Strictly speaking, your oak porch doesn’t need any maintenance.
Oak is a very robust timber and can handle most weather conditions for many years to come.
When you decide on having an oak porch, it can be coated with an exterior UV oil, We normally apply this for you as part of the manufacturing process. The oils available provide you with a choice of having the porch finished with a clear or natural (golden) oil.
Over time, the weather, especially the sun, will react with the oil and break it down. This may happen after several months or several years depending on which direction your porch faces and the amount of sun it receives.
Oak Porch Maintenance - Choice?
You now have a choice. BEFORE you see a slight discolouration in the oak, a more silvery-grey appearance, you could apply another coat of external UV oil or allow the oak porch to weather naturally. This may mean every 6-12 months depending on the amount of weathering and sunlight your oak porch is exposed to.
Any colour change is not detrimental to the oak. It is not a sign of rot and is purely a natural change in colour.
The change is a reaction between the UV rays of the sun reacting with a naturally present acid in the oak called ‘Tannin Acid’. This reaction causes the oak to turn silver grey.
It is a personal choice how who you want your oak porch to look in the years that follow.
Over time, the weather, especially the sun, will react with the oil and break it down. This may happen after several months or several years depending on which direction your porch faces and the amount of sun it receives.
Oak Porch Maintenance - Recommendations
Try Osmo External UV Oil.
This is the oil we use to precoat your oak porch. Its automaitcally applied and we provide spare oil for touching up purposes in the future.
….”A natural oil-based and microporous finish which does not crack, flake, peel or blister. Water and dirt resistant, moisture regulating and reduces wood swelling and shrinkage.
External elements of weathering fade the natural colour of the wood to a grey patina over time, but UV-Protection Oil has been developed to resist against this, whilst maintaining the wood’s natural appearance.
Ideal for windows, doors, cladding, fencing and other vertically structured joinery to block the greying process of the wood by a UV-protected factor of 12 in comparison to untreated wood.”
"Osmo Exterior Oil"
Advantages
Very water and dirt resistant Reduces wood swelling and shrinkage 410 Clear is safe for humans, plants and animals once dry 420, 425, 428 & 429 contains biocides to prevent the growth of algae, mildew and fungal attack Microporous, breathable finish which does not crack, peel, flake or blister No sanding necessary for future applications
Information
Approx. coverage: 18m²/L with one coat No. of coats: 2 Application temperature: +5°C to 35°C Drying time: 12hrs. Sizes: 0.125L, 0.750L, 2.5l
