The wood that dry out and crack in summer is a much more frequent problem than you think. But the cause is often only one, and it is also the most underestimated: water. Yes, just what is believed useful.
When it comes to wood that is ruined with the heatthe thought immediately runs to the scorching sun, the direct exposure and the infernal temperatures of the summer months. Yet surprisingly, these are not the only enemies. Indeed, sometimes they are only silent accomplices of a much more common mistake. An error that repeats itself year after year, without anyone noticing it as long as it is too late. There are those who think of helping wood with gestures that seem harmless, almost caring, but which in the long run cause more damage than benefits. The result? Visible cracks, surfaces that are discolored, tables that begin to embark.
Before doing anything, it is useful to stop for a moment. If the first cracks appear, if the wood appears more turned off than usual, it is better to observe well the environment in which it is located. Humidity? Hot air currents? Shadow alternating with full sun? Often it is a tiny detail that makes the difference.
Because water can damage the wood more than the sun
We tend to think that wetting the wood, or in any case keeping it humid, can help him to bear the heat better. But it is precisely here that he hides the most common mistake. Wood is a living, porous material, sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. When he absorbs too much water, he expands. But with the torrid heat, that water evaporates quickly, causing an excessive and sudden retreat. Result? The wood splits, curves, loses cohesion. This often happens with outdoor furniture, wooden axes left on the terrace or parquet exposed to hot air currents. The “wet-secco” cycle stresses the internal wood fibers to break them. And the more tender or not treated the wood, the more the damage comes quickly.
Another frequent error is to wash the wood with too much water, perhaps also using unsuitable detergents. The hot mix and humidity creates a funnel effect: first the wood swells, then dry out irregularly. Crafts often start from the edges or points where humidity has accumulated more.
Errors to avoid to protect wood from summer heat
First of all, it is fundamental prevent instead of intervening to the detriment. Many people think that it is enough to cover the wood or move it to the shade to avoid problems, but it is not enough. Even in the shade, the wood can still suffer thermal changes or stagnation of harmful humidity. Here is a list of actions to avoid absolutely:
- Wet the wood in the hottest hours, thinking of refreshing it
- Use excess water to clean it
- Apply oils or protective when the wood is still humid
- Leave wooden furniture or surfaces in environments with a strong thermal overhang
- Ignore the initial signs of dryness or cracks
A useful trick is to use specific products for outdoor wood, preferably breathable. Some protective based on wax or natural oil allow the wood to breathe without locking the humidity inside, avoiding the greenhouse effect that ruins the fibers.
Those who have parquet at home should check that the environment is not too dry. In summer, air conditioning or forced ventilation can lower internal humidity drasticly. A simple humidifier can make a difference.
Crackled wood? What to observe and how to intervene
When the damage is done, you can see immediately: The wood appears dry, opaque, with lines that open along the veins. But not everything is lost. Before acting, it is better to understand where the problem started from. Crafts almost always start from stress points, that is, areas that have undergone sudden variations.
In these cases, haste is enemy. It should never be applied oil or paint on a split wood without having first rebalanced it. The ideal would be to bring the piece to a stable environment, with constant temperature and humidity, and wait a few days. Only after you can think of slightly citing the surface to make it more uniform, apply a nourishing oil or regenerating resin, and, if necessary, intervene with a filler stucco on the most evident cracks.
Recovery also depends on the type of wood: some essences, such as Teak or Iroko, are more resistant to changes, while pine or fir requires more attention.
The most precious advice? Learn to observe the wood, understand how it reacts to the climate, and act gently.
The wood does not forgive the distractions, but can reward those who treat it with care.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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