A log house attracts people due to the naturalness of the material. However, the owners of such a structure must carry out protective finishing. Typically, painting a house made of timber is used. It helps improve external characteristics, and external paints for timber can create a protective coating from the effects of negative environmental factors. The dyeing process will be described in detail below.
General painting rules
Painting the outside of a log home may seem like an easy job. However, in order to get a high-quality and durable result, you should know the general rules of operation. The following points can be noted when painting a wood surface:
- The surface is sanded, it is more convenient to use a grinder, the process will go faster. Even fresh material should be sanded a little. Afterwards, the dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner, paying special attention to the seams;
- Apply protective agents - antiseptic and fire-fighting. You should make 2-3 layers;
- After priming, when the layer dries, they proceed to painting the timber. For best results, apply at least two layers.
The paint and varnish material can be applied to completely dried timber; they usually work in the summer.
Even fresh material should be sanded a little.
Why are the ends sealed?
A special sealant is applied to the ends of the beam, which completely blocks the ingress of water through the end cut, without interfering with natural moisture and air exchange. Without sealant, moisture quickly absorbs and evaporates through the cross section, the wood swells, cracks, and collapses. It is easier for pests to penetrate the tree through the end. The most correct option is to tightly seal the ends.
Features of the harmful effects of the environment
It is recommended to paint wood due to the need to protect the surface from many harmful natural factors to which the façade of a house is constantly exposed. The following impacts can be identified:
- Water has a destructive effect on a wooden structure; over time, the material becomes covered with unsightly stains and stains appear. The result will be darkening and deterioration of integrity;
- Ultraviolet radiation also leads to a change in surface color;
- Insects and pests destroy the tree;
- Humidity can lead to biological formations.
You need to move on to coloring faster; usually you can wait no more than 3-4 months.
It is recommended to paint wood due to the need to protect the surface from many harmful natural factors to which the façade of a house is constantly exposed.
What has a detrimental effect on wood?
Among the most important enemies of wood, it is worth highlighting moisture in all variants. Rain, snow, steam destroy the structure of the fibers, and mold begins to appear. Such exposure significantly reduces the service life of even the highest quality wood. This is why wood impregnation should be used.
Ultraviolet exposure does not affect the structure of wood as much. The timber does not rot under the sun's rays, but its appearance is lost. The top layers of the material begin to darken, acquiring a gray, dull color that no one likes.
An equally important factor is the moisture content of the wood. For the construction of houses, it is necessary to use dried and prepared timber.
But in practice, houses are built from under-dried material, which, after drying, begins to deform and burst. Taking into account all the factors, we can say that processing a wooden house is not only recommended, but is mandatory.
Varieties of painting compositions for exterior use
Before painting the outside of a timber house, you need to study the range of products offered by manufacturers. There are two types of substances suitable for this purpose - impregnation and paint.
Before painting the outside of a timber house, you need to study the range of products offered by manufacturers.
Antiseptic impregnations and solutions
Antiseptic impregnations help create a barrier against the formation of mold and fungi on the surface of wood. They penetrate deeply into the wood structure, creating a protective layer.
Fireproofing solutions are also commercially available that reduce the flammability of wood, which is known to burn quickly. They are called fire retardants.
Antiseptic impregnations help create a barrier against the formation of mold and fungi on the surface of wood.
Reviews from people affected by fires
About five years ago we had a terrible fire in our country house. A large wooden hayloft burned down. There was very little hay there; mostly there were various building materials (boards, doors, a few sleepers, etc.). We were told later that the cause of the fire was arson, intentional or not, we never found out. Miraculously, we managed to save the bathhouse and the house, because... The area is not large and all the buildings were nearby.
After the fire, experts in the field of wood fire protection recommended purchasing Neomid 450 and 450-1 for treating surviving structures. That’s what we did, and now we hope that we won’t have to endure such horror again.
Ivan Zemlyansky, 35 years old (Kineshma).
There can be many reasons for a fire in a wooden structure. The main thing is to try to prevent the formation of a fire; fire retardants cope with this task as best as possible. They provide the treated material with 1st protection group (the wood becomes difficult to ignite) and 2nd degree of fire protection (lowering its flammability threshold, preventing the spread of flame on its surface).
Types of paints for timber houses
The modern market offers a huge number of paints and varnishes that can create not only a decorative coating on wood, but also serve as protection against natural factors. The options differ in their properties and may be suitable for different situations.
The modern market offers a huge amount of paint and varnish materials.
