The intense wind, rain and dust elements of the summer monsoon season can wreak havoc on exposed elements on home and business structures; in previous blogs we have taken a look at how to minimize or prevent damage, but what about the intense exposure of the sun? It is not uncommon for Phoenix area temperatures to reach above 110 degrees for three to four months a year – the extreme heat and exposure can quickly wear out exposed wood elements, causing discoloration and brittleness, if left unchecked.
Choosing Latex, Enamel Paints & Stains
The most common defense against weather erosion on outdoor wood is a 100% acrylic coating; acrylic technology offers exceptional color retention and light reflective value [LRV] for eaves, trim and other wood building features. The best choice for wood elements, such as doors, frames, fences, trellis', play equipment, etc ... that may get leaned against or sat upon, or are subject to abrasions are enamels; satin, semi-gloss or gloss sheens. Either stains or enamel coatings applied in multiple layers serve as the best all around protection for these types of exposed elements, as they better protect surfaces against natural or chemical agents that can quickly leave the substrate looking prematurely damaged. Separately, it is recommended to choose a water-repellent stain or coating to preserve the natural look of the wood, but typically, applied alone, these products offer poor protection against scuffs or scratches.
Before You Begin: Preparing & Choosing Your Wood
Before applying any type of protective coatings, however, new wood should be properly prepared prior to application. Proper preparation of wood surfaces is accomplished by 'weathering' the wood with water (from a bucket or hose) two-three times, allowing it to dry completely between waterings; this is necessary as it helps the wood adjust to natural shrinking and enlarging cycles that come with exposure to moisture. If at all possible, get involved in the selection process of the wood, as different wood types offer varied characteristics . Cypress is highly recommended among the decay-resistant woods available due to an extra-strong tolerance for the Arizona summers. We’ll conclude our Arizona summer weather series with our next blog entry where you'll learn how to protect the metal elements in your environment.
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