Maintaining your wooden house may seem, wrongly, complicated. Of course, you have to take into account the different types of wood in the cladding. And know the deadlines for properly maintaining your wooden house, as well as the best products to use. The aging of your wooden house is not at all inevitable, just read the guide offered here by Maisons SIC, your specialist in construction of new houses.
Why choose to build a wooden house?
Wooden houses embody a perfect harmony between natural aesthetics and sustainability, standing out as a preferred choice for those seeking both comfort and respect for the environment.
These structures offer undeniable advantages, such as energy efficiency, respectful landscape integration and a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which continue to seduce. However, the beauty and durability of a wooden house are based on a fundamental pillar: maintenance.
Indeed, maintaining your wooden house is not just a necessity to preserve the structural integrity and aesthetics of the home over time, but it also constitutes a commitment to preserving our environment. Adopting environmentally responsible maintenance practices helps extend the life of the home while minimizing the impact on our planet.
Thus, taking care of your wooden house becomes an ecological gesture, reflecting environmental awareness and responsibility.
This guide is intended to be a source of information and advice for all those who aspire to maintain their wooden house sustainably and efficiently, emphasizing the crucial importance of maintenance in conserving these homes for future generations.
- To read in addition to this article on the maintenance of your wooden house:
Time and the elements: friends or enemies of wood?
Wood, as a building material, has unparalleled beauty and warmth. However, its maintenance is often subject to preconceived ideas, particularly regarding its vulnerability to natural elements. Sun, rain, and wind can certainly influence the durability and appearance of wood used in cladding, but appropriate measures can greatly extend its life.
Sun can cause graying of the wood and, in some cases, contribute to its drying out. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can weaken the surface structure of the wood. To protect it, finishes such as stains or microporous paints, which filter UV rays while allowing the wood to breathe, are recommended.
The rain poses the risk of humidity and mold development. Well-dried and treated wood resists water better. Good architectural design, with adequate roof overhangs and thoughtful orientation, helps minimize the exposure of wood to direct precipitation.
The wind can accelerate the drying process of wood, but also transport particles which dirty or damage its surface. Regular maintenance and the use of suitable protective products are essential to protect wood from damage caused by wind.
To maximize the wood's resistance to the elements, orientation beautification and architectural design play a crucial role. A well-oriented house takes advantage of optimal sunshine while being protected from prevailing bad weather.
Urban artist roof projections, awnings, and strategic positioning of openings can help reduce wood exposure to the elements.
- To read in addition to this article on the maintenance of your wooden house:
Maintaining your wooden house throughout the seasons
Regular and seasonal maintenance of your wooden house is essential to maintain its beauty and functionality over the long term. Here's a guide to help you plan for maintenance throughout the year.
In spring
- Painting (every 10 to 15 years): ideal for protecting and beautifying wood.
- Stain (every 4 to 8 years): protects the wood from UV and humidity.
- Saturator or degreaser (every 3 to 4 years): nourishes the wood and restores its appearance.
In summer
- Cleaning the facade: removes accumulated dirt.
- Roof maintenance: prevents damage from moisture and moss.
In autumn
- Gutter cleaning: prevents blockages and overflows.
- Framing inspection: detects and prevents structural problems.
In winter
- Chimney sweeping: ensures the safety and efficiency of heating.
- Control of heating systems: guarantees comfort and energy efficiency.
The frequency of maintenance of your wooden house is often overvalued. With treated wood and preventive measures, maintenance becomes less restrictive and less frequent than you might think. Avoid storing firewood against the walls and opting for quality, dry and treated wood, are practices that contribute to the longevity of the house.
| Season | Maintenance to be carried out |
| Spring | Paint, stain, saturator/degreaser |
| Summer | Facade cleaning, roof maintenance |
| Autumn | Gutter cleaning, frame inspection |
| Winter | Chimney sweeping, heating control |
The durability of a wooden house, far from being a myth, relies on quality construction and appropriate maintenance. Quality wood, thoughtful design and regular monitoring allow us to effectively face the challenges posed by time and the elements.
What products to maintain your wooden house?
To maintain its shine and longevity, choosing the right maintenance product for your wooden house is essential.
Options include saturators, degreasers, varnishes, and stains, each adapted to specific needs. The application time for these products varies between 3 to 15 years, depending on the type chosen and your home's exposure to the elements.
The different maintenance products for your wooden house
saturator : Available in colorless or tinted version, it deeply nourishes the wood, preserving its natural appearance while protecting it against bad weather.
Sobering agent: Used to restore the original color of wood that has grayed over time, it also prepares the wood to receive further treatment such as a stain or saturator.
Varnish : Provides glossy or satin protection against humidity and UV rays. However, its application requires perfectly prepared and smooth wood.
Stain : Protects wood while maintaining its natural appearance. Microporous stains let the wood breathe and protect it from UV and humidity.
How to choose the right maintenance product for your wooden house?
The choice of maintenance product for your wooden house depends on several factors:
- type of wood : Certain species require specific care. For example, softwoods like pine or spruce may benefit from a saturator to preserve their color, while harder and nobler woods like oak or cedar might be better served by a stain to highlight their grain.
- Exhibition : The amount of sun, rain, and wind your home receives will influence your choice. Areas exposed to heavy sunlight benefit from products containing UV filters, while humid areas require enhanced protection against water.
Maisons SIC, which has been building wooden houses for over 50 years, gives you some practical advice on maintaining your wooden house:
- Annual cleaning : Cleaning with water, at least once a year, helps maintain the cleanliness of the facade and prevents the accumulation of dirt, moss, or fungus.
- Aerating : Good ventilation inside the house is crucial to avoid the accumulation of humidity which could affect the wood from the exterior.
- Inspection : An annual check of the condition of the wood allows any sign of deterioration to be quickly identified and treated.
- Specific Maintenance: It is important not to mix different interview methods. If your wood is already stained, continue with a stain after light sanding rather than changing to a saturator, and vice versa. This consistency ensures optimal protection and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the wood.
In short, maintaining your wooden house is not limited to protection against the elements; it’s also about preserving its natural beauty. A judicious choice of products, adapted to the type of wood and its exposure, will guarantee the durability and appeal of your home for years to come.
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