resin is used on wood that comes in contact with water sources, such as sinks, to prevent leaks that might lead to wood rot.
The Right Paint
A high-quality, acrylic latex paint formulated for exterior wood creates an impermeable coating on the wood’s surface, and has the ability to move when the wood swells and shrinks due to weather conditions. To reduce water damage over time, you may also want to apply an oil-based, heavy-duty primer to the wood before painting.
Stain Benefits
A stain preserves the beauty of wood while enhancing its ability to repel water, and is formulated to seep in below the wood’s surface to let the wood grain shine through. Staining the wood and following up with a coating of sealer may yield the best results in protecting wood that is exposed to moisture or potential water damage.
Polyurethane Benefits
This clear liquid application is used to apply the plastic polymer to wood surfaces creating a moisture-resistant, outer barrier. It’s best to apply three coats of polyurethane to protect wood floors, and since sealer wears down over time, buffing and re-coating will help to extend the water-resistant protection.