Latex
This type is suitable for working with wood. They obtain a reliable coating that is distinguished by a high level of adhesion, protection against mold and mildew, safety, vapor permeability, mechanical protection, and elasticity.
However, they do not withstand exposure to low temperatures.
They receive a reliable coating that is distinguished by a high level of adhesion, protection against mold and mildew, and safety.
Acrylic
A popular type that has an affordable price. High levels of protection against various phenomena, as well as the durability of the coating, distinguish this product from others. The surface can be washed with abrasive agents. The composition dries quickly, but this can also be called a disadvantage. The composition in an open container must be applied within 5-6 hours for it to remain of high quality.
They receive a reliable coating that is distinguished by a high level of adhesion, protection against mold and mildew, and safety.
Oily
The protective properties of oil paints are high, and the color palette is varied. But they emit a pungent odor, take a long time to dry, are also not resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and the coating does not last long.
The protective properties of oil paints are high, and the color palette is varied.
Alkyd
The alkyd composition helps protect the wood from moisture, frost and other external factors. But it is difficult to adhere to the base and does not allow air to pass through.
The alkyd composition helps protect the wood from moisture, frost and other external factors.
Rubber
A new type of paint that has a number of positive aspects and no negative ones. Excellent for wooden bases. They last a long time. The high price is probably the only negative, but it is justified by the resulting properties.
Excellent for wooden bases.
Protective treatment of critical structures
Application of protective compounds
Structural elements of the house that must be treated with special care include:
- Mortgage crown,
- Corner ends of the log walls,
- Attic structures,
- Floor joists on the first floor.
These elements are most susceptible to external negative factors and are most often affected by biopests; it is necessary to choose the right ways to protect them.
The best way to process the embedded crown
The frame is the lowest crown of the log house, the most vulnerable to putrefactive fungus, this is caused by its getting wet from moisture accumulating on the edge of the foundation. Conventional protective agents are ineffective in this case; experienced professionals recommend using “folk” remedies that provide more effective antiseptic protection. Among such means:
- A solution of copper or iron sulfate, the timber is placed in a bath with a 1.5 percent solution of vitriol for 2-3 hours, the composition is deeply absorbed into the wood, the timber is ready for use after drying for 3-4 hours,
- Finnish composition, which is prepared according to the following recipe: a homogeneous paste made from 750-800 g of any flour is poured with 10 liters of warm water, alternately adding 1.5 kg of copper sulfate, 400 g of salt, 1.5 kg of slaked lime and stirring thoroughly. The timber is treated on all sides in two layers, the composition is applied with a brush or roller, complete drying time is 12 hours.
Corner end protection
The corner ends of the log house absorb 10 times more moisture than the walls; the process of intense wetting and drying causes the appearance of deep cracks, which create a favorable environment for the development of putrefactive fungus. To reduce this process, the ends are “riveted” with a rubber or wooden mallet; deliberate destruction of the wood structure prevents the formation of deep cracks. After this operation, the ends are impregnated from the outside with deep-penetrating compounds such as “Aquatex”. When finishing the ends, a protective acrylic coating “TEKNOL JRM” (Finland) or a water-dispersion agent “Remmers SW-910” (Germany) is used; the compositions form a durable protective film resistant to low temperatures.
Treatment of attic structures
Fire statistics show: fires in wooden houses and bathhouses begin in the attic; chimneys and ventilation hoods are located in this space. From the outside, atmospheric moisture does not penetrate into this space; in summer the air temperature rises above 40 degrees, the racks and rafters are always dry, which increases the likelihood of fire. Rafters, roofing sheathing and counter beams are additionally impregnated with fire retardants, including: non-flammable paints and varnishes, fire-resistant pastes and mastics. A popular fire retardant is biopyrene “Pirilax” (Russia), which has antiseptic properties.
Protection of joists under the floor on the first floor of the house
Logs under the floor are classified as hard-to-reach structures, the periodic processing of which is difficult. The joists on the ground floor of the house are protected from atmospheric moisture, while at the same time, excess moisture accumulates in the basement due to soil evaporation. Such conditions are favorable for the development of harmful insects, rodents and fungi. To reduce air humidity in the underground space, natural ventilation is installed.
Floor joists are treated in various ways; one of the effective methods is burning the surface with a blowtorch. Wood capillaries are destroyed by fire, the process of natural moisture absorption is disrupted, and the ash layer is an antiseptic. After such treatment, the logs are impregnated with finishing compounds, including bitumen impregnations and mastics.
Main stages of painting
To get the desired result you need to do some preparatory work. It will help improve grip. The next stage is directly applying the selected composition.
