What do you put on wood so it doesn't rot?

Tips for Preventing Wood Rot Always use decay-resistant or pressure-treated lumber for decks. Wood that touches the ground should be pressure-treated lumber that's rated for ground contact. When building an exterior project with wood, stain or paint all sides of each lumber piece before assembly.

houselogic.com - How to Prevent Wood Rot - HouseLogic

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If water gets into cracks and under painted surfaces and doesn’t dry out, it can cause wood rot. Once it takes hold, your only options are big-buck repairs and replacement of the rotted parts. Left untreated, wood rot may spread, infecting other wood parts and possibly leading to structural damage. That's not all: The dampness that causes wood rot invites voracious termites. Bottom line: Because your house is made with a lot of wood — framing members, plywood sheathing, trim — there’s a lot to protect.

Here's how to prevent wood rot.

Look for Trouble Spots

The best defense against rot? Your eyes — once each year, make a tour of your house to inspect for: 1. Cracks and holes in the caulking around windows, doors, dryer vents, etc.

Remedy: Re-caulk any openings using a high-quality acrylic latex exterior caulk.

2. Stains under eaves, around fireplaces, and on interior ceilings.

Remedy: You may have a roof leak. Inspect for damage yourself or hire a specialized roofing inspector ($175) through the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association. Roof repairs may cost as little as $10 to patch a minor leak, or $1,000 to fix a leaky roof valley.

3. Sagging and leaking gutters and downspouts.

Remedy: Most gutter repairs and replacements are easy DIY jobs. That said, you’ll want to be cautious about working near the top of a multi-story house. Pro gutter repairs are $100 to $900, depending on the extent of the damage. 4. Shrubbery and tree branches closer than 2 feet from siding and roofing. Remedy: Trim back shrubbery; it should be 3 feet away from siding. Tree branches can rub against roofs during windy days, damaging the roofing. Trim tree branches at least 3 feet away from roofing.

5. Peeling and cracked painted surfaces.

Remedy: Scrape and sand peeling paint. Apply primer to ensure good adhesion. Paint the damaged area with color-matched exterior paint.

6. Crawl space vents blocked with leaves and other debris.

Remedy: Remove blockage; use a shop vac to thoroughly clean vent screens.

7. Dirt, leaves, and twigs between decking boards.

Remedy: Use a screwdriver or awl to pry out gunk that may trap moisture and lead to rot. Flush out any remaining debris using a garden hose.

Probe for Wood Rot

As you inspect your house, you should actively look for wood rot. It’s not always obvious; wood rot may occur below the outer surface of wood and underneath intact layers of paint. If you suspect rot, use your fingers to press on wood surfaces and see if they feel soft or crumble easily. Use an awl to probe wood framing members. Typical trouble spots include:

Where two pieces of trim meet.

Siding butt joints, and where siding meets trim.

Horizontal surfaces, such as window sills, door thresholds, and railings.

Deck support posts.

Exterior stair stringers that support steps.

Fascia behind leaking gutters.

Tips for Preventing Wood Rot

Always use decay-resistant or pressure-treated lumber for decks. Wood that touches the ground should be pressure-treated lumber that’s rated for ground contact. When building an exterior project with wood, stain or paint all sides of each lumber piece before assembly. Don’t lean anything against your siding, such as old plywood, tools, and ladders. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent clogs that could cause water to back up and spill onto fascia and siding. Related: How to Care for Wood Siding So You Don't Get Wood Rot

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Should I use nails or screws for floor joists?

Screws are often chosen for subfloor installations because their joining strength helps to prevent squeaky floors. Nails are more flexible and will give a little more with hardwood flooring, so they're often the choice for panel installation.

fastenmaster.com - When to Use Nails vs Screws? - Comparison Guide - FastenMaster

Because screws are much easier to remove than nails (you just adjust your power drill to reverse), they come in handy on temporary projects that might need adjusting later on. Nails bring a few benefits to your project, but it depends on what kind of project you’re up to. Nails are a favorite for large jobs in construction because they’re cheaper than screws and offer shear strength — or the ability to withstand shear pressure, where two surfaces slide past each other. But screws offer superior tensile strength over nails. “This makes screws better for projects when joined pieces are under tension or bearing weight, like porch railings or kitchen cabinetry. Another benefit of screws is their resistance to withdrawal pressure, or the tendency of surfaces to pull apart,” says Bob Vila.

Where Should I Use Nails vs. Screws?

There are a few ways to decide which fastener to use on your job. We’ll help you break that down, depending on which type of project you’re working on.

Exterior Jobs

Nails are a popular selection for roofing, siding and sheathing projects. The amount of fasteners that are needed in these projects makes nails a more attractive choice because they offer a lower price point.

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