We all have timber fixtures in our homes and premises that are very important to us. When the harsh winter temperatures arrive, these fixtures can be damaged to the extent that they’ll need complete replacement. This doesn’t have to be the case. With appropriate preparations for the cold conditions of the season, you’ll be able to keep your external wood safe and looking great. Whether it’s the fence, patio, decking or gates, you can take measures to ensure that the external wood braves it through the cold and rain. Here are some of the ways to help you prepare your external timber for the harsh environmental conditions:

Clear Leaves and Debris

Debris and Leaves can drop on your external wood and accumulate over time. If this happens, there’s a very high risk of mould and mildew forming on the wooden pieces. This is because the accumulated leaves and debris on the wood will trap in moisture. This leads to the formation of conditions that are conducive to the formation of the mould and mildew. Eventually, your wooden pieces will begin to rot once the moisture accumulates long enough. Prepare your furniture, patios, and fences before winter arrives, clearing all debris and leaves that may have dropped.

Waterproof the Wood

The worst enemy of wooden fixtures is cold temperatures and rain. The two are there in abundance during winter. To prepare your wood for the harsh conditions, you need to look for a way to keep the water from getting absorbed into the wood. This can effectively be done by waterproofing the wood. The waterproof coating you use should be one that prevents mould and fungus from thriving but still provide room for the timber to breathe. For this, you may use sealer, stain or waterproof paint.

Repair the External Wood

It’s recommended that regular inspection of external wood be done irrespective of the season. This makes it possible to attend to any unpainted or cracked areas on the wood in a timely manner. You can make use of a wood filler to fill any cracks, holes or splits through which water can soak. This should be done before you re-coat to make the wood stronger so that the damage won’t worsen during winter.

Make Use of Varnish

Another effective way to prepare outdoor wooden furniture for the winter months is by varnishing them. You can go to a local store to find out which varnish will be the most effective for you. Since there are numerous options of varnishes, ensure the one that you pick is effective on the external wood.

Cover your Furniture

External wooden furniture can also be protected by covering them with furniture covers. The covers physically protect the furniture from the harsh elements of weather. All you need to do is go for the right shapes and sizes for your pieces.

Remove any Low-Hanging Branches

Heavy rainfall and strong winds that may come during the winter could cause any low-hanging branches to fall on your wooden pieces. This can be costly if the damage the wood as you’ll incur the expenses of repairing it or having to buy a new one.