To get the desired result you need to do some preparatory work.
Preparing for painting
The house is prepared for processing by first grinding. After which it is necessary to thoroughly vacuum the surface. They polish the walls and clean them of dirt. Next, primer mixtures with antiseptic properties can be applied. They must be completely dry before the next step.
The house is prepared for processing by first grinding.
Impregnation and painting
It is recommended to paint in dry weather. Keep the surface dry. The substance can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray gun. It is more convenient to work with the latter; the process will not take much time. Usually several layers of paint are applied. Each layer must dry before the next.
Paint consumption can be calculated; the average is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. You need to know how many square meters will be painted.
It is recommended to paint in dry weather.
Compositions for interior painting works
When working indoors, the main thing is the safety of the equipment for humans. Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether they are suitable for this painting. In rooms with high humidity, it is important to create protection against moisture.
When working indoors, the main thing is the safety of the equipment for humans.
Wax and mastic
You can treat the wood with wax to provide a protective function. It may be colorless or slightly change the tone of the surface. The shade will be known only after drying. Therefore, it is advisable to test the product by applying a small amount to the surface.
You can treat the wood with wax to provide a protective function.
Expert advice
- Wooden buildings on the site do not need to be located close to each other; the distance between them should be at least 10 meters. This will prevent the fire from jumping from one structure to another.
- At the same distance, all dry grass should be mowed, fragments of bottles should be removed, which can serve as a magnifying glass and cause a fire under the influence of the sun, etc.
- Purchase the most fire-resistant wooden materials for construction. They are oak and larch, but their cost is too expensive. Therefore, you can pay attention to materials that are moderately resistant to fire (birch, ash, hornbeam).
- The most popular wooden materials in construction, spruce and pine, have the lowest fire resistance index; so that they are not inferior to other naturally non-flammable materials, they must be treated with fire retardants.
Lucky
Varnishes leave the natural color of the timber, creating a glossy or matte effect. Serve as a protective option. There are many types of varnishes; the choice should be made based on operating conditions. Apply the same as paint.
Varnishes leave the natural color of the timber, creating a glossy or matte effect.
How to choose a color for a timber house
The color of the coating should be chosen to match the style of the room. It is not difficult to choose the appropriate option in order to get a good combination with other buildings and structures, because the range is huge. There are any colors from black, chocolate to green, red, gold. Classically, the natural color of the wood is left by applying transparent compounds.
The color of the coating should be chosen to match the style of the room.
Technology of painting a house made of timber
The stages of painting indoors and outdoors are slightly different. Before painting the outside of a log house, you need to learn the rules of the job.
Outside
On the outside, they begin by preparing the surface, cleaning it and sanding it. The surface is primed to improve adhesion and save coloring agent. After the primer layer has dried, paint is applied. The process is carried out as standard, paying attention to the ends and seams.
The surface is primed to improve adhesion and save coloring agent.
Inside
They immediately begin by cleaning the surface, then eliminate surface defects, apply antiseptic compounds, and carry out grinding. When the surface is vacuumed, paint is applied. It is important that each layer dries.
It is important that each layer dries.
Painting a house made of profiled or laminated timber
Glued and profiled timber has a higher cost. The grinding stage will be easier to carry out, and the base will be of better quality. It is advisable to apply antiseptic impregnation to the timber itself, before construction. Priming is necessary; it is better to paint the surface with oil, acrylic paints or varnishes.
It is prohibited to use water-based dyes due to the poor resistance of the material to moisture.
It is advisable to apply antiseptic impregnation to the timber itself, before construction.
Painting the timber is necessary to obtain reliable protection from natural influences. It is better to choose high-quality compositions; saving will lead to the paint peeling off quickly. And the material will last less. Painting can only be done after preparing the base.
Answers to questions from a fire expert
Our recommendations are the fire-bioprotective agents for wood Neomid-530 and Neomid 450. One of the most effective means is the fire-bioprotective impregnation Olympus (group 1) and the budget option Olympus (fire protection group 2). Good fire-bioprotective impregnations are KSD, KZD, Hermes.
Neomid, Olympus and Hermes are an effective means of protecting wood and lumber from fire and flame spread. They are used as protective impregnations for the treatment of wooden walls, beams, load-bearing beams, ceilings, joists, window and door blocks, as well as other structural elements made of wood for various purposes.
In 2012, the St. Petersburg Fire Prevention Laboratory developed a very effective means of protection against fire and putrefactive fungi - pests. This product is Prosept Ognebio prof. impregnation.
