Best finish for Timber Homes on the water

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Permalink Reply by Emily Roache on July 9, 2009 at 9:49am

I've heard that Timber Pro Coatings is very durable. We're going to be restaining our deck next spring and this is what we're considering. Here's the website.

http://www.timberprocoatings.com/index.html

Here's another website with some information about weather proofing a beach home.

http://www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/knowhow/entry/1186/

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Permalink Reply by Shaelyn Strattan on July 12, 2009 at 12:36am

Thanks, Emily. We'll check it out.

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Permalink Reply by Ford Hall Heirloom TimberFraming on January 18, 2010 at 1:37pm

Shaelyn, Also, consider Land Ark Northwest. My close friend Autumn (owner) will be able to answer your questions about durability in the sea salt environment. Mention to her I recommended you.

Ford Hall
Heirloom Timber Framing

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Permalink Reply by Chuc Trent on July 20, 2010 at 4:17pm

We just moved into our new house in June. We did extensive research and chose TimberPro although we really liked Land Ark Northwest as well. We used cedar skirl siding and so far after 9 months, everything is holding up very well. We are about 1 1/2 miles from the ocean and about 50 feet from freshwater lake. We used copper gutters and stainsteel flashing on everything.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle Taylor on July 27, 2010 at 4:40pm

Hi Shaelyn,
We actually used your question in the April issue of Timber Home Living, and I've copied the response I found below:

"Regardless of your home’s location, your first consideration should be the level of protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to Patrice Avsec, spokeswoman for Sikkens wood-care products by Akzo Nobel Paints. As the rays strike your timbers and siding, they break down lignin, the compound responsible for wood’s strength. If not properly treated, the wood can gray and let moisture in, and in time, your protective coating could break away completely. However, applying even a lightly pigmented finish will slow aging. For homes in harsh climates, moisture resistance is key, and Avsec advises that a microporous product will permit flexibility of the protective finish. Wood in any environment changes, and a finish with some give will allow your home to go with the flow."

Also, be mindful of the volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations on finishes in California -- the state has applied some very stringent rules to what you can and can't use. Most retailers there probably wouldn't sell products that couldn't be used in-state, but it's wise to double-check, especially if you order your products online.

I hope this helps!

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