Top Wood Problems in The Home

Wood is often our first material of choice - it’s versatile, looks great, has a ton of options, and can last a long time when cared for properly. Plus, it's natural too. But wood can also have its issues, which can be tricky to deal with if we don't catch them on time. Some issues are just matters of aesthetics and can be fixed easily. Others might be more structural and serious and could require more complicated repairs or replacements.

Peeling Paint

Painting allows us to turn wooden furniture or other features into whatever style we want them to be. A coat of clear varnish or another product can protect the paint, but paint still doesn't always last forever. When paint on wood starts to peel, you need to fix. Not only can it be unsightly, but when the paint peels, it means the wood is no longer protected by it. Start by removing peeling and flaking paint with a scraper, then sanding the area. This will prepare the area for repainting. Alternatively, you could sand all of the paint off and start from scratch.

Pests

Certain types of pests can damage anything made from wood. Most notably, termites can get into wood and damage the structure of a building or item. If you suspect that you have a termite problem, you need to use a termite control service to deal with it. There are certain signs you can look out for that might indicate that there are termites munching through wood in your home. Peeling paint, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or small holes could all indicate that there are termites in the wood. It's important to deal with them as soon as possible.

Damp and Rotting

Wood can last a long time, but it can eventually start to break down. And when wood starts to be affected by excess moisture, it can eventually start to rot. When faced with this problem, it's usually going to mean removing and replacing the rotting wood. When wood rots away, it won't be structurally sound any longer and can cause a lot of problems.

Scratches and Discoloration

Scratches and discolored patches in wood might not be the worst thing in the world, but they can look unsightly. Consider the current condition and finish of the wood before attempting to fix it. If it's varnished or painted, you might be able to find a matching color to touch up any scratches. In other cases, you might need to completely refinish the area by sanding it down and varnishing or painting to repair it.