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Timber Framing & Bathroom Mildew

I just built a new addition and the bathroom has rough cut Doug Fir timber framing running through it. Should I treat the frames with a sealant to prevent mildrew?

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Comment by Greg Roberts on April 9, 2009 at 5:01pm: Thanks all!

Comment by Jake Lappan on April 9, 2009 at 4:16pm: Unfortunately i dont know any brand names. i am sure any of them will be fine. it is not going to have to constant and or direct contact that it would have for a boat for exterior timber framing. And an oil designed for that purpose should preform well in your bathroom. just might need to re-oil every couple of years.

Comment by Greg Roberts on April 9, 2009 at 4:09pm: I had a boat - not afraid to spend on good chemicals. Any brand in mind - Cetol?

Comment by Jake Lappan on April 9, 2009 at 4:01pm: if you are going to seal it i would recommend spending the extra coin and getting a marine grade clear oil.

Comment by Greg Roberts on April 9, 2009 at 3:53pm: They were kiln dried but that only removes so much moisture. It's a combo shower with has a shower rod and curtain - not a glass door. Thanks for your advice. Could I use a clear sealer like Thompsons Water Seal or something better that penetrates? I don't want to darken the beam if I can help it.

Comment by Jake Lappan on April 9, 2009 at 3:48pm: there is going to be some maintace either way you go.

if the timbers are green they are going to dry and shink and check. If you seal them and they check you will have to go back back and reseal teh checks. if you do not seal them and they might start to get a little discolored you probably could hit it with some bleach and quickly clean off the mildew.

a good exhaust fan will help, and if they are over a tub only not a tub shower combo you probably wont have to do anything.

Comment by Greg Roberts on April 9, 2009 at 3:37pm: One beam runs over the top of a bath tub. It's 7' above the finished floor and the shower head does not spray on the beam. Just moist, hot air will rise to the beam. There is an exhaust fan near by too.

Comment by Jake Lappan on April 9, 2009 at 3:10pm: are the timbers going to be in direct contact with water or over sprays?