Here at Cheshire Metalcraft, we know first-hand how elegant a brand-new gate can look with a summer sunset in the background. With this said, it is important to ensure that aesthetics do not fuel an investment in wooden gates as they are incredibly maintenance dependant and require a lot of dedication during the summer months in order to keep them in tip top condition. Read on as we go through three basic maintenance requirements for wooden gates to remember as it gets warmer…
Treatments
As one of the most vulnerable gate materials on the market, it is very important to invest in wooden treatments as the weather starts to become more humid. After all, a lack of moisture can be just as damaging as too much moisture when it comes to wood types like timber. The most effective way to treat a wooden gate is to coat it with a water repelling treatment that will actively prevent rot whilst also ensuring that the gate doesn’t start to splinter due to water loss. Ideally, these treatments should be reapplied every time the seasons start to change in order to prepare the wood for any sudden temperature changes.
Paint
Another way that a wooden gate can be protected during summer is to paint it with a solvent based formula. After all, many homeowners like to take advantage of the summer heat in order to dry the paint naturally, however a water-based paint can lead to the development of rot. This is because the paint may seep in small crevices in the wood and create the ideal breeding ground for fungi thanks to the hot weather.
Regular Repairs
Taking care of a gate means being responsible for any repair work. With this said, wood is an incredibly vulnerable material which means that it can often be a little bit more high maintenance than other gate materials. As a general rule, homeowners should tend to any signs of damage immediately in order to prevent the problem getting worse. In fact, this is particularly important during summer where something as simple as splitting wood can develop into a more sinister problem very quickly.
Although we have only just welcomed spring, the weather in the UK is hardly predictable and there is no time like to present to start preparing for the summer heatwave. In fact, the more care that you give to your wooden gates, the longer the material will last! In addition to this, it is also beneficial to coat a wooden gate in a wood preserve all year round. To find out more tips and tricks about seasonal gate maintenance, get in contact with the best gates Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Cheshire Metalcraft team